To apply for financial aid, students must first submit their admissions application and be admitted to an eligible degree or certificate program. Additionally, they must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Once an award offer is generated, students will be notified via their UM email address. For new students, the address listed on the FAFSA will be used. The award offer will be available for viewing and acceptance on CyberBear. Any additional requirements will also be posted on CyberBear. After students complete the online acceptance of their financial aid and submit any required documents, the Financial Aid Office will move the file forward through the final review process. The final review process, or "sign off," is required prior to the disbursement of any financial aid. While the final review process is automated for most files, some may require manual review to ensure that students meet eligibility criteria and are properly packaged before disbursement. 

1. Admission Application: To be considered for financial aid, a student must submit the Admission Application and become a regularly admitted student in an eligible degree or certificate program. 
2. Complete FAFSA: Additionally, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
3. Review of Scholarship Eligibility: Scholarship eligibility review begins in November after a student's admission to UM. This review is based on information provided on the Admission Application. 
4. Award Offers Generation: Award offers, which may include federal and state aid, start to be generated in December. (24-25 Award offers will begin in April 2024.) Students can view and accept these offers on CyberBear. 
5. Additional Requirements: Any additional requirements will also be posted on CyberBear for students to fulfill. This may be submission of verification documents, documents to clear a ‘conflict’ C flag, missing signature(s), and/or other documents. Students also receive email notifications to their UM email address. 
6. Online Acceptance and Document Submission: Once a student completes the online acceptance of their financial aid and submits any required documents, UM Financial Aid can begin the final review process. 
7. Final Review Process: The final review process checks the student’s eligibility, and if eligible, changes the estimated awards to actual awards to allow aid to be disbursed.  Per federal regulations, aid cannot be disbursed to Student Accounts until at least ten days prior to each semester. 

NEED ASSISTANCE COMPLETING YOUR FAFSA?

The University of Montana's Financial Aid Office is committed to ensuring students have access to the resources needed to pay for college. If you need help filling out the FAFSA, please call us at 406-243-5373 or email finaid@mso.umt.edu.

Additionally, you can schedule a free private session with the University of Montana's financial aid education office by calling 406-243-6016. In-person, virtual, and phone appointments are available in either 30-minute or 60-minute sessions. Current University of Montana students can schedule an

Review of scholarship eligibility begins in November after a student has been admitted to UM, based on information provided on the Admission Application. Award offers that include federal and state aid begin to be generated in December and are available for students to view and accept on CyberBear. Any additional requirements also will be posted on CyberBear.

As soon as a student has completed the online acceptance of their financial aid and submitted any required documents, UM Financial Aid can begin the final review process. The final review process is what changes a student's aid from estimated to actual and allows aid to be disbursed.

Additional Requirements and Verification 

Some students may have additional requirements, such as federal holds or verification requests, before receiving their initial award notice or undergoing the final review process. Verification is a federally mandated process aimed at confirming the accuracy of FAFSA information. It involves submitting required documents via Inceptia Verification Gateway portal and responding to any follow-up questions. 

Why Verification?

Verification is a federally required process aimed at confirming the accuracy of the answers on the FAFSA. It ensures compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies regarding financial aid disbursement.

Verification Process Steps

1. Access UM's unique website link provided in the email from VGSC at inceptia.org or montana.verificationgateway.org.
2. Create an account and choose text message and e-signature preferences.
3. If the FAFSA was filled out with a contributor, the contributor will also need to create their own account and follow their tasks.
4. Complete the task list.
5. Respond promptly.
6. Review answers and confirm signatures.
7. Sign the account and have the contributor sign their account.
8. Once notified that the file has been verified and completed, contact the Financial Aid Office to proceed to the next step.

Importance of Timely Submission

Timely submission of all required documents is crucial to ensure the smooth processing of financial aid and timely disbursement. Late submission may result in delays in financial aid processing, which could impact a student's ability to pay tuition and fees on time.

Monitoring UM Email and CyberBear

Students are advised to regularly check their UM email for updates from the Financial Aid Office and to monitor their financial aid status on CyberBear. Important notifications, award offers, and requests for additional documentation will be sent to their UM email address.

Maintaining Communication

Clear and consistent communication between students and the Financial Aid Office is essential for ensuring a smooth financial aid process. Students are encouraged to reach out to the office promptly if they have any questions or encounter any issues.

Responsibilities Regarding Financial Aid

Students are responsible for maintaining satisfactory academic progress in a course of study leading to a degree. Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress requirements may result in the cancellation of financial aid. 

If a student fails to begin attendance, withdraws from all classes, or receives all failing grades, any unearned federal financial aid must be repaid, and the student may become ineligible for further financial aid. 

Students must promptly inform the Financial Aid Office of any additional funds received for educational purposes, such as outside scholarships, tuition waivers, or third-party payments. 

Support and Assistance

The Financial Aid Office at the University of Montana is committed to supporting students throughout the financial aid process. Students can reach out via phone, email, or in-person visits for assistance with completing the FAFSA, understanding their financial aid package, or addressing any concerns or questions they may have.

Assistance with FAFSA 

The Financial Aid Office at the University of Montana is available to assist students with completing their FAFSA. Students can call 406-243-5373 or email finaid@mso.umt.edu for help. Additionally, students can schedule free private sessions with the financial aid education office by calling 406-243-6016. In-person, virtual, and phone appointments are available in 30 or 60-minute sessions.