Determining Need

Determining Eligibility for Need-Based Aid

Need-based financial aid helps families who need additional resources to pay for college. The eligibility for this aid is determined using the following formula:

• Cost of Attendance (COA) - Student Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Need
• Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, transportation, and other personal expenses.
• Student Aid Index (SAI) is the eligibility index used to determine need-based aid, based on the information provided in the FAFSA. Generally, students with a higher SAI may receive less aid.

Scholarships and Other Resources include private scholarships, merit awards, military benefits, and other external resources. These funds are considered when determining financial need.
 

How Need-Based Aid is Awarded

Your need-based aid is determined by subtracting your SAI and any other financial resources (like scholarships or outside funding) from your Cost of Attendance.

• Private Scholarships and Other Resources: These may reduce the amount you need to borrow or earn through Work-Study but won’t lower your SAI. If your outside aid covers the full gap, your loan or Work-Study award will be reduced first.
   
• Special Cases: Some need-based scholarships may reduce your UM Grant, but your total aid will generally stay the same or increase. If you have a 529 plan or receive specific state or military benefits, those will be applied to your need-based grants first.

Important Notes:

• Most scholarships require full-time enrollment to be awarded.
• Outside tuition-based scholarships may reduce your eligibility for UM-funded scholarships.

For more details on how aid is awarded and the impact of other financial resources, please refer to our Scholarships Webpage.