Non-Degree and Other Students
Students taking courses not part of a degree program are considered non-degree students and have limited aid options. You are not eligible for federal, state, or university need-based grants. The only students who may be eligible for a limited amount of federal financial aid are those who meet certain criteria:
- In a required prerequisite(s) course for admission to a degree/professional program (prospective degree students), or
- In an approved teacher certification program
There are maximum time periods and dollar limits for which students will be considered for federal loans under these circumstances.
Annual Loan Limits for Preparatory Coursework and Teacher Certification
Preparatory coursework (not to exceed 12 consecutive months).
Coursework required for enrollment in an undergraduate program:
| Undergraduate Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dependent undergraduates | $2,625 |
| Independent undergraduates (and dependent undergraduates whose parents can’t get Direct PLUS Loans) | $8,625 (maximum $2,625 subsidized) |
Coursework required for enrollment in a graduate or professional program:
| Graduate or Professional Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dependent undergraduates | $5,500 |
| Independent undergraduates (and dependent undergraduates whose parents can’t get Direct PLUS Loans) | $12,500 (maximum $5,500 subsidized) |
Teacher certification programs:
| Teacher Certification | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dependent undergraduates | $5,500 |
| Independent undergraduates (and dependent undergraduates whose parents can’t get Direct PLUS Loans) | $12,500 (maximum $5,500 subsidized) |
Consortium Agreements
A Consortium Agreement is a contract between two colleges/universities that recognizes the registration of a student at each site for financial aid purposes. It also certifies that only one(home school) of the two colleges/universities will administer Title IV financial aid for the student.
A Consortium Agreement refers to the two colleges/universities as the Home School and Host School:
- The Home School is where the student is fully matriculated and from which they will get a degree
- The Host School is where the student temporarily takes courses, whose credits will be transferred back to their Home School.
At UM-Dearborn, we will review agreements sent from your home school for processing. If we are your home school, please email our office at [email protected] for a copy of our consortium form.
Students who may be eligible for federal financial aid should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) for the appropriate aid year to be considered.
Other students: If one of the two categories noted above does not apply, or you are enrolled in a certificate-only program, you are not eligible for federal aid. Explore the certificate programs offered at the University of Michigan Dearborn for more information.
Alternative loans may be an additional funding source.