FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid, Scholarships, Loans, and the FAFSA

So, you have questions about paying for college, applying for financial aid, and how all these steps come together—don't worry, you're not alone. Here's a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you out.

If you have a question that's not listed here, call the financial aid office at 888-688-1885 or email finaid@mtu.edu.

Questions about Applying for Financial Aid

See more questions and answers about applying for financial aid.

Questions about Student Loans

See more questions and answers about student loans.

Questions about Scholarships

See more questions and answers about scholarships.

Questions about your Student Account

See more questions and answers about your student account.

 

How do I apply for aid at Michigan Tech?
Accepted students are automatically considered for most merit-based scholarships. One exception is the Leading Scholars Award for Michigan residents who are seniors in high school—this application is due by October 15. To apply for need-based federal and state financial aid, students need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. To receive priority financial aid consideration at Michigan Tech, the FAFSA must be received at the federal processor by March 1.

I probably don't qualify for Financial Aid. Should I apply for aid anyway?
Yes. Stafford and PLUS loans are available regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free.

Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for Financial Aid?
No. You may apply for Financial Aid any time after January 1. To actually receive aid, you must be admitted and enrolled at the university.

Can I submit my Financial Aid application before January 1?
No. If a Financial Aid application is submitted before January 1, it will be rejected by the federal processor.

When will I receive my Financial Aid award notification?
Notices of Michigan Tech scholarship awards are mailed January through March of the senior year in high school. Michigan Tech financial aid award notifications begin to be emailed to new students during the first part of March. Returning students receive their Financial Aid award notifications in summer.

What if I did not complete the FAFSA by the March 1 priority filing date?
You can still apply for financial aid after the priority filing date but funds may be limited.

My parent(s) no longer claim me as a federal tax exemption and I work to support myself. Can I file my FAFSA as an independent student?
Federal statute defines the conditions for independent status. Self-sufficiency is not a criterion. Also parent(s)’ unwillingness to provide financial data or to pay for educational expenses cannot be recognized as the basis for independence. Currently, an applicant is independent if the individual meets one or more of the following:

  • 24 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year;
  • veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or has been a member of the National Guard or Reserves called to active duty for purposes other than training, or was a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies, or attended a U.S. military academy preparatory school. Must be released under a condition other than dishonorable.
  • working on a master’s or doctorate program during the award year;
  • married;
  • ward/dependent of the court, or was a ward/dependent of the court until age 18;
  • has legal dependents other than a spouse;
  • a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of other unusual circumstances.

My parents have not filed their tax return. Can I still complete the FAFSA?
Though it is recommended that you complete the FAFSA with completed tax form information, to meet awarding deadlines you can estimate. Once the tax form is available, you must correct the FAFSA data that is in error. Note that financial aid packages based on estimated FAFSA data may not provide an accurate depiction of your overall eligibility for financial assistance.

How many credits do I need to carry for financial aid purposes?
You must be a full-time student carrying at least 12-credits per semester to receive financial aid.

How do I find out about student employment?
Both non-work-study and work-study positions are available on campus. Work-study positions are based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA results and are awarded as part of the financial aid package.  The majority of students working on campus are employed through non-work-study. The Career Center also lists job opportunities.

Is financial aid available for international students?
Financial aid regulations for international students differ from those for US citizens.  For more details, visit International Programs and Services online.

What if I only want to accept a portion of the loan that was offered?
When accepting your awards online, just indicate the partial amount in the space provided.

Are there sources of funding available other than those awarded via the FAFSA results?
There are two additional financing options - an alternative loan or a Direct PLUS loan. Students and/or parents may apply for alternative and private loans online.  The Direct PLUS Loan is a federal loan which a parent applies for on behalf of the student.

When should I apply for alternative loans?
You should apply at least three to four weeks prior to the date your bill is due to ensure that there is enough time to complete the application process. Although you may receive instant pre-approval online from the loan company, most require you to submit additional information to them to continue processing your application.

How do I qualify for merit-based scholarships?
By being accepted for admission, you are automatically considered for the majority of merit-based scholarships for which you are eligible. Exceptions are career interest scholarships, which are based on interest in specific industries. Recipients of first-year awards are selected based on high school ranking, high school GPA, national test scores (ACT, SAT, etc.), special criteria established by scholarship sponsors, and/or financial need.

What about finding scholarships within my community?
Students can receive private scholarships from high schools, churches, and community service organizations, such as the Elks. The best time to search for these scholarships is during winter and spring. Also, large companies in your area or a family member's employer may be a scholarship source. You do not always have to be directly associated with an organization to qualify for a scholarship.

What effect will outside scholarships have on my financial aid?
Federal regulations require that you notify the Financial Aid Office so that an outside scholarship can be considered when determining your eligibility. If you receive a scholarship that is not listed on your financial aid award notification, you will need to notify us.

Where should outside scholarship checks be sent?
Checks should be sent to the Cashier's Office, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295. To ensure proper credit to your account, please ask the donor to include your full name along with your Michigan Tech ID number and/or date of birth on your scholarship check.

What is charged to my tuition account?
Tuition, course fees, computing fees, student voted fees, on campus housing charges, miscellaneous fines and fees such as late fees, housing damage fines, etc.   Click here for more information.

When is my bill available, how do I pay my bill, and when is the payment due?
Billing and payment information is available online.

Can I get a bill mailed to my parents?
No, but you can send your bill to them via email or print the online bill and mail it to them.

What payment plans are available?
Click here for information about our payment plans.

What if I don't owe any money?
Even if you don't owe anything, you must confirm your enrollment online by clicking on the link at the bottom of your bill.

When will I get my refund?
If you have a credit balance as a result of a Federal Direct Loan, a refund will be produced the first week of the semester or the day after disbursement.  All other refunds will occur during the third week.

Can books be charged to my tuition account?
First, you must confirm your enrollment and complete a Title IV authorization card. Then bring your books to the Customer Service Desk at the Campus Store along with a picture ID.  The Campus Store staff will access your account online and permit you to charge up to the amount of credit available at that time.  You may start charging your books one week prior to the start of classes as long as you have a credit on your account and your enrollment has been confirmed.

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