Getting Started
To help guide you through the financial aid process, we have provided the steps below.
1. Fill out the FAFSA.
To apply for all need-based financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and federal work-study funds, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15.
2. Determine your eligibility.
The process for awarding academic scholarships is directly linked to the process for determining University admission. Miami takes into account a variety of factors when considering students for scholarships, including test scores (ACT or SAT) and g.p.a. (4.0 scale). Award determinations are based on the official testing information received by Miami as of
March 1. For more information, see Eligibility.
3. Calculate your Expected Family Contribution.
The information you provide on the FAFSA and a congressionally mandated formula, the "Federal Methodology," determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Expected Family Contribution measures your family's ability to contribute to educational costs but is not necessarily what you are asked to pay.
Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. This total varies from student to student, depending on factors such as the campus selected, enrollment status, and housing arrangement.
Your eligibility for need-based aid is calculated by this formula: Cost of Attendance (COA) - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need.
4. Search for all available financial aid awards.
The primary sources of financial aid include scholarships, loans, and grants, but many types of aid are available.
5. Learn about Miami's awarding process.
Your financial aid package may be a combination of scholarships, loans, grants, and federal work-study funds. Find out how we determine your award.
6. Finalize the financial aid offer.
Take the steps you need to follow to make your financial aid award official.
7. Find student employment.
If you are thinking about working part-time while attending Miami, you may want to consider student employment. During the past year, more than 5,100 students were employed in various capacities by nearly 150 academic, administrative, and support service departments.
8. Pay the University bill.
Notification will be sent to your Miami email account when your electronic statement is ready to view. You can expect to receive this notification in mid-July for the fall semester invoice and mid-November for the spring semester invoice.
To keep track of important dates and deadlines, see our financial aid calendar.
