Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance is the estimated amount it will take to attend our institution. Our budgets are based on full-time attendance for the Fall and Winter semesters. For those who attend during the summer months, a separate cost of attendance is established for that semester.

It is important to remember that:

Your actual expenses may be different than what is listed on your financial aid offer
Your total amount of aid may not be equal to your cost of attendance
Your combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study cannot exceed your cost of attendance.
Michigan Residents can learn more about paying for college in Michigan.

Direct Costs vs. Indirect Costs

The cost of attendance can be divided into two categories: the direct costs billed by the University and the indirect costs of living to attend UM-Dearborn.

Direct Costs (Billed by UM-Dearborn)	Indirect Costs (Paid by the Student)
Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees are based on full-time enrollment, defined as 12 or more credit hours per term for undergraduate students. Those electing fewer than 12 credit hours are charged on a per-credit-hour basis. For financial aid eligibility, full-time for graduate students is defined as 8 credit hours per term. Current tuition and fees for all UM-Dearborn colleges are available at the Office of the Registrar.	Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment: These estimated costs will vary by program, course load, and selected courses. Living Expenses (Food and housing): Your costs for living expenses will vary depending on where you live. If you are living away from home, you will have a higher budgeted amount than students who select to live at home with their parents. Transportation: This allowance is based on the average distance a student may travel to and from campus each week by using the U.S. Mileage Allowance. Miscellaneous Expenses: This category includes other student expenses such as cell phone bills, clothes, personal hygiene, and entertainment. This is the most variable part of a student's budget.

Direct Costs (Billed by UM-Dearborn)

Indirect Costs (Paid by the Student)

Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees are based on full-time enrollment, defined as 12 or more credit hours per term for undergraduate students. Those electing fewer than 12 credit hours are charged on a per-credit-hour basis. For financial aid eligibility, full-time for graduate students is defined as 8 credit hours per term. Current tuition and fees for all UM-Dearborn colleges are available at the Office of the Registrar.

Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment: These estimated costs will vary by program, course load, and selected courses.
Living Expenses (Food and housing): Your costs for living expenses will vary depending on where you live. If you are living away from home, you will have a higher budgeted amount than students who select to live at home with their parents.
Transportation: This allowance is based on the average distance a student may travel to and from campus each week by using the U.S. Mileage Allowance.
Miscellaneous Expenses: This category includes other student expenses such as cell phone bills, clothes, personal hygiene, and entertainment. This is the most variable part of a student's budget.

Below are examples of cost estimates for the 2026-27 academic year for a full-time first-year student attending both the fall and winter semesters.

Full-Time Student Living at Home

Expense Type		Resident	Non-Resident
Direct Costs	Tuition	$16,864	$35,512
	Fees*	$400	$400
	Subtotal	$17,264	$35,291
Indirect Costs	Living Expenses (Food and Housing)	$4,299	$4,299
	Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment	$1,300	$1,300
	Transportation	$2,284	$2,284
	Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses	$1,717	$1,717
	Cost of Attendance	$26,864	$45,512

^{*Loan fees are added to a student's budget if they accept Federal Direct Loans for the year.}

Full-Time Student Living Off Campus

Expense Type		Resident	Non-Resident
Direct Costs	Tuition	$16,864	$35,521
	Standard Fees*	$400	$400
	Subtotal	$17,264	$35,921
Indirect Costs	Living Expenses (Food and Housing)	$13,890	$13,890
	Books, supplies, materials, and equipment	$1,300	$1,300
	Transportation	$2,284	$2,284
	Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses	$1,717	$1,717
	Cost of Attendance	$36,455	$55,103

^{*Loan fees are added to a student's budget if they accept Federal Direct Loans for the year.}

Estimate your Net Costs

Net Price Calculator: This calculator will provide an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn, as well as the federal, state, and institutional aid you may qualify for.

Complete the Net Price Calculator

A cost of attendance appeal can be submitted for additional adjustments that may occur during the academic year.

These can include but are not limited to:

One-time computer purchase - up to $2,000
Child Care or Elderly Care Expenses
Disability expenses not otherwise covered
Certain auto repair expenses

Additional aid is not guaranteed. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships reserves the right to limit the cost-of-attendance appeals allowed for each student. Keep in mind that your tuition and fees are automatically adjusted to reflect your actual charges.

Appeal Form

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