To qualify for need-based aid, graduate students must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA collects information about family income and assets, family size, and the number of family members attending college at least half time. After analyzing these data, the federal government determines the Expected Family Contribution, which is identified on the returned Student Aid Report. To find out if a student has "need," the Expected Family Contribution is subtracted from EMU's cost of education. Need is the positive difference between the student's ability to pay and the cost of education. Most federal and state aid programs are awarded based on a student's need. Parent income is not included in the "family income" for graduate students.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be completed and filed in February of each year prior to fall enrollment. Graduate students who are admitted to a graduate degree program will be awarded financial aid once EMU receives their application results from the federal processor. Aid is automatically awarded for fall and winter semesters. Students who need financial aid for spring and summer terms must file an additional application at the Office of Financial Aid, 403 Pierce Hall.

Students applying for financial aid at EMU must submit Financial Aid Transcripts to the Office of Financial Aid from each college and university previously attended regardless of whether aid was received. Federal regulations prohibit the disbursement of aid until all Financial Aid Transcripts are on file.
Visit the Office of Financial Aid's Web Site

Or visit them on campus at:

Office of Financial Aid
Eastern Michigan University
403 Pierce Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: (734) 487-0455,
Fax: (734) 487-1484

Students must be accepted by the Graduate School as:

1. A degree-admitted student

2. A graduate-degree conditionally admitted student (Note: For conditionally admitted students, a copy of their Program of Study must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid and reviewed by an advisor before aid is awarded. Annual loan limits are subject to undergraduate maximums based on prerequisite class levels.)

To remain eligible, students must demonstrate progress toward completion of their degree or program. As noted in the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, graduate students are eligible for aid provided that:

1. A GPA of 3.00 or above is maintained;

2. 67% of the classes attempted are completed (no W or I - grades); and

3. The graduate degree is completed within 6 semesters of first enrollment.

Federal Work-Study Graduate Assistantships are funded through the work-study program, and there are a limited number of them available each year. Interested students should contact the Graduate School office. Students must submit a Financial Assistance Application for Graduate Students Form by February 15 as well as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1 for the fall semester.

The receipt of a work-study graduate assistantship WILL affect other need-based aid award levels. If awarded a work -study assistantship, students must contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine the impact upon other aid offers.

Subsidized Stafford Loans carry low variable interest rates (set each July 1) and are available to graduate students who demonstrate financial need. There are academic year and cumulative undergraduate and graduate loan limits. Interest does not start to accrue until the student graduates, drops below half-time or leaves school.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to graduate students and are not based on need. Interest rates and loan maximums are identical to Subsidized Stafford Loans. The primary difference between the two Stafford Loan programs is that the student must pay the interest on Unsubsidized Stafford Loans during enrollment periods.

The Eastern Michigan University Student Employment Office, Career Services Center, maintains Student Employment listings for on and off-campus jobs. Many opportunities are available. Students do not have to demonstrate financial need to work in regular on-campus jobs.

Students apply with Student Employment in order to be placed in part-time positions with the University. On-campus employment is limited to 29 hours per week during fall and winter, and up to 40 hours per week during spring/summer terms.

The Student Employment Office telephone number is 734-487-0400.

Off-Campus and Summer Employment

Annually, students obtain part-time positions through the Student Employment Office in the Career Services Center, 200 McKenny. These positions are on campus and in the surrounding community. Positions range from odd jobs and baby-sitting to extended part-time highly skilled positions.

The Job Location and Development Office develops off-campus, career-related part-time and summer jobs for students.

Summer employment opportunities are available with campus, resorts, recreation programs, businesses, industries, and governmental agencies. Listings for such begin during the winter semester. Many summer employers schedule on-campus interviews through the Student Employment Office.

Other Loans The University offers payment plans and other short-term loan opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must:

* have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average;
* have satisfactorily repaid previous loans;
* be enrolled at EMU at the time the funds are released;
* not have past-due obligations owed to EMU; and
* demonstrate sufficient means to repay loan by due date.

For more information on short-term loans, contact the Student Loans Office, 203 Pierce Hall or call 734-487-1047.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement Plans Graduate students are encouraged to investigate their company's policy. The Office of Financial Aid maintains a brochure listing companies that offer some form of tuition reimbursement.