8 Steps to Funding Your NMU Education
1. FILL OUT THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)
The FAFSA needs to be completed every year to qualify for any federal and some state and institutional financial aid. You will report federal tax information and assets for both you and your parent(s) on the application. We recommend submitting the FAFSA annually. Recommended filing deadlines are listed on the FAFSA website: studentaid.gov
2. APPLY TO NMU
If you plan to complete the FAFSA, make sure you provide your social security number on your admissions application for matching purposes, and supply all required documents. The NMU Admissions Office will notify you of your eligibility for NMU merit-based scholarships after admission: nmu.edu/apply
3. APPLY FOR OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Look for other funding options, such as those offered through the NMU Foundation, your high school guidance office, community organizations and parents’ employers. Let us know about scholarships you receive so we can include them in your financial aid offer: nmu.edu/scholarships
4. REVIEW YOUR NMU FINANCIAL AID OFFER
This should arrive in the mail after you complete the FAFSA and are admitted to NMU. It will list: financial aid offer details, terms and conditions, required information notice and your next steps. If additional items are required to finalize your financial aid, it's important to return these as soon as possible: mynmu.nmu.edu
5. GET ANSWERS AND ADVICE AT ORIENTATION
You will learn how to access your financial aid status and manage your eBill. This is also a great time for you to talk with representatives from the Financial Aid Office: nmu.edu/orientation
6. PAY YOUR NMU BILL
Each semester, you will receive an e-mail from the Student Service Center to view your current account balance. Before each semester’s due date, choose a payment method:
Pay in full –with cash, check or credit card.
Easy Pay – four monthly installments.
Deferral Plan – for students expecting financial aid, but who have not yet finalized aid eligibility and other tuition payment methods: nmu.edu/paymentplans
Alternative Funding Options:
Direct PLUS Loan for Parents: nmu.edu/financialaid/directplus
Alternative Student and Parent Loans: nmu.edu/finaidaltloans
More details, videos, and tips can be found at nmu.edu/financialaidtoolbox
7. BE A GOOD STUDENT
You must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid: nmu.edu/finaid/progresspolicy
8. REAPPLY EACH YEAR
You need to submit a FAFSA each year you wish to be considered for financial aid. Now that you know the steps for the process, it should be easier! Continuing students will be notified of their financial aid offer through their NMU e-mail: nmu.edu/finaid
ROLES
You are responsible for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), researching scholarship options and maintaining timely communication with the Financial Aid Office.
Remember, the Financial Aid Office is here to help. We are available to guide you through the process, answer questions and help identify other sources of assistance. Please feel free to contact our office by email, fao@nmu.edu, or telephone, 906–227–2327.