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.

Below are examples of cost estimates for the 2024-25 academic year for a full-time first-year student attending both the fall and winter semesters.

Full-Time Student Living at Home

Expense TypeResidentNon-Resident
Direct CostsTuition$15,240$32,496
Fees*$400$400
Subtotal$15,640$32,896
Indirect CostsLiving Expenses (Food and Housing)$3,388$3,388
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment$1,300$1,300
Transportation$2,162$2,162
Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses$1,610$1,610
Cost of Attendance$24,100$41,356

*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 TypeResidentNon-Resident
Direct CostsTuition$15,240$32,496
Standard Fees*$400$400
Subtotal$15,640$32,896
Indirect CostsLiving Expenses (Food and Housing)$11,241$11,241
Books, supplies, materials, and equipment$1,300$1,300
Transportation$2,162$2,162
Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses$1,610$1,610
Cost of Attendance$31,953$49,209

*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.

Students celebrating graduation

Complete the Net Price Calculator

Cost of Attendance Appeals

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
  • 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.