Master of Urban Design (M.U.D.)

Federal Financial Aid Awards (FAFSA) 

The University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid administers federal loan and work-study programs for graduate students. You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-U.S. citizen (permanent resident with alien registration card). You do not need to be admitted to the University before submitting the FAFSA.

To apply for federal financial aid for Fall/Winter, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between October 1 and March 31. Although you may submit the FAFSA later, early application is strongly advised and ensures you will be considered for all aid for which you are eligible. Be sure to list the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Federal School Code number 002325). 

Taubman College also gives the Office of Financial Aid a block of funds to distribute to students based on financial need. These awards are called Architecture Graduate Grants. Admitted students receive information regarding their financial aid package a week or so after admission, through Wolverine Access.

FINANCIAL AID FAQS

Q -Am I eligible for Federal Financial Aid?

A: If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you should complete the FAFSA. This process determines your eligibility for federal loans and work-study, as well as need-based grants from the college; most Taubman College graduate students are not eligible for federal grants.

Q - Does Taubman College review my FAFSA?
A: No- all FAFSA materials are submitted and reviewed at the U-M Office of Financial Aid (OFA). OFA creates your U-M financial aid package and posts your aid on your student account as seen through Wolverine Access.

Q - Is there funding available from Taubman College?
A: Incoming students are eligible for Taubman College merit-based scholarship awards; your application to the school is the application for these awards. Merit-based scholarship decisions are made by the program chair based on recommendations from the admissions committee; admitted applicants are notified of their merit awards in their Taubman College admission letter.

Students may also be eligible for need-based grants from the college. Eligibility is determined by the Office of Financial Aid and requires the completion of a FAFSA. Notification of any need-based Taubman award will appear in your Wolverine Access financial aid award notice from the Office of Financial Aid, separate from your admission letter that will detail any merit-based awards. The Office of Financial Aid’s phone number is 734-763-6600.

Q - Will my financial aid package be affected if I’m registered less than full-time status when the tuition bill is due?
A: The Office of Financial Aid packages all incoming graduate students' financial aid assuming one will be a full-time student. The Registrar’s Office/ Student Financial Services office sets the part or full-time student status and tuition due dates.

Q - What about teaching assistantships and other campus jobs?
A: Taubman College hires around 30 GSIs each year. Taubman College students enter our program with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds; hence, our students are eligible to teach in other departments within the UM system. Contact the department you are interested in working with for more specifics. You may also want to search the UM Student Employment website for other campus jobs.

Q - Is there funding for Taubman College student groups?
A: Campus Involvement provides a list of a variety of offices and departments on campus that are willing to help fund student organization-sponsored events. Registered UM Taubman College student groups have funds available, thanks to our generous alumni donors!

Other Useful Links:

• Center for the Education of Women (CEW)
• UM International Center
• UM International Institute
• UM Residency Classification Office
• Cost of Attendance (Registrar’s Office)
• Student Health Insurance- Domestic
• Student Health Insurance- International
• UM Housing
• UM Student Employment Office

GRADUATE STUDENT INSTRUCTOR (GSI) POSITIONS

All Taubman College graduate students are eligible for Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions after their first fall term at Michigan. The number of positions that is available depends on the program’s teaching needs for the particular term. GSI positions are very competitive. Typically, a GSI position would cover 100% of tuition, and provide a small stipend and health benefits during the term of appointment. On average, over 100 students apply for approximately 30 positions.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Federal regulations and U-M policy limit the types of financial assistance available to international students. International students are not eligible for U.S. need-based federal financial aid. Taubman College has limited funding opportunities for international students. Your application to our school also serves as your application for our departmental awards. These are competitive, merit-based awards.  In addition, some donor awards have specific applicant criteria. Applicants are notified of these awards in the letter of admission.

Additional funding resources for international students:

• The International Institute
• Office of Financial Aid
• Center for the Education of Women (CEW)
• UM International Center

TRAVEL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Taubman College offers students a number of exciting opportunities to travel both within the United States and abroad. Through our many degrees and courses, students can study culture and design while learning about the various parts of a city, country, or region. Taubman College students are awarded funding of $1,000 for Spring Travel courses.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING RESOURCES

Current students may want to refer to these resources periodically for updates on funding opportunities:

• Office of Financial Aid (OFA)  
• Center for the Education of Women (CEW)
• UM International Center
• UM International Institute
• Student Veterans Assistance Program
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs- Yellow Ribbon Program  
• Corporation for National & Community Service - AmeriCorps