Parental contribution is not an actual amount that your parent(s) has (have) to pay. Instead, it is an approximation of how much your parent(s) should reasonably be able to contribute toward your educational expenses over the course of the academic year. If your parent(s) is (are) unable to contribute toward your educational expenses, you and your parent(s) can apply for a federal or a private loan.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You cannot receive financial aid for audited coursework and extended term online telecommunications and correspondence courses.
Back to top
Refusal of a parent or stepparent to provide support is not considered an unusual circumstance for purposes of achieving independent status for financial aid. The fact that you do not live with your parents and do not receive support from them does not constitute independence. Being self-supporting, in and of itself, is not sufficient reason for independent status. Please refer to our dependency status guide for more information or stop by the Student Assistance Center.
Back to top
Yes. It may take over a month for UMD to receive your FAFSA from the Federal Processing Center and complete the verification process. For you to receive a Minnesota State Grant for a term, the Federal Processing Center must receive your FAFSA within 30 days of the school's term start date. You may lose eligibility for other awards if you apply late. You cannot receive federal and state financial aid if the semester you are applying for has ended.
Back to top
The amount of financial aid you receive will depend upon the number of credits you take. If you qualify for Minnesota State Grant you will need 15 credits to receive the full amount. For all other awards you will need to be enrolled full-time to receive the entire amount.
If your registration is less than full-time, or if you do not attend UMD both semesters, your award(s) will be reduced or cancelled. For more information, please see Credit Requirements.
Back to top
You must report additional aid sources not awarded by the financial aid office. You can report these sources on the electronic FAAN (eFAAN), or notify the Student Assistance Center. Your financial aid package may be adjusted if you receive additional scholarships or assistance from any source (e.g., Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Regents Scholarship, Graduate Tuition Reimbursement, VA benefits, etc.)
Back to top
Before you drop any classes, make sure you read and comply with the appropriate refund schedule. Stop by Solon Campus Center 23 or call 218-726-8000 to learn how this will affect your financial aid. Financial aid eligibility is recalculated for students who withdraw, drop classes, or are dismissed. Depending on when you withdraw or drop from classes during a semester, you may be eligible to receive a refund of tuition and course fees. However, if you receive financial aid, you, as well as the Office of Financial Aid and Registrar, may be required to return to the federal government all or a portion of the aid disbursed to you and/or to your student account. Please refer to the refund policy for additional information.
Back to top
Types of Financial Aid
You may be eligible for some scholarships, as well as state and private educational loans.
Back to top
What is Work-Study?
Please see the Work-Study section of our website.
Back to top
General Information/Billing
If your file is complete and you have registered for classes, your aid should credit to your student account on scheduled disbursement dates. Federal regulation prohibits the disbursement of aid earlier than these dates. We suggest you plan ahead to cover expenses which are due before the beginning of each term (e.g., books, supplies, rent for off-campus housing).
Back to top
Financial aid will be used to pay all charges on your student account. If excess funds remain in your account, UMD will mail you a surplus check. You can also set up a direct deposit for your refund with Student Accounts Receivable.
Back to top
Due to application deadlines and limited funding, you may lose eligibility for most financial aid awards if you apply after the semester is over. If you have a past due balance and are applying after your loan period has ended, you might be eligible for an alternative (private) education loan through CitiAssist, US Bank loan, or another lender. You may apply for the exact amount owed to UMD for tuition and fees, as of the date we receive your application, plus $300.00. Please contact the Student Assistance Center for more information.
Back to top
Summer Financial Aid
No, you do not need to make a correction. Please refer to our summer financial aid website for more information.
Back to top
Forms and Contact Information
You can print most of our forms from our website. If you need other forms, please stop by the Student Assistance Center, 23 Solon Campus Center, or call us at (218) 726-8000.
Back to top
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
Please contact the Student Assistance Center.
Back to top
Eligibility