Miami Within Reach

In his January 29, 2016, inaugural address, “Charting the Course to Our New Century,” President Julio Frenk committed the University of Miami to meet 100 percent of admitted students’ demonstrated financial need.

A University of Miami experience is enriched by enrolling a diverse group of high achieving and motivated students. Beginning in Fall 2021, all admitted students will have the opportunity to attend the University of Miami, regardless of socioeconomic status.

The University’s modified approach to financial aid, which will now include meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need, will open up the dynamic and unique University of Miami experience for all admitted and enrolling students. The University of Miami reaffirms its commitment to excellence and takes another step toward bringing a world-class education within reach for more students, while working to reduce student debt.

Also known as “need-based” aid, our Miami Within Reach program is available to all eligible, full-time undergraduate students who have completed and submitted their FAFSA and CSS Profile with required income and wage documentation by the stated deadline. Non-US citizens/permanent residents do not complete the FAFSA but must complete and submit the CSS Profile to the College Board and the required Financial Certification Form to the Office of Undergraduate Admission by the stated deadline. Questions regarding financial aid for international students should be directed to intladmission@miami.edu.

The University of Miami meets the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students in their first year at UM. Assuming there is a not a meaningful change in a family’s financial profile, the student meets Satisfactory Academic Progress thresholds, and the student files a FAFSA each year, the financial aid awarded in the first year will not change over the course of the student’s next three academic years.   

Need is determined using institutional methodology to calculate an Expected Family Contribution. Then, our Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment crafts a combination of grants, loans and other sources of aid to cover the difference.

Here are a few terms you will need to know as you go through the admission and aid processes:

Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total estimate of billable charges for tuition, room, and board as well as additional expenses for books, supplies, and some personal needs.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount of money a student’s family is responsible for paying toward the Cost of Attendance. This amount is based on the family income and asset information provided on the FAFSA and CSS Profile. To get an estimate of your family’s EFC, visit UM’s Net Price Calculator. (Please note this will provide only an estimate; your actual aid eligibility will be determined by the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment using the information you submit on the aid applications.)

Demonstrated Financial Need is the difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution. This is the amount your financial aid package will be designed to cover.

Once your demonstrated financial need is determined, award packages are built to meet the entire sum of this amount at the time of admission. These packages consist largely of grants, which you do not need to repay. This approach to financial aid is aimed at keeping your debt burden at graduation comparatively low.

The University of Miami has numerous financial aid opportunities to make your prestigious education affordable. If you’ve got passion, we have a path to transform your aspirations and interests into a rewarding career. Depending on your financial situation, you may be eligible for grants, low-interest student loans, work-study programs, scholarships, or a combination of all four. Remember, all applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships, regardless of financial need.

To apply for need-based aid, submit the required documents by the stated deadline. Aid requirements deadlines can be found on the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment website.

Please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment for a comprehensive list of aid programs for Florida students.

The University of Miami awards merit scholarships to incoming first-year students based on a holistic review of your application, including your academic achievements. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships regardless of admission plan. To be considered for our Premier Scholarships, which cover up to the full cost of attendance annually, students must apply by the November 1 deadline.

The University of Miami also offers merit-based scholarships for transfer applicants. Awards are between $10,000 and $15,000 per year.

• What does UM mean by “within reach”?

  We offer all admitted students a financial aid package that will cover the difference between what students and families can afford (i.e., Expected Family Contribution) and the Cost of Attendance (COA).

• How is UM making tuition affordable for applicants?

  Thanks to extended financial aid packages, students may be offered one or all four types of aid, which include grants, low-interest student loans, work-study programs, and scholarships. 

• What expenses are included in the Cost of Attendance?

  For financial aid purposes, the total cost of attending UM includes expenses such as tuition, housing, meals, local transportation, books, supplies, and estimated personal expenses.

• How is total financial aid calculated?

  The math is simple. The University of Miami will calculate your family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on your FAFSA and CSS Profile and subtract your family’s EFC from the Cost of Attendance (COA). This amount is called demonstrated financial need. The University of Miami will provide an award package that meets 100 percent of your family’s demonstrated financial need, whatever amount that is at the time of admission.

• Is the University of Miami need aware or need blind?

  Since 2016, the University has committed to meeting a greater percent of an admitted student’s demonstrated financial need. However, the University’s approach to financial aid had resulted in a small number of admitted students experiencing a gap between what their family could afford (i.e., Expected Family Contribution) and the Cost of Attendance. This gap will now be eliminated, thus increasing the range of admitted students who will be able to attend the University.

  
  

  In order to eliminate this gap, like other selective institutions, the University is adopting need-aware admission. Using institutional methodology, financial need will be considered in the application review process for a limited number of applicants to ensure financial aid is awarded to those admitted students with financial need who have the greatest likelihood of academic success. Meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students is a priority of the University of Miami along with ensuring graduating students are not burdened by debt.

• Can merit-based scholarships assist with tuition?

  Yes. For first-year applicants, the University of Miami offers merit-based scholarships for academics, arts, and leadership. The scholarships have varied requirements and submission guidelines and cover up to the full cost of attendance annually. Please review the University of Miami’s first-year merit-based scholarships page for more information. 

  
  

  The University of Miami also offers merit-based scholarships for transfer applicants. Awards are between $10,000 and $15,000 per year.