Types of Aid

At the University of Montana (UM), students have access to various types of financial aid to help them pursue their education. Here are some of the main types of aid available:

  1. Grants: Grants are typically need-based awards that do not need to be repaid. UM offers federal, state, and institutional grants to eligible students based on financial need, academic merit, or other criteria. 
  2. Scholarships: Scholarships are merit-based awards that can come from various sources, including the university, private organizations, and donors. UM offers a range of scholarships for academic achievement, leadership, talent, and other criteria. Students can apply for scholarships through the UM scholarship portal. 
  3. Loans: Loans are funds that students borrow and must repay with interest. UM participates in federal student loan programs, including Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans. These loans offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. 
  4. Work-Study Programs: UM offers College Work-Study (CWS) programs that provide part-time employment opportunities for eligible students with financial need. Students can work on or off-campus to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. 
  5. Tuition Waivers: UM offers tuition waivers and discounts for certain groups of students, such as veterans, Native American students, senior citizens, and employees and their dependents. These programs help reduce the cost of tuition for eligible students. 
  6. Emergency Financial Aid: In cases of unexpected financial emergencies, UM provides emergency financial aid to eligible students to help cover urgent expenses that may otherwise prevent them from continuing their education.  
  7. Alternative Funding Sources: UM encourages students to explore alternative funding sources, such as external scholarships, employer tuition assistance programs, and crowdfunding platforms, to supplement their financial aid package.  

By offering a diverse range of financial aid options, UM strives to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Students are encouraged to explore and take advantage of these opportunities to help fund their education at UM. 

Outside Monies Reporting

If a student receives additional funds not initially disclosed when answering questions on CyberBear, they must notify the Financial Aid Office promptly. Students can submit a Revision Request Form via email or visit the office on the 5th floor of Aber Hall.