University of Montana Financial Aid Office
About financial aid at UM
Welcome to the Financial Aid Office at UM — your one-stop resource for help paying for college. From understanding all the different types of financial assistance available and how it covers tuition costs to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for student loans, we are here to help you navigate the financial aid process every step of your higher education journey.
The Financial Aid Office is located on the fifth Floor of Aber Hall. Please come visit us for all your financial aid needs.
At the University of Montana, financial aid is about more than dollars and cents — and you’ll never feel like just a number. Our Financial Aid Office strives to be both accessible and responsive. Read on to learn more about scholarships, grants, student loans, how to apply for financial aid and more.
The 2024-25 FAFSA Form
There are major changes to the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
The changes to the FAFSA form for the 2024-25 aid year include:
- Completing it in as quick as 10 minutes
- A more streamlined application process
- Expanded eligibility for federal student aid
FAFSA Update: Your Financial Aid Offer
Due to the Department of Education’s delay in FAFSA processing, financial aid offers to students also have been delayed. UM will email you when your offer is available or if the Department of Education needs to recalculate your FAFSA. We urge you to check the status of your FAFSA here. You can also estimate your financial aid offer and cost to attend UM for the 2024-25 academic year using UM’s Net Price Calculator.
🌟 Introducing the University of Montana Financial Education Program! 🌟
🎓 Whether you're a freshman just starting your academic journey or a graduate navigating post-graduation life, our team of expert financial advisers is here to support you every step of the way.
💡 FAFSA – FAFSA – FAFSA!!! Our experts will guide you through the FAFSA process, ensuring you maximize your financial aid opportunities. Explore our wide range of services, including personalized one-on-one counseling sessions and engaging workshops covering essential topics like FAFSA completion.
💰 Additionally, learn about financial aid, loans, budgeting, credit, and savings. You'll gain practical insights and strategies to manage your money wisely and achieve your financial goals.
🏆 Proudly ranked among the top 50 Financial Literacy Programs in the US for four consecutive years, our program is recognized for its excellence and impact. Trust the experts at UM Financial Education to guide you toward financial success!
📞 Ready to get started? Schedule your free, private session with a financial adviser today! Call (406) 243-6016 or visit us online to book your appointment. Your brighter financial future awaits with UM Financial Education! 💰✨
How to apply for financial aid
The first step is to apply for admission to UM and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid application, which is commonly referred to as the FAFSA. Once you are accepted into a degree or certificate program and your FAFSA is processed, you’ll be notified of your financial aid award offer. Learn more about the financial aid application process at the University of Montana.
How to complete the FAFSA
Your application for financial aid begins with the FAFSA — the form you need to complete to receive any financial assistance from the federal government to help pay for college. The FAFSA is free and can be easily submitted online. Complete your FAFSA now at the Federal Student Aid website.
Deadline for FAFSA
You must submit the FAFSA before each academic year for which you wish to receive financial aid. View deadlines for your state at the Federal Student Aid website.
Due to the numerous changes to the FAFSA and financial aid by the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 as amended, effective July 1, 2024, we recommend that students and parents use www.studentaid.gov as the most up-to-date resource for financial aid information. Their site goes into detail about the various grant and loan programs available, terms, conditions and will answer your questions.
The University of Montana, along with all colleges and universities in the United States, have been awaiting FAFSA data for the 2024-2025 academic year. Due to the delayed delivery of the 2024-2025 FAFSA data, our office has adjusted our timelines accordingly. Despite these challenges, we are committed to doing our best to ensure that your 2024-2025 financial aid is delivered in a timely manner. We ask that you help our office by submitting required documents as soon as possible.
If you are a first-time borrower of the subsidized or unsubsidized Direct Loan, please go to www.studentaid.gov to complete your Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling.
If you are a first-time borrower of the Graduate PLUS loan, please go to www.studentaid.gov to complete your Master Promissory Note. Once the MPN is signed, look for the results of the credit check. If denied, you have the option to get an endorser (co-signer).
If you are a parent of a dependent student and want to borrow the PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students), please go to www.studentaid.gov to complete the application and promissory note. The parent initiates every loan (initial or increase) at www.studentaid.gov. If the loan is for 2024-2025, double-check that the correct year is requested and the student’s name, SSN and school matches your intent.
If you were selected for verification by the Department of Education, please go to our verification partner, Inceptia at https://umontana.verificationgateway.org/to submit the required documentation. If you need help with verification, please contact Inceptia or our office for assistance.
Federal financial aid is disbursed to Student Account beginning ten days before the semester. This is a federal requirement. We encourage all students to check on their aid well before the beginning of the term to ensure that all requirements are met well before the start of the term.
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Under FERPA, students have certain rights regarding their education records, including the right to inspect and review their records, request corrections to inaccurate or misleading information, and control the disclosure of their records.
How to Submit the FERPA or Consent to Release Form
To authorize the release of your education records to specific individuals or entities, such as parents or contributors, you must submit a FERPA or Consent to Release form to the University of Montana's Financial Aid Office. This form allows designated individuals to access your education records and discuss financial and school-related matters on your behalf.
Special Note for Parents of New Freshmen or Transfers
For parents of new freshmen or transfer students, it's essential to ensure that the student submits the FERPA (aka, Consent to Release form), authorizing the University of Montana to share education records and discuss financial and school-related matters with parents or contributors. Without this authorization, the University cannot disclose information to parents or contributors.
Graham Leach Bliley Act (GLBA) and Personal Information Security
In addition to FERPA, the University of Montana adheres to the regulations set forth by the Graham Leach Bliley Act (GLBA). The GLBA imposes requirements on the handling of personal financial information, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive data. Personal information, including Social Security numbers, financial information, and other personally identifiable information (PII), should not be sent via unsecured means, such as email. It is essential to use secure channels or encrypted methods when transmitting sensitive information to ensure its protection.
Contact Information
For questions or assistance regarding FERPA, the Consent to Release form, or the Graham Leach Bliley Act, please contact the Financial Aid Office at the University of Montana:
Financial Aid Office Phone: (406) 243-5373 Email: faid@mso.umt.edu
Get help with financial aid questions
We know that navigating financial aid for college can sometimes be a tricky process, but our advisors are here to guide you at every step. Talk to us and let us help you get the maximum financial aid possible to help you cover your tuition costs and other fees. Here are some resources to get started:
Email a question or concern with our financial aid team.
Call 406-243-5373 to speak with a financial aid advisor.