Paying For College

Spring 2027 Financial Aid Plan of Action

For the student preparing to start in the Spring semester 2027, here is a month-by-month guide to steps you need to complete in navigating financial aid, billing, and payment.

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September/October 2026

If you have filed your 2026-2027 FAFSA, be sure to add UMD (Federal school code: 002388). If you have NOT filed your FAFSA, it’s NEVER too late to file your FAFSA at studentaid.gov/FAFSA

November/December

  • Late-November, check your UMD email for your Financial Aid Offer Notification (on-going as admitted)
  • If you were offered work-study, accept or decline by logging into your MyU and going to “My Finance” > “Financial Aid” tab (Step #3)
  • If you accept the Federal Direct Student loan, go to studentaid.gov to complete BOTH the 
    • Master Promissory Note (MPN) and
    • Entrance Loan Counseling
       

December/January

  • Late December, if you need additional funding, apply for a Federal Parent PLUS loan or a private student loan
  • If covered under family health insurance, ACT NOW to waive the University Student Health Benefit before the deadline in February
  • Spring semester billing statement will post to “Billing & Paying” tab on January 21 in your MyU account under your “$My Finances” tab
     

February

  • February 3 spring semester balance in due in full - learn about payment plans and other options at How to pay

Fall 2027 Financial Aid Plan of Action

For students preparing for the upcoming fall semester, here is a month-by-month guide of a few important steps to complete that will help you navigate financial aid, and billing and payment.

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June

  • If you have NOT filed your FAFSA, it is NEVER too late! File today at studentaid.gov/FAFSA
  • If covered under family health insurance, ACT NOW to waive the University Student Health Benefits before the deadline in late September
  • If you plan to set up Parent/Guest access, get it done so your family/guest can support you in navigating your college experience

July/August

  • Search for campus student employment. Find jobs under “Campus Info” in the menu bar, select “Job Openings - Students” in your MyU account
  • Late-July, check your UMD email for your Financial Aid Offer Notification
  • If you were offered work-study, accept or decline by logging into your MyU
  • Accept, decline, or reduce your Federal Direct student loan(s) by logging into your MyU 
  • If you accept the Federal Direct Student loan, go to studentaid.gov to complete BOTH the
    • 1) Master Promissory Note (MPN) and 
    • 2) Entrance Loan Counseling 
  • Early-August, if you need additional funding, apply for a Federal Parent PLUS Loan or a private student loan
  • Early-August housing and tuition fees will post to “Billing & Payment” under the “$My Finances” tab in your MyU account
    • Click on “Account Activity” to see an itemization of your charges

September

  • Fall semester billing statement will post to “Billing & Payment” tab in early September in your MyU account
  • Mid-September fall semester balance is due in full. Learn about payment plans and other options at how to pay on our One Stop Student Services website
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Connect with our Financial Aid Educator, Carl Huber, who can help you and your family navigate financial aid options.

Email: [email protected]
Call: 218-726-6733

Meet with Carl