Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships

Office of Student Financial Assistance

One Stop for Student Success Services
100 Campus Avenue Building
513-529-0001
MiamiOH.edu/OneStop

Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students

There are many programs of assistance available from private, state, federal, and university funds. We are committed to helping students, within the limits of available funds, gain a college education even if their resources are limited. To receive consideration for most programs, students and parents must complete the appropriate forms. All information provided remains confidential.

Students, as consumers of these funds, have the right under law to receive clear, accurate information concerning aid programs.

For more information, contact the One Stop.

Need-Based Assistance

The One Stop can assist students in obtaining need-based financial aid including: grants and scholarships, money provided to students that does not have to be repaid; loans, money borrowed by the student to pay for educational expenses and must be repaid, typically with interest; federal work-study, part-time employment that helps students meet the cost of college and participate in community service. The total amount of aid a student receives is based on a family's financial circumstances. To be considered for all need-based financial aid, incoming first-year students, returning, Regional, Transfer, and Graduate students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Miami's FAFSA submission deadline of February 1.  The FAFSA should be completed annually (fafsa.gov).

A student cannot receive any combination of aid, including loans, grants and scholarships, and federal work-study, that exceeds the cost of attendance. If the total amount of financial aid exceeds the cost of attendance, the amount of aid will be reduced.

Private Loans

Miami will certify a private loan from any lender.  Terms, fees, and borrowing limits of private loans differ. The yearly amount cannot exceed the annual cost of attendance minus other financial aid and resources. Private loans are not federally guaranteed and do not require that students file the FAFSA. For more information about obtaining a private loan, visit the One Stop website.

Student Loan Code of Conduct

The guiding principles for ensuring the integrity of the student aid process and the ethical conduct of employees in regard to student loan practices are provided in the Miami University Student Loan Code of Conduct. 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Employment

Federal Work-Study is a federal financial aid program that is awarded based on financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If a student is determined to be eligible for Work-Study, the student’s award package may include FWS. A student benefits from having FWS because FWS earnings are not calculated in the Student Aid Index (SAI) on the following year’s FAFSA. Additionally, employers often prefer hiring FWS students since a portion of the student's wage is paid with federal funds.

Winter and Summer Aid

Students that register for Winter or Summer term courses, and have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file, will be considered for Winter or Summer aid. Students are typically notified beginning in December of Winter aid eligibility and April for summer aid eligibility if they meet the criteria to be considered for aid.

Winter and Summer financial aid is typically based on any remaining aid eligibility the student has from the current academic year. Generally, students are only eligible for additional federal student loan funds if they have the number of hours required to advance in grade level by the end of the fall or spring semester and are enrolled at least half-time. Students that are Pell Grant eligible during the fall or spring semesters may have additional Pell Grant eligibility during the summer term, depending on enrollment. Further, students cannot use their Miami scholarships for Winter or Summer terms unless the scholarship was awarded specifically for winter or summer study. If all federal loan eligibility has been exhausted, the student may want to consider a Federal Direct PLUS loan or a private loan. 

Aid for Another University or Study Abroad Program

Degree-seeking students at Miami University may be able to utilize their aid toward the cost of attending another university or a study abroad program during Fall Semester, Winter Term, Spring Semester, or Summer term, or if they are simultaneously enrolled at Miami and another institution. Aid eligibility will be based on the program type. Students enrolled in Co-Sponsored, Exchange, and Approved Non-Miami programs must complete a Consortium/Contractual Agreement if they will be utilizing federal aid toward their program. 

Students must also complete the consortium agreement if they are studying abroad or at another university and have borrowed loans that they want to remain in an in-school deferment status. Completing this agreement can be a very long process, and if at all possible, should be started at least two months prior to studying at another institution. Students can find more information related to aid for studying abroad through the One Stop.

Other Sources of Aid

State Assistance for Non-Ohio Residents

Most states have student assistance programs. Contact the student assistance agency in your state for information on what aid is available and how to apply.

Assistance for Veterans

Veterans who intend to enroll at Miami should contact the Veterans Affairs (VA) Administration at 888-442-4551 to determine their GI Bill eligibility, and for general information and application. To apply for benefits, complete the online application at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Veterans also need to submit an enrollment form to the Veterans Certifying Official at Miami MiamiOH.edu/veterans.

To be assured of advance payment, initial paperwork should be submitted to the Veterans Affairs Administration 45 days before classes begin. For more information or to contact the Veterans Certifying Official at Miami visit MiamiOH.edu/veterans, email veterans@MiamiOH.edu, or call 513-529-0001.

Additional financial assistance through programs described in this section is available to most veterans.

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act (VBTA) of 2018

Educational institutions must have a policy that ensures that they will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a Chapter 31 (Voc. Rehab.) or Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) recipient borrow additional funds to cover the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  (The policy is limited to tuition funds paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and enforced at Institutions of Higher Learning, Non-College Degree Programs, and Flight Schools.)

Student Employment

The Department of Human Resources coordinates all student employment and student payroll registration. The two types of student employment at Miami are Federal Work-Study (FWS) and regular wage employment. Job classifications and wage rates are the same for each, but they are financed differently. University employers do their own hiring and students are responsible for finding a job. Information about job classifications, wage rates, and current job openings is available through Human Resources.

Eligibility for Financial Assistance

Programs based on financial need, funded by state and federal aid programs, are administered by Miami. To be eligible for these programs, you must:

  • Have a U.S. high school diploma or GED.
  • Be accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.
  • 1Have a valid Social Security Number unless you are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau. More information can be found at StudentAid.gov
  • Sign a certifying statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form stating that
    • You’re not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe a refund on a federal grant and
    • You will use federal student aid only for educational purposes
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  •  Must be registered with Selective Service, if you're a male resident of the state of Ohio (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25);
  • Incarceration can affect a student's federal aid eligibility
     
  • Demonstrate Federal financial need (except for the Federal TEACH grant, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans)
  • Students must not have exceeded federal aggregate limits for direct loans.
  • Be creditworthy, if applying for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan or the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan
  • Provide consent and approval to have your federal tax information transferred directly into the FAFSA, beginning with aid applications for the 2024-2025 award year.
1

International students who do not meet citizenship requirements for federal aid programs should contact the International Student and Scholar Services for information about financial assistance.

Applying for Assistance

To apply for state/federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and federal work-study funds, all eligible students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually by Miami’s priority deadline using Miami’s Federal School Code of 003077.

Parents of dependent students and graduate students can apply for Federal Direct PLUS Loans at StudentAid.gov. After completing the application, a Master Promissory Note must also be completed at StudentAid.gov.

Additional funding opportunities may also be available to students based on their student status and enrollment plans. 

Determining Your Financial Aid Offer

The student's Cost of Attendance (COA) is estimated based on state of residence, the campus that will be attended, and enrollment status. The COA includes estimates for Direct Costs including: Instructional and General fees, Career Development fee, as well as estimates for course fees incurred by students enrolled in the Farmer School of Business or the College of Engineering. Direct cost estimates are also included for housing and food. The COA also includes estimates for Indirect Costs including: books, course materials, supplies and equipment, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Additionally, estimates for housing and food are also included for students that will live off campus or with parents (if a dependent student)

Miami’s financial aid is processed in the following manner:

  1. Scholarships are awarded to eligible students. No separate application is required.
  2. Federal Pell Grants are awarded to eligible students based on their Student Aid Index (SAI).
  3. If a FAFSA was filed by Miami’s priority deadline, University-administered need-based aid, grants, and scholarships are awarded within the limits of available funds and eligibility criteria.
    1. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to Federal Pell Grant eligible students with the lowest SAI.
    2. Federal Work-Study is awarded to eligible students with high financial need who filed their FAFSA by Miami's priority deadline.
  4. Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is awarded to eligible students meeting grant criteria.
  5. Federal Direct Loans are awarded to students/parents based on federal eligibility guidelines.

Appeals

Some students may find themselves in situations outside of the normal financial aid process. The following appeals are available to assist, where the aid program allows. Each appeal is reviewed on a case-by-case basis on the merits of that appeal, available funding, and within the confines of regulations and comparative situations to ensure fairness and equity. 

Cost of Attendance (COA) Increase- A COA increase can be submitted when a student's total financial aid offer exceeds their COA amount. Adjustments typically result in increases to loan or work-study eligibility, but are ultimately based on the type of funds available, eligibility policies, and regulations.

Emergency Funding Request- Students experiencing food insecurity, housing insecurity, technological challenges, or any other immediate financial crisis should submit the Emergency Funding Request Form.

Homeless Youth Determination- Homeless determinations remove the requirement to provide parental information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in situations where students are experiencing homelessness or the risk of homelessness. The determinations result in Independent student status for purposes of the FAFSA. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)- If students receive federal financial aid, they are required to maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree. Satisfactory progress is measured with two standards, qualitative, which is grade-based and quantitative, which is time-related. Students should submit a SAP Appeal if their federal aid has been terminated due to not meeting the SAP Standards and they have a reason(s) that prevented them from meeting SAP. A SAP Maximum Timeframe Evaluation Appeal should also be submitted if the student had a reason(s) that prevented them from completing their degree in the allotted time frame.

Scholarship Appeal- Students may submit a scholarship appeal in the event their scholarship(s) are cancelled due to GPA, to exhaust unused scholarship eligibility, or to reinstate scholarships. 

Special Circumstance: Change to Student Aid Index (SAI)- A student may request a review of aid eligibility if the family’s financial situation changed after the tax year used when filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Unusual Circumstances Appeal- Students that have unusual circumstances may complete the Unusual Circumstances Appeal form if they believe they should be considered an independent student based on permanent separation and financial independence from both parents.

For more information on financial aid appeals and to access forms associated with these appeals, students should visit MiamiOH.edu/appeals . 

Change in Enrollment

Initial award offers are based on full-time attendance for the fall and spring semesters. If a student drops to less than full-time enrollment, aid eligibility may be reduced. Typically, students must be enrolled at least six hours to be considered for federal student loans. Notify the One Stop of enrollment changes by emailing OneStop@miamioh.edu.

In the case of students who change their enrollment prior to the end of the drop/add period, their grant(s), scholarship(s), and/or loan eligibility will be recalculated. Students will receive a revised aid offer listing any changes in their aid package.

At the end of the last day to drop a course without a grade, the student's enrollment will be frozen and the financial aid for the semester will be based on the number of credit hours the student is enrolled at that time. Students should make sure they are enrolled for all the classes (including sprint courses) they intend to take for the semester by the last day to drop a course without a grade for the full-term. Please refer to the University Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Withdrawal from the University

The U.S. Department of Education expects that Federal aid recipients complete all courses attempted and paid for with Federal aid. Therefore, if students received federal assistance from any federal aid program (Federal Direct Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Federal TEACH Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct PLUS Loan for graduate students, or Federal Direct PLUS Loan for parents) and withdrew from the University during a semester that they began attendance, Miami is required to determine the amount of federal aid that they have earned as of their withdrawal date.

The percentage of the semester completed is determined by dividing the number of calendar days that the student completed as of the withdrawal date by the total number of calendar days in the semester. Scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days are excluded from the total number of calendar days in the semester.

If a student notifies the One Stop in writing that they are withdrawing for any reason, Miami will be required to complete a withdrawal calculation and a student’s aid may be adjusted for the semester. The percentage of federal aid that was earned by the student is equal to the percentage of the semester that was completed, as of the withdrawal date, if this date occurs on or before completion of 60% of the semester. If the withdrawal date is after completion of 60% of the semester, the student will have earned 100% of the federal aid and no adjustments will be made to their federal aid for the semester.

If a student stops attending classes and does not notify the One Stop that they are withdrawing, the student is considered to have unofficially withdrawn. Unofficial withdrawals are recorded when grades have been posted by the University Registrar's Office and the student record shows that the student received all (or a combination of) F, I, N, W and/or Y grades for the semester. A return of Title IV withdrawal calculation is performed based on the last known date of attendance provided by the professor. If a date is not provided by the professor, the withdrawal calculation is based on the midpoint (50%) of the semester. Once the withdrawal calculation is performed, a portion of federal aid may be revoked from the student’s account at Miami and returned to the federal government. This process typically results in the student owing money to the University. When a withdrawal calculation has been completed and aid has been adjusted, students are notified via email by the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Adjustments may also be made to the student’s state and university awards if required.

Miami will return all unearned aid to the U.S. Department of Education for the student. The unearned aid will be credited to the outstanding balances on federal loans made to the student, or on behalf of the student for the semester in which the return was required. The order for the return of aid is as follows: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan for graduate students, Federal Direct PLUS Loan for parents (received on behalf of the student), Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and Federal TEACH Grant.

Withdrawing will also affect a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress and may jeopardize future federal financial aid eligibility. To make sure a student understands the possible impact on financial aid, a student should consult with the One Stop prior to withdrawing from the university.

Academic Suspension or Dismissal

Students suspended or dismissed for academic reasons may not receive financial aid until they are re-enrolled. When students apply for re-enrollment, they should contact the One Stop for information about applying for aid.

 

Federal and State Grants

Students with a high level of financial need are typically eligible for grants. Generally, a student receives grant funds in combination with loans and/or federal work-study. Students with a disability may also be eligible for grants from the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.

The following grant programs are awarded on the basis of a family's financial circumstances; no repayment is required. For additional information and eligibility requirements, please visit MiamiOH.edu/Grants.

Federal Pell Grant -  a federal grant program designed to assist undergraduate students in low- and moderate-income households to pay for college. The award amount is based on the cost of the institution, SAI, and enrollment status, and is subject to an aggregate limit.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - a federal grant provided by the institution to qualified undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and does not need to be repaid. The amount of funding from this program varies by institution. Students must complete a FAFSA each year for consideration.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants - federal grants for undergraduate and graduate students, awarded in exchange for specific future teaching service in designated high-need fields and low-income elementary and secondary schools. If you do not complete the required teaching service, the grant becomes a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan that must be repaid.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) - A state grant program which provides need-based tuition assistance to Ohio students with financial need. Students apply for the OCOG by completing the FAFSA by October 1 each year. Award amounts are prorated based on enrollment.

BVR/Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation-Bureau of Services for the Blind - Federal and state grant program for undergraduate students with disabilities. Eligibility for funding is determined by the Rehabilitation Service Commission in the student's state of residence. Contact the state office in your state capital in order to begin the agency's application process as early as possible.

Educational Loans

Miami University realizes that managing the cost of education is a challenge for many families. In addition to grants, scholarships, and federal work-study funds, several loan options are available. Loans may make it possible for you and/or your family to borrow now and defer repayment until after you leave the university.  Educational loans are borrowed from the federal government, a college or university, or a private source like a bank or financial institution to pay for educational expenses and must be paid back with interest. Educational loans have varying fees, interest rates, repayment terms, and/or borrower protections. Families should monitor loan debt and find ways to reduce expenses, determine the total amount of education debt they are willing to accrue during a student's entire college enrollment, and borrow only what is needed. Visit our Know Before You Owe page to learn more about responsible borrowing and MiamiOH.edu/loans for more detailed information on loans.

  • Federal Loan: Also known as the Direct Loan Program, which allows eligible students and parents to borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education at participating colleges or universities. Federal student loans include Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and the Direct PLUS programs for parents of dependent students and graduate or professional students. There are four types of Federal Loans:
    • Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan: A Direct Subsidized Loan is an undergraduate federal student loan based on financial need and offers students a reduced, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. Interest is subsidized, meaning it does not accrue to the borrower, while in an in-school, grace, or deferment period. Annual and aggregate limits apply.
    • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan: An unsubsidized loan offers students a fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. It is not based on financial need. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed and can be paid while the student is enrolled or when loan repayment begins. Annual and aggregate limits apply.
    • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are federal loans that graduate or professional students use to help pay for education expenses. A credit check for adverse credit history is required for eligibility. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed and can be paid while the student is enrolled or when loan repayment begins.
    • Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan (PLUS): Direct Parent PLUS Loans are federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for education expenses. Parents must pass a credit check for adverse credit history to qualify for PLUS loans. Parents of dependent students may apply for this loan at StudentAid.gov.
  • Private Loan: A student or parent loan from a bank, credit union, private company, a nonprofit or state-affiliated lender, or from the college or university directly to pay for educational costs. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed, and repayment begins while the student is still enrolled in school.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a type of aid typically based on merit, such as academic excellence, talent, affiliation with various groups, career aspirations, or a combination of merit and financial need. To receive scholarships awarded by Miami University, students must enroll full time. A separate scholarship application is not needed.

Students cannot receive a combination of aid, including loans, grants, federal work-study, and scholarships, which exceeds their cost of attendance. If the total amount of financial aid exceeds the cost of attendance, the amount of aid will be reduced.

All incoming students who apply for admission by February 1 and are admitted to Miami University’s Oxford campus are considered for the many general scholarships we award to incoming first-year students. Priority consideration for University merit scholarships will be given to students applying for admission by December 1. Students that file the FAFSA by February 1 will also be considered for need-based scholarships.  Scholarships are not guaranteed and are based on academic credentials provided at the time of application. Regional Campus students who are first-time freshmen may be considered for merit awards if they apply for admission by February 1. A separate application is not required.  

Current Miami students attending the Oxford or Regional Campus will be considered for the various donor and departmental scholarships available for the following year. To also be considered for need-based scholarships, returning students must complete the FAFSA by the February 1 deadline. We will automatically make award determinations by reviewing a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the specific eligibility criteria required for each scholarship.  Scholarships are awarded within the limits of available funds. No separate scholarship application is required. Returning students will receive scholarship award notifications prior to June 1.

Renewable scholarships are available for new domestic transfer students who have demonstrated academic merit and significant need. A student must have submitted a FAFSA and also have the scholarship GPA based on 12 or more credit hours from an accredited school. Miami transfer scholarship requirements can be found on the One Stop website. Students enrolled less than full-time, attending the regional campuses, or who have a previous Bachelor's degree are not eligible.

For additional scholarship information, see MiamiOH.edu/ scholarships.

Awards

Incoming freshmen are notified of their scholarship awards at or near the end of March; continuing students will be notified prior to June 1. Awards are normally made for the academic year, starting with the fall semester.