Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Graduate students admitted to a degree program may be eligible for federal loans. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). CMU’s school code is 002243.

Next steps

Once your financial aid offer is ready, you will receive an email with a link to your financial aid portal. Here are helpful steps to walk you through the process of completing the financial aid process here at CMU:

Check your financial aid portal. For up-to-date information, check your financial aid portal. This is where you can complete missing information, review any official notifications and take action on the aid you are offered. You use your cmich account’s Global ID and password to access your financial aid portal.
Understand your offered federal loans. Due to filing your FAFSA you may have been offered federal loans. It is your responsibility to understand the terms and conditions of these loans. You must either accept/decline/reduce your offered federal student loans as well as complete entrance counseling and/or master promissory note. More information can be found at this link or by contacting us directly.
FERPA release. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, our office must receive permission from you to speak with an individual regarding your financial aid via the FERPA release form. Fill out your FERPA release form that is found within your financial aid portal under the drop-down selection in the documents area. You can contact our office any time to change your release.
Consumer Information. You are responsible for reviewing your financial aid rights and responsibilities as outlined on the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website. Our website also provides information about federal, state and CMU resources.

Financial aid terms and their meanings

The hardest part of your financial aid offer can often be the new language related to college and money. We’ve created the Financial Aid Glossary to help you understand these terms. Remember, you can always contact us directly by phone 989-774-3674 or email financialaid@cmich.edu .

FAQs

Selected for verification. What does that mean?

Some students will be notified by the Federal Processing Service (FPS) that their FAFSA applications have been selected for a review process called verification. Check your financial aid portal for further information on requested materials. To find out more about the verification process, click here Verification | Central Michigan University (cmich.edu)

Do I have to file the FAFSA every year?

Yes! The FAFSA opens each year on October 1, and you will need to file the FAFSA each year to be considered for federal aid. Applying for Financial Aid | Scholarships and Financial Aid | Central Michigan University (cmich.edu)

Where can I get help?

We can help! Reach out to our office by phone (989-774-3674), email (financialaid@cmich.edu), or by appointment (links can be found here: Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid | Central Michigan University (cmich.edu))

Disclaimers

Your award offer is ESTIMATED based on the information provided on your FAFSA, as well as resources that have been reported to us. As rates are set, you report any additional aid, or if you are selected for FAFSA verification, we'll send update notifications to your cmich.edu email account.

Early active participation in your course(s) is important for academic success as well as for financial aid eligibility purposes. Participation is defined as active engagement in the instructional activity related to the course of study. Click here for examples of participation. If you do not begin participation in your course(s) by the 2nd Friday of the term/module that your course falls into (this date will differ depending on your course start date), you will be administratively dropped from that course and your financial aid will be re-evaluated which may have an impact on your eligibility.

Keep reading below for further information to help you along the way!