Questions
Q: Who can we contact regarding financial aid questions and support?
A: Contact [email protected] for general questions and [email protected] for federal loan and work-study questions.
Q: How can I schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss funding?
A: Contact [email protected].
Q: When would be the best time to start planning meetings to discuss funding?
A: It is never too early to identify funding opportunities within the SEAS funding database.
Q: Can we have access to financial aid advisors who can help with FAFSA and graduate student loan questions?
A: Contact [email protected] for questions regarding loans and work-study.
Q: How can I join the financial aid newsletter that was mentioned in the Funding Session on Visit Day?
A: As a student, you will automatically be enrolled. You can always opt out at any time.
Q: When are we expected to pay tuition?
A: Tuition is typically due the first day of classes. However, once you enroll for classes you will be billed a tuition statement
Q: Can you provide a breakdown of the tuition and fees for in-state and out-of-state students across each year of the program?
A: Tuition rates will be set in early July and will be available on the Tuition & Fees webpage.
Q: What is the criteria for receiving in-state tuition?
A: U-M has a Residency Office that makes residency determinations. Please reach out to the Residency Office for more information.
Q: As an out-of-state student, would I be eligible for in-state tuition after one year of studying at SEAS?
A: No, your residency status cannot be changed once you are enrolled past one semester at U-M.
Q: Are there pathways to qualifying for in-state tuition as a student at SEAS?
A: No, your residency status cannot be changed unless you successfully have an approved appeal.
Q: Can you explain how tuition and fees work for individuals pursuing a dual degree?
A: You will need to work with both schools to determine how tuition/fees will be assessed.
Q: For dual degree students, should we connect with financial advisors from both schools?
A: It is not required, but it would be helpful to understand how funding works in each school.
Q: What type of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are there for me to fund my degree?
A: Look for funding opportunities within the SEAS funding database.
Q: What type of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are there specifically for out-of-state students?
A: The SEAS funding database is a searchable database that can be narrowed down by using the filters.
Q: What type of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are there specifically for international students?
A: The SEAS funding database is a searchable database that can be narrowed down by using the filters.
Q: What type of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are there specifically for women?
A: The Center for Educating Women (CEW+) is a great resource for funding.
Q: How can I apply for financial aid?
A: The first step is to complete the FAFSA application, which will automatically be reported to the U-M Financial Aid Office.
Q: How can I fund my degree?
A: Look for funding opportunities within the SEAS funding database.
Q: Is it possible for new students to receive financial aid?
A: Look for funding opportunities within the SEAS funding database.
Q: What funding resources are available for new students?
A: The SEAS funding newsletter is emailed every other week and provides resources to students within the newsletter.
Q: What is the most efficient way to search for funding?
A: Look for funding opportunities within the SEAS funding database.
Q: How can students acquire other external funding?
A: External funding is any source of funding outside of the university. Employers, nonprofits, and government entities are all resources for external funding.
Q: How likely is it that students will receive external funding, considering the pandemic?
A: Funding is expected to be maintained at prior levels.
Q: By the end of their first year, what percent of students have some sort of funding?
A: All SEAS students are eligible for some sort of funding including Thesis, Travel and MS project grant(s).
Q: What type of financial aid is available during the summer months?
A: Conference travel, MS project, and Thesis related grants and funding is available,
Q: When will we hear about financial aid offers from SEAS/U-M?
A: Merit awards are offered within admission letters. Federal aid will be awarded through the FAFSA application process and a separate award letter.
Q: What do I need to do to confirm if I received funding from SEAS/U-M?
A: If you were asked to fill out an online form indicating your acceptance then this will complete the process of confirming your funding.
Q: Is funding for incoming students still being allocated?
A: The majority of SEAS merit-based awards have been allocated for the Fall 2022 incoming cohort. Please reach out to [email protected] about your specific situation.
Q: Is there any information regarding funding offers for people that applied for it?
A: Merit awards are offered within admission letters. Federal aid will be awarded through the FAFSA application process and a separate award letter.
Q: Is it possible to apply to be reconsidered for a funding/scholarship offer?
A: No, the majority of SEAS merit-based awards have been allocated for the Fall 21 incoming cohort. All applications submitted prior to the January 15th funding deadline are considered for merit-based awards. However, funding is not guaranteed. Please review the SEAS funding database for additional funding opportunities.
Q: Can students who didn't get funding offers in their admission letter, still be hopeful for any form of funding from SEAS or Rackham?
A: Potentially, there are a limited number of awards that may be awarded between visit day and the matric deadline.
Q: What is the maximum scholarship that U-M offers their students and how do I apply for that?
A: Merit awards vary in amount, however, SEAS does not offer full funding at the MS level.
Q: Are there any full scholarships available?
A: Look for funding opportunities within the SEAS funding database.
Q: Do we have to matriculate to be eligible for financial aid opportunities?
A: Depending on the funding source, being a active enrolled student is likely a requirement.
Q: What does the funding process look like moving forward?
A: Students are encouraged to apply to multiple funding opportunities each semester which includes GSI positions, GSRA positions, departmental funding, and grants.
Q: Will there be more chances to get scholarships or GSAs positions on campus to help fund my degree?
A: Yes, GSRA positions typically follow the semester schedule meaning GSRA positions become available prior to each fall and winter semesters.
Q: I see that one needs to be nominated for some funding opportunities. Can you expand on this process?
A: Typically, Rackham awards require a nomination from SEAS. Once you apply for the funding opportunity through SEAS, the Scholarship Committee will narrow down the applicants and let you know if you have been nominated for the particular award.
Q: I read about the Rackham Merit Fellowships on the Rackham funding site. Have those been awarded yet for the next school year?
A: Yes, students are considered for the Rackham Merit Fellowships upon admission to SEAS.
Q: What is the deadline to apply for the Rackham Non-Traditional Fellowships?
A: The official date has not yet been set.
Q: Can international students apply for the Dow Sustainability Masters Fellowship?
A: Yes, international students are eligible to apply for the Dow Sustainability Award.
Q: How do I apply for a GSI, GSRA, or GSSA position?
A: There is a formal application in March and October each year to apply for GSI positions. You should speak with faculty if interested in working as a GSRA. GSSA positions are posted on the careers.umich.edu webpage.
Q: Are applications open for GSA positions?
A: There is no formal application process for GSRA positions. GSRA positions are filled via appointment from faculty.
Q: Can I apply for GSI positions and other fellowships before the term starts?
A: To apply for GSI positions the student must 1) be matriculated and 2) be in good standing. Some departments have further requirements so make sure to check the job description for additional details/requirements.
Q: Where can I find a list of possible GSA positions?
A: GSRA positions are not advertised. Check with faculty on the availability of these positions.
Q: Can new students apply for graduate student assistantship positions?
A: GSRA positions are by appointment only. The hire decision lies with faculty.
Q: On the GSI posting website, it says only matriculated students can apply. Are admitted students still able to apply?
A: To apply for GSI positions the student must 1) be matriculated and 2) be in good standing. Some departments have further requirements so make sure to check the job description for additional details/requirements.
Q: How do we go about reaching out to professors for assistantships?
A: Communicate with faculty the desire to obtain a GSRA position. Research which faculties' research best fit your background.
Q: How competitive are graduate student assistantship positions?
A: Most GSRA positions are appointed to PhD students. However, a handful of GSRA appointments are extended to MS students.
Q: How many graduate student assistantship positions are offered annually?
A: GSRA positions are dependent on faculty grants. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to estimate how many positions are available each term.
Q: What percentage of first year and second year students work as GSAs?
A: Students in their first year typically do not GSI internally within SEAS. The early March application deadline is before a lot of students even know if they’ve been offered admission, much less accepted. Students must have matriculated (i.e., accepted admission) in order to access the system; the timing just isn’t right. Also, many of the SEAS graduate-level courses require that you’ve taken the course before GSI-ing. The likelihood increases the longer you’re here.
Q: What is covered if you obtain a graduate student assistantship?
A: GSI, GSRA and GSSA positions with a fraction higher than .237 include a full tuition waiver, stipend, and benefits for the term in which they are appointed.
Q: Is the entire semester's tuition and fees waived for all students getting a GSI?
A: For GSI positions above a .237 fraction, tuition is covered in full. Students are still required to cover their mandatory fees that are estimated at $214 per semester on average.
Q: Do graduate student assistantships come with benefits?
A: Yes, GSRA positions include basic dental and health insurance coverage. Vision coverage can be added for a small fee.
Q: Could you speak to the anxiety and uncertainty of matriculating into the program without knowing whether or not we will have a GSI or GSRA position during our time at SEAS?
A: We never guarantee GSI or GSRA positions. In order to be hired as a GSI you must first go through the application process. GSRA positions are by faculty appointment
Q: March 1st is listed as the state of Michigan deadline on the official FAFSA website. Is this correct and April 1st is the federal deadline?
A: The March state aid deadline is for undergraduate aid and does not apply to graduate students. The deadline in order to be considered for work-study via completing the FAFSA is April 1st.
Q: Does the FAFSA solely pertain to loans?
A: The FAFSA application awards both loans and work-study.
Q: Do I receive a grant from completing the FAFSA?
A: There are no state or federal grants awarded through the FAFSA at the graduate level.
Q: I was laid off this year during the pandemic and the FAFSA does not take this into consideration when filed. Is there a way to have this taken into consideration even after I have filed the FAFSA?
A: Yes, there is an appeal process to take income into consideration. Contact the Central Financial Aid Office at [email protected] to see if your specific situation qualifies for an appeal.
Q: How can you qualify for federal student work study?
A: Work-study eligibility is determined through the FAFSA process.
Q: If we were awarded federal student work study, how do we make use of that?
A: Seek a work-study position by first speaking with SEAS faculty about the possibility of obtaining a position.
Q: Can I hold a part-time job while pursuing my degree?
A: Yes, you may. Many students work part-time in conjunction with their studies. Full-time employment is not advised.
Q: Do most graduate students have a part time job to help pay for their education?
A: Many students work part-time in conjunction with their studies. Full-time employment is not advised.
Q: Can one obtain an hourly position without filling out a FAFSA?
A: Yes, work-study and hourly positions are two separate job categories. Consult with faculty if they have the capacity to accommodate you as a work-study or hourly employee.
Q: What are some on-campus and around-campus work opportunities?
A: There are many opportunities available on and off campus. Start by inquiring with faculty about any available positions internally. Externally, retail, food and beverage, and service job opportunities are available all through the Ann Arbor greater area.
Q: Are there any opportunities to work in residential life?
A: Yes, residential life hires Resident Assistants. Jobs are posted on the housing webpage.
Q: What do I do if another school has offered me more money in scholarships?
A: Please notify [email protected] of the award and the duration of the award. SEAS Admissions will help you navigate the comparisons. There is no guarantee anyone will receive additional funding.
Q: Have funding opportunities been impacted with the pandemic?
A: Funding is expected to be maintained at prior levels.
Q: If I can't find funding for this year, can I defer my admission to next Fall?
A: Please reach out to [email protected] about your specific situation.