University Tuition and Costs
Graduate Administrative Assistantships
Office of Financial Assistance Services
Tuition Payment Plans

How to apply for Financial Aid

STEP 1- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You should list the University of Miami and Institution Code 001536. You must complete the FAFSA if you are applying for financial aid or a graduate administrative assistantship. Graduate students are required to complete the form electronically. Do NOT complete a paper FAFSA.

STEP 2- A Student Aid Report (SAR) is generated from information in your FAFSA and is sent electronically to the university. You will receive a copy by mail as well.

STEP 3- Your information will be reviewed by the Office of Financial Assistance Services. You may be asked to provide additional information to clarify your financial situation. Once your file is complete, your financial need will be determined. Your need is the cost of attendance minus your family contribution. Keep in mind that the cost of attendance includes not only tuition and fees, but also living expenses, books, etc. Your family contribution is determined based on a standard formula using the information provided in your FAFSA. If you have any special circumstances, you should notify the financial aid office in writing.

STEP 4- The university will award funds from various sources, mainly loans and work programs in addition to any graduate assistantships you have been awarded, to create your financial aid "package." If you are eligible for Federal Work Study, it may be used in conjunction with your graduate assistantship.

STEP 5- You will receive an award letter detailing your financial aid package. If you choose to decline any or all of your award, be sure to follow the instructions in the letter and return it.

STEP 6- If you have been awarded loans, you must complete the Loan Information Form (LIF). This should be included with your award letter. As you complete the LIF, we recommend that you select the University of Miami as your lender and authorize the funds to be transferred electronically to your account. This is the fastest and most hassle-free way to get your money.

STEP 7- After submitting the Loan Information Form, you will be mailed a preprinted promissory note and loan application. Complete this and return it to the lender.

STEP 8- If you have completed the preceding steps, are registered for classes, and are considered "financially registered" with the university, your loan funds will be automatically disbursed to your student account on the 1^st day of classes or in a reasonable time thereafter. If you are expecting an overage in your account to cover your living expenses, a check should be available for you within 24-48 hours of disbursement at the Office of Student Account Services.

IMPORTANT! Steps 3-8 will not occur until you have been fully admitted to the Enrollment Management Program at the University of Miami and have been mailed an acceptance letter. If you have questions regarding your application status, contact Marissa Stevenson in the School of Education at 305-284-2167 or at mstevenson@miami.edu.

For more information on how to apply for financial aid, please visit the Office of Financial Assistance.

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