University of Montana Financial Aid Office

At the University of Montana, financial aid is about more than dollars and cents — and you’ll never feel like just a number. Our Financial Aid Office strives to be both accessible and responsive. Read on to learn more about scholarships, grants, student loans, how to apply for financial aid and more.

Launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA Form

There are major changes and improvements coming to the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. As a result, the new form will be available in December 2023, not Oct. 1. 

The launch date will apply only for the 2024-25 FAFSA form.

The changes to the FAFSA form for the 2024-25 aid year include

  • expanded eligibility for federal student aid and
  • a more streamlined application process

About financial aid at UM

Welcome to the Financial Aid Office at UM — your one-stop resource for help paying for college. From understanding all the different types of financial assistance available and how it covers tuition costs to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for student loans, we are here to help you navigate the financial aid process every step of your higher education journey.

The Financial Aid Office is located on the fifth Floor of Aber Hall. Please come visit us for all your financial aid needs.

Types of financial aid for college

You have many options available to help pay for college. Some are grants that don’t have to be repaid, work-study funds earned through working at a campus job, and loans that must be repaid at a later date. You also might receive financial aid based on need, or for outstanding academic performance or other merit. Here are the types of aid available and links to find additional information:

Grants

Grants are need-based financial aid you can use for any educational expense and do not have to repay after graduation. The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program and is designed to help undergraduates from low-income households. Learn more and explore available grant programs.

Scholarships

Scholarships are free sources of financial aid that can be awarded based on merit or financial need. You’ll be automatically evaluated for scholarships, such as the Montana Achievement Scholarship, when you apply. Learn more about scholarship opportunities at the University of Montana.

Student loans

Student loans are sources of funding (usually from the federal government) that must be repaid after you graduate. Learn more about college loans for students.

Work-study

Work study is need-based financial aid that is earned by working at a job on campus or at a nonprofit agency in the community. Find information about work-study programs at UM.

Tuition waivers

Tuition waivers are funding that directly pays a percentage of your tuition based on meeting a qualifying condition. Explore tuition waiver programs at the University of Montana.

How to apply for financial aid

The first step is to apply for admission to UM and submit your  Free Application for Federal Student Aid application, which is commonly referred to as the FAFSA. Once you are accepted into a degree or certificate program and your FAFSA is processed, you’ll be notified of your financial aid award offer. Learn more about the financial aid application process at the University of Montana.

How to complete the FAFSA

Your application for financial aid begins with the FAFSA — the form you need to complete to receive any financial assistance from the federal government to help pay for college. The FAFSA is free and can be easily submitted online. Complete your FAFSA now at the Federal Student Aid website.

Deadline for FAFSA

You must submit the FAFSA before each academic year for which you wish to receive financial aid. View deadlines for your state at the Federal Student Aid website.

Financial aid requirements

In some cases, you may have to satisfy requirements in addition to completing the FAFSA to receive an initial award notice or move your application for financial aid through the final review process. Learn more about financial aid requirements.

Get help with financial aid questions

We know that navigating financial aid for college can sometimes be a tricky process, but our advisors are here to guide you at every step. Talk to us and let us help you get the maximum financial aid possible to help you cover your tuition costs and other fees. Here are some resources to get started:

Email a question or concern with our financial aid team.

View financial aid deadlines.

Call 406-243-5373 to speak with a financial aid advisor.