How Do I Pay for Graduate School?
Financial Aid Process • Payment Plans
Payment Options
We know that paying for your graduate degree is an important factor when choosing a school. Contact the Graduate Information Office to talk more about the key factors to consider – or, read on to learn about the different ways you can finance your graduate degree.
Financial Aid Process
Applying for Financial Aid
Complete all steps below to apply for financial aid.
Note: There are financial aid options that are not based on need.
Most students in our online programs use financial aid to pay for their program. We recommend that you complete these steps as soon as possible to make sure that your payment arrangements are in order by the first night of class. For help, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (734) 995-7408 or swfinaid@cuaa.edu.
The FAFSA is available online. If you do not have access to a computer you may request a paper version from the Financial Aid Office. Students should submit the 2025-2026 form. You will need your 2023 Federal Tax Return, your FSA ID, and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s code (002247). Graduate students are considered independent for financial aid purposes.
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy
The Department of Education will notify you when your application is processed and will provide you with a Student Aid Report (SAR). If you notice any errors after reviewing your SAR, log back into your FAFSA to make corrections.
You will receive your financial aid award letter from Concordia once you have been academically accepted.
This lists the financial aid you will qualify for. If you wish to decline all or a portion of the award, notify the Financial Aid Office in writing. Be sure to contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions on your award.
Complete Loan Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note
Entrance Counseling is only required for first time Federal Direct Loan borrowers; all borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note. Both can be completed at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action (you will need your FSA ID from Step 1).
Students Receiving Financial Aid
Federal Loan Requirements
To be eligible to borrow funds under the Federal Direct Loan Program, you must:
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
- Not be in default on prior educational loans
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Questions? Call the Financial Aid Office at 734-995-7408 or swfinaid@cuaa.edu
Enrolling in a Pay-As-You-Go Payment Plan
Monthly Payment Plan:
Tuition payments may be made automatically each month for a maximum of 6 payments per semester. These payment plans must be set up each semester and there is a $35.00 enrollment fee for each plan set up.
Questions about the payment plan should be directed to the Business Office at 734-995-7586
Scholarships Available
Teachers working in Preferred Educational Partnership schools may be eligible for tuition discounts.
For more information, visit https://www.cuaa.edu/admissions/financial-aid/uncommon-scholarships.html
The Federal (Title One) Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
If you and your school qualify, this program may provide loan forgiveness for eligible Federal Direct Loans. This is a separate program requiring separate forms and processes. The U.S. Department of Education will determine your eligibility for this program, Concordia is not responsible to verify your eligibility for this program. Please do not base your enrollment on this program, as it can be difficult to ensure qualification for government programs which are subject to reform and funding changes.
You must call 1-800-4-FED-AID to verify your eligibility or visit https://studentaid.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher for more information.
The TEACH Grant
TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for University and Higher Education) Grant (loan) is a merit based Federal Title IV program designed to encourage highly qualified teachers to serve in low-income schools in high-need fields. Grant recipients agree to teach for at least four years within eight years of finishing their teacher preparation program and to teach high-need students in designated schools that serve low-income students.
For more information, visit https://studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program.
Michigan Future Educator Fellowship
The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers $10,000 scholarship to up to 2,500 future educators every year.
For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/new-programs-for-future-educators/mi-future-educator-fellowship.
Michigan Future Educator Stipend
The MI Future Educator Stipend award amount can be up to $9,600 per semester for the applicant’s full-time, required student teaching semester.
For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/new-programs-for-future-educators/mi-future-educator-stipend.