Steps to Success Checklist
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Pick a refund payment option.
Make a selection for either Direct Deposit or the CMU Money Card for refunds from your student account. Refunds are issued from Central Michigan University for a variety of reasons – including financial aid, dropping courses and CMU Bookstore credits. It is important to for you to make a selection even if you are not expecting a refund so you know where any potential refunds will be issued.
To select your refund option, login to iCentral and choose "Refund Payment Option" under the finances section. After you are directed to the next Web page highlight the bank info under student refund data. Click the "Change" button.
Enter your personal bank routing and account number to sign up for direct deposit, or make a selection for a CMU Money Card, which CMU will send to you in the mail. Click "Submit". Refunds will be issued via the method you picked.
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Update your address and phone number.
CMU wants to be sure you get all the information you need when it comes to your education. So keep your contact details current on iCentral. Updating your information is easy and you can do it online. From iCentral, click on My Profile. Then click on Change my Address.
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Give the OK for account access.
If you want anyone to have the ability to ask questions or be able to see your billing information, make sure you authorize them on your account.
To do this, fill out and turn in an "Authorization to Release Information" form. This form will be available at orientation or can be printed from the Student Account Services and University Billing Office website.
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Authorize employer or savings program payments.
If you are getting tuition assistance from your job or if you have a savings program you are applying toward your education, contact your employer or the program and ask what needs to happen for the money to be applied to your tuition costs.
If you have verification requests or need additional documentation, call the CMU Student Account Services and University Billing Office toll free at (888) 610-4991.
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Start looking into financial aid and additional payment options.
Complete a FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Every student qualifies for at least a Federal Direct Loan regardless of financial need or credit score. Completing the FAFSA is also the best way to see what kind of additional financial aid you are eligable for.
Decide if the CMU Payment Plan is right for you. This plan allows you to break up your out of pocket costs to the University into monthly installments.
Search for scholarships or look into alternative loan sources before the start of the semester as these awards typically take a while to process. If you have questions about aid available, you can visit the Student Service Court or contact the Financial Aid Office at cmuosfa@cmich.edu or (888) 392-0007.
