Types of Financial Aid

Helping You Make Informed Financial Decisions for Your Future

At the University of Michigan-Flint, we work hard to keep college education affordable, accessible, and high-quality so you can achieve your goals and make a lasting impact.

As you start your application, you might wonder how to finance your U-M degree and what types of assistance for which you qualify. On this page, you will explore your financial aid options and their requirements.

Grants

Grants are a form of “gift aid,” which means recipients do not need to pay them back. They are typically need-based, ensuring students with high levels of need will have their financial needs met.

Types of grants include the Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education and more. Each grant has unique requirements to maintain eligibility, so please review relevant information to ensure you are up-to-date with current criteria. Additionally, in some instances, you may have to repay grants if you do not maintain eligibility, withdraw from the degree program, or qualify for additional private grants or scholarships.

Student Loans

Student loans are a form of aid that must be repaid. There are two primary types of loans: federal and private loans.

Federal student loans allow students to borrow at special fixed interest rates and with flexible repayment plans. Such loans include direct subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans, which differ by when interest begins to accumulate. To qualify for federal student loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and meet eligibility requirements.

Private student loans are non-federal, meaning they are made by a bank, credit union, school, or other financial institution.

Each type of student loan has different interest rates and grace periods that apply, so it’s essential to review each loan’s specifics carefully. Generally, it’s recommended to secure federal student loans before applying for and accepting a private loan.

Scholarships

Much like grants, scholarships are financial gifts that do not have to be repaid. Generally, scholarships are merit-based, but there may be additional criteria. Scholarships are offered by the university, the state of Michigan, and private organizations.

Because of the generosity of our donors, the University of Michigan-Flint provides scholarships for students in various academic programs and demographics.

You do not need to complete the FAFSA to qualify for scholarships. To be eligible for institution-based scholarship opportunities, you must submit the UM-Flint scholarship application, which opens online annually between December and mid-February. For graduate students, the application opens again from mid-March through June.

Where Can I Find Scholarships?

As you embark on your scholarship journey, we recommend visiting UM-Flint’s Scholarship page first. Here, you can find a broad range of generous scholarship opportunities that can lessen the cost of your degree and get you closer to your goals.

In addition to our scholarship page, you can also find other external scholarships on the following websites:

You can also inquire about local organizations, essay competitions, corporate scholarships, and professional associations. Additionally, we recommend that you speak with your high school counselor so they can help you connect with additional resources and scholarship opportunities.

Work-Study

The Work-Study program offers on-campus employment opportunities to help students meet their financial needs. Students can find jobs in all sorts of disciplines and areas of study, empowering them to fund their education and sharpen their professional skills.
Students must complete the FAFSA and be offered work-study to secure a work-study opportunity.

Free Tuition with the Go Blue Guarantee!

UM-Flint students are automatically considered, upon admission, for the Go Blue Guarantee, a historic program offering free tuition for high-achieving, in-state undergraduates from lower-income households. Learn more about the Go Blue Guarantee to see if you qualify and how affordable a Michigan degree can be.

Contact Financial Aid to Learn More about Your Options

Figuring out how to navigate the financial aid process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through the process alone.

If you have questions or want to meet with a staff member to discuss your options, please connect with UM-Flint’s Office of Financial Aid. Our team of experts is ready to offer guidance and share essential information and resources. Send us an email or book your appointment today!

Financial Aid FAQs

How Do I Qualify for FAFSA?

To qualify for federal financial aid, you must meet the following criteria:

Be admitted to a degree-granting program.
Be a US citizen, US Permanent Resident, or other eligible non-citizen classification.
Make satisfactory academic progress.

Review the U.S. Department of Education’s financial aid eligibility requirements.

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?

You must complete the FAFSA each year you plan to receive financial aid.

Additionally, when filling out the application, be sure to use UM-Flint’s federal school code, 002327. This ensures all of your financial aid information is sent to UM-Flint.

Review our step-by-step instructions for how to apply for financial aid.

How Is My Financial Aid Determined?

Financial assistance programs are intended to provide supplemental support for you and your family based on your financial need. Your need for aid and, ultimately, the amount of financial aid you receive depends on the following factors:

Estimated cost of attendance
Expected family contribution
Scholarships/other forms of financial aid

For a more detailed overview, please refer to our How Your Aid Is Determined page.

How Do I Accept My Financial Aid?

Once you’ve been officially accepted to the University of Michigan-Flint, you will receive a financial aid offer notice in the mail. This letter includes the types of financial aid and amounts you will receive, expected enrollment, cost of attendance, and any additional documents needed.

You can view your offer by logging on to sis.umflint.edu, navigating to “Award Offer,” and selecting the aid year. From here, you can accept or decline your financial aid award. For more information, review our guide to finalizing your financial aid.