Welcome to Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office at UM is 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.
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.
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.
Submit Your 2026-2027 FAFSA Form
The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now available for students applying to the University of Montana! Be sure to apply early, as it only takes about 10 minutes. Your FAFSA is used to calculate eligibility for various financial aid options, including grants, loans, and some scholarships.
The priority deadline at the University of Montana is December 1, 2025. While students can still apply after this date, some grant programs may become limited or unavailable. To maximize your financial aid opportunities, be sure to submit your application on time!
Disclaimer: Students starting the Spring 2026 semester will fill out the 2025-2026 FAFSA for the spring semester.
The 2025-2026 FAFSA is still available for students applying to the University of Montana for the 2025-26 Aid year! Be sure to apply as soon as possible, as it only takes about 10 minutes. Your FAFSA is used to calculate eligibility for various financial aid options, including grants, loans, and some scholarships.
Explore Your Scholarship Opportunities
Apply for Scholarships with Scholarship Universe
The University of Montana’s Scholarship Universe makes it easy to find and apply for scholarships you’re eligible for—all in one place. Just log in with your NetID, answer the matching questions, and start applying directly from your dashboard. The more questions you complete, the more scholarships you’ll be matched with.
To ensure you’re considered for the maximum number of scholarships, be sure to complete your 2026–2027 FAFSA as early as possible—many scholarships require it for eligibility.
Log in, get matched, and start applying today!
2026–2027 Priority Deadlines
New Students
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FAFSA Submission: January 15, 2026
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Scholarship Universe Application: January 15, 2026
Continuing Students
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FAFSA Submission: March 1, 2026
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Scholarship Universe Application: April 1, 2026
For more detailed instructions on how to use Scholarship Universe, find your NetID, or reset your NetID password, visit our Scholarship Universe webpage.
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.
Call 406-243-5373 to speak with a financial aid advisor.