General

The Board of Regents reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Current tuition, fee, and cost information is available on the Student Financial Services website.

Student Financial Services

Aber Hall 5th Floor

32 Campus Drive

Missoula, Montana 59812

Paying the Registration Bill

A student’s registration is not complete until it is paid. Paying the registration bill confirms registration of the courses listed on the registration bill and the student's acceptance of the associated tuition and fee charges. Even if financial aid and/or scholarships cover the full cost of the registration bill, all students are required to complete their registration by clicking the “Pay Registration Bill” button in GrizPortal. Failure to pay the registration bill will result in the cancellation of classes for the semester. Payment deadlines are published on the Student Financial Services website.

Foreign and Canadian checks are not accepted. Credit card payment is accepted using VISA and MasterCard. A 3% convenience fee is added to all credit card payments. Payment may be completed electronically via the student’s GrizPortal account. For instructions on how to pay your bill, see the How to Pay Your Bill website. Payments can be made online via GrizPortal:

• E-check
• Credit or debit card (3% convenience fee applies)

Payment may be mailed to:

University of Montana

Student Financial Services

5th Floor Aber Hall

32 Campus Drive

Missoula, MT 59812

All payments received in the mail should include the student’s UM ID number and must be received on or before the published payment deadlines on the Student Financial Services website

Tuition and Mandatory Fee Schedules

The tuition and mandatory fee schedules are posted on the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website. Different fee schedules apply to each type of student:

• Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate,
• Missoula College,
• Graduate,
• Graduate TA/RA,
• Law Fall & Spring,
• WUE Undergraduate,
• Online Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate,
• Online Missoula College,
• Online Graduate.

The full schedule of fees and fee definitions are available on the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website or by calling Student Financial Services at 406-243-2223. Students enrolled at 12 or more credits are assessed at the same rate. Students who are enrolled less than 12 credits are assessed per credit. Students enrolled for 6 credits or fewer have the option of paying an additional amount to cover the ASUM activity fee, campus recreation fee, health service fee, and athletic fee.

Montana resident high school eligible students may enroll in Early to College courses through the UM-Missoula College campus. The tuition rate is 50% of the resident Missoula College two-year tuition rate. Mandatory and non-mandatory fees are not assessed except for applicable course fees. Early to College students are not eligible to elect campus services such as the student insurance, Campus Recreation Center, Athletic fee, AUSM fee, and Campus Health Service (may not be all-inclusive).

Audited courses are assessed at the same tuition and fees as courses taken for credit or no-credit.

Delivery of Student Credit Balance Refunds

The University of Montana processes all student credit balance refunds. Refunds are delivered based on the option the student has selected as explained on the Student Refunds website. The student needs to select an option only once unless they change or close their bank account or wish to change their option. If the student does not select an option, a check will be sent to their current mailing address. Even if a student does not expect to receive refunds due to financial aid, it is still important to select an option. For instance, a student may have a credit balance if classes are dropped or they withdraw within the first 15 class days that would create a credit balance refund.

Additional Course Fees

The Board of Regents may approve additional course fees at any time. Additional course fees frequently are assessed for selected courses in subjects such as: Accounting Technology, Art, Biology, Biochemistry, Building Maintenance Engineering, Business, Chemistry, Computer Technology, Culinary Arts, Curriculum and Instruction, Dance, Diesel Equipment Technology, Drama, Educational Leadership, Electronics Technology, Forestry, Geology, Health and Human Performance, Heavy Equipment Operation, Journalism, Legal Studies, Mathematics, Metals Processes, Microbiology, Military Science, Music, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Resource Conservation, Respiratory Therapy, Science, Secretarial Technology, Small Engines, Surgical Technology, Truck, Welding, and Wildlife Biology. This listing may not be all-inclusive and does not preclude a specific fee from being assessed. The current report on Non-Mandatory Fees can be found on the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website.

Special fees are assessed for extended field trips in various departments.

• An Educational Service Fee is charged for the off-campus M.B.A. and M.P.A. programs.
• A fee is charged for cooperative education internships.
• Purchase of supplies, equipment, or tools may be required by certain programs.

Certain programs will also have an additional program tuition added based on the major in which a student is admitted. The programs listed may not be all inclusive and they are Forestry and Conservation Program, Law Program, Masters in Athletic Training Program, Medical Technology Internship Program, Pharmacy Program, Physical Therapy Program, Public Health Program, School of Business Program, Social Work Program and Wildlife Biology Program. For current program-specifice fees see the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website.

Law School Fees

For current School of Law fees, see the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website or contact Student Financial Services. Health insurance coverage is available to students for an additional charge.

Law Special Fees

All persons who apply for admission to the School of Law must pay an acceptance fee. For the current acceptance fee amount and refund conditions, see the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website or contact Student Financial Services. This fee is applied toward payment of fees upon entering and attending the School of Law in the semester for which the application was made.

Law School students are assessed an additional per-credit fee per semester applied to instructional costs, as well as a law activity fee during autumn and an Academic Facilities fee. For current Law School fee amounts, see the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website.

Refund Policy

Refund for Dropped Classes

Students who have paid their registration bill may drop classes through the first fifteen days of the fall and spring semesters. Adjustments of the associated tuition & fees and financial aid will be made to their student account during that time. Beginning with the sixteenth class day, there is no refund for classes dropped, and there is a fee for each class dropped. Students who finalized with financial aid should always check with Student Financial Services before dropping classes to make sure they fully understand the financial impacts of dropping classes as that may result in the student having to immediately repay grant aid they received or make them ineligible to receive aid that has not been disbursed yet.

Refund for Withdrawal from the University

If a student decides to withdraw from classes or has ceased to attend classes after paying their registration bill, the student should contact the University of Montana Registrar’s Office located on the sixth floor of Aber Hall, and complete an Official Withdrawal form to begin the official withdrawal process. This procedure will enable the University to prorate the tuition and fees assessed based upon the date of withdrawal. A percentage-based refund of tuition and fees does occur when a student officially withdraws before the first day of classes or within the first 15 class days of each term. For additional information, please see the UM Withdrawal website. Students ceasing to attend classes who do not complete an official withdrawal form and as a result do not receive any passing grades for the semester will be considered an unofficial withdrawal and will not receive any consideration for refund of tuition and fees.

Students who desire to continue the Blue Cross Health Insurance must contact the Curry Health Center prior to withdrawal within the first 15 class days. Otherwise, the insurance premiums will automatically be refunded and coverage will be lost upon the date of their withdrawal.

Students receiving federal financial aid must be attending classes to remain eligible for the federal financial aid they have received or could be eligible to receive. If a student drops courses, stops attending classes (and unofficial withdrawal), never starts attending a class, or officially withdraws from the University of Montana by completing and submitting the official withdrawal form, the University may be required to return federal funds awarded to the student. It is important for students receiving federal financial aid to contact Student Financial Services at (406) 243-2223 prior to completion of the official withdrawal process or if they are not going to continue to attend classes. If a student officially withdraws during the first fifteen days of class, the tuition and fees will be re-assessed for the semester based upon the official date of withdrawal. If a student does not complete the official withdrawal form and ceases attending and receives no passing grades for the semester, the student is considered to have unofficially withdrawn.

Students who withdraw from the University after paying their registration bill will receive a pro-rated assessment of tuition and fees according to the following schedule. The summer term is also subject to a pro-rated assessment of tuition and fees based on the length of each of the session within the summer term.

Refund for Fall and Spring:

Refund

	Before Classes Begin	1st Week	2nd Week	3rd Week	4th Week or Later
Registration	none	none	none	none	none
Tuition/Fees	100%	90%	75%	50%	none
Blue Cross Ins. **	100%	100%	100%	100%	none
Other Fees	varies	varies	varies	varies	varies

Charges for room and board will be re-assessed on a pro-rated basis. During the final two weeks of the semester, room charges will not be re-assessed. Students who do not formally and completely withdraw are not eligible for a refund. The student will need to contact both UM Housing, located at 101 Turner Hall, and UM Dining located in the Lodge Dinin Center. 

The University of Montana will reassess the tuition and fees for students using the Deferred Payment Plan if the student officially withdraws during the first fifteen days of a semester. The student may still owe a balance to the University.

A student who has officially withdrawn from the semester may petition for hardship consideration if a student meets one of the following conditions or events:

• experiences a catastrophic or life-threatening condition or event  after the 15th class day of the semester that prevents the student from completing the semester;

• has unexpectedly been called to active military duty or training and cannot complete the term; or

• cannot complete the term because of an institutional caused circumstance or event.

Appropriate documentation is required to support the hardship claim. Hardship petitions will need to be filed within 30 days of the end of term for which the hardship is being requested unless there are substantial mitigating circumstances preventing the timely submission of the hardship petition. The hardship petition can be obtained by contacting Student Financial Services during normal business hours.

Return of Title IV Funds (Federal Financial Aid)

The University of Montana refund policy exists for calculating the amount of the federal financial aid that is subject to return when a student officially or unofficially withdraws on or before the 60% point of the term for which the aid was or could have been disbursed. The federal “Return of Title IV Funds” formula dictates the amount of Federal Title IV aid that must be returned to the federal government by the University and the student. The federal formula is applicable to a student receiving Title IV Funds if that student officially or unofficially withdraws. The University of Montana is required to return the Title IV funds to the federal government and the U.S. Department of Education within 45 days of determining the student is no longer attending. A student’s official or unofficial withdrawal date is determined by:

• the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process or officially notified the institution of intent to withdraw;

• the midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the institution (unofficial);

• or, the last date of attendance by the student at a documented academically related activity.

The federal formula requires a return of Title IV aid if the student received federal financial assistance in the form of a Federal Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, Iraq/Afghanistan Service Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized), or Federal Parent or Graduate PLUS loans for students who officially or unofficially withdraw on or before completing 60% of the semester. The percentage of Title IV aid to be returned is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester (based on the official withdrawal date) divided by the number of calendar days in the semester (scheduled academic breaks of five consecutive days or more are excluded). After all Title IV aid return requirements have been satisfied, any credit balances on a student’s account will be first applied to satisfy outstanding University tuition, fees, and institutional charges, then to any Grant overpayments and finally any remaining credit balances will then be refunded to the student.

If a student officially or unofficially withdraw from the University of Montana before completing 60% of the semester, they may have to repay any unearned financial aid funds that were already disbursed. A post-withdrawal disbursement may be made if a student shows eligibility for Title IV aid. Students should contact Student Financial Services with any questions about refund of tuition and fees or the calculation of the return of federal financial aid prior to official withdrawal or ceasing to attend.

Distribution Priority for Return of Title IV Funds

1. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
2. Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
3. Federal Perkins Loan
4. Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
5. Federal Parent PLUS Loan
6. Federal Pell Grant Program
7. Federal SEOG Program
8. Federal TEACH Grant
9. Federal Iraq/Afghanistan Service Grant
10. State, Private, or Institutional Aid
11. The Student

Other Costs and Policies

Late Registration

A student who does not complete registration, including payment of tuition and fees, by the seventh class day is assessed a late registration fee of the amount listed on the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website. An additional late registration fee is assessed on the 16th class day if the registration bill is not paid. After the fifteenth class day, a petition is required to register and, if approved, the total late registration fee is assessed. Students may also request a Late Registration Fee Waiver.

Returned Checks

A charge of the amount listed on the Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance website will be assessed on checks (paper or electronic) returned from the bank. Any paper or electronic check tendered in payment of registration fees and not honored by the bank upon which it is drawn may result in cancellation of a student's registration. If the student’s registration is cancelled, the student will be required to re-register and may be subject to the late registration fees in addition to the returned check service charge.

Fee Policy on Drop/Adds

Students must pay for all courses for which they are enrolled upon assessment of their registration bill. However, within the first fifteen class days, they may drop or add courses. The courses for which students are enrolled on the fifteenth class day will determine any fee adjustments or financial aid adjustments. Beginning the sixteenth class day, courses dropped will not result in a reduction of fees, but courses added that increase credit hour enrollment may result in additional tuition and fees charges. Payment is due within 10 days of the day courses are added.

GrizPortal will not allow a student to drop all courses. Dropping all courses is considered a withdrawal from the University. Please refer to the Withdrawal section for information on how to withdraw and the associated refund policy.

Drop/Add Processing Fee

A processing fee will be charged for each course that is added or dropped after the fifteenth instructional day for fifteenth instructional day equivalent. 

Deferred Payment Plan

The University of Montana offers a payment plan to help students and their families pay their tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board. For eligibility criteria, payment schedule, and application instructions, see the Payment Plans website. Eligibility is based on the following criteria:

• Making payments as scheduled.
• Existing credit history with the University.
• Full completion, approval and signing all required documents.

The plan provides for the payment of at least one fourth of the total fees along with an administrative charge at the time of the registration bill assessment.

For current payment dates, see the Payment Plans page.

Registration, tuition and mandatory fees less any Financial Aid may be deferred. Student insurance and non-mandatory/course fees may not be deferred. A late payment fee will be assessed each time a payment is late.

Applications are submitted via GrizPortal. See the Payment Plans website for full instructions.

The signing and adherence to the terms and conditions of a promissory note will be required. Any person who is receiving financial aid that fully covers their tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board who owes the University any fees, fines, loans or other charges or who has previously been approved for the Deferred Payment Plan and failed to make timely payments may be determined to be to be ineligible to use the Deferred Payment Plan. 

This plan is not available for the summer session.

Monthly Billing Statements

Electronic notification will be e-mailed to the student’s official University of Montana e-mail account. It is the student’s responsibility to check their official University of Montana e-mail account for these statements and notices.

Payments can be made

1. online in GrizPortal;

2. at the cashiers station located in Griz Central (2nd floor Lommasson Center); or

3. by mailing payments to
   
   Student Financial Services
   The University of Montana
   32 Campus Drive #2304
   Missoula, MT 59812-2304

For full instructions, see the How to Pay Your Bill website.

Non Payment

A student who owes regular fees and charges including room and board or has an overdue debt owed to the University for any fees, fines, or other charges will not be able to register or access any University facilities or services until the full amount due has been paid or satisfactorily resolved with Student Financial Services. The student may also be subject to any attorney's fees or other costs or charges necessary for the collection of the amount owed may and this amount may  be added to the balance due. The University of Montana also reserves the right to use the Montana State Department of Revenue to offset and receive any funds that may be refunded by the State of Montana to the student. The University of Montana reserves the right to refer unpaid accounts to third-party collection agents under contract with the University of Montana. For more information, see the Financial Holds website.

Determination of In-State Fee Status

Please see the Residency Information website.

Costs of On-Campus Services

Housing and Dining Services

Students living in UM Housing are required to contract for a meal plan with UM Dining. Room and board rates are the same for in-state and out of-state students. Occupants may select any meal plan to obtain the number of meals preferred and choose from a variety of room options.

Students who are approved to move out of the residence halls and terminate their meal plan contract will receive a prorated refund based upon the days remaining in the semester less the cancellation fee. For more information and charges, see the UM Housing Office website and UM Dining website.

Vehicle Registration Fee

All vehicles parking on campus must display current campus vehicle registration between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday year round. Students, staff or faculty may purchase window or hanger decals.

More information can be found on the UM Transportation and Parking Services website.

Veterans' Benefits for Education Assistance Under Public Law 95-202 and Public Law 815

For Veteran information visit the Military and Veteran Services Office Website.

Student Financial Services at the University of Montana administers federal, state, and institutional aid programs designed to help eligible students pay for their educational expenses. Amounts of awards vary and depend upon the student’s financial need as well as the amount of funds available for distribution.

To apply for financial aid, students and parents of dependent students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA can be filed electronically and can be found on the Federal Student Aid FAFSA website.

To be eligible for financial aid, an individual must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and have applied for admission to the University as a degree-seeking student.

Students applying for financial assistance are considered for all aid programs for which they are eligible. Assistance is offered in the form of grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, student and parent loans, and work opportunities. For a full overview of aid types, see Student Financial Services Types of Financial Aid website.

Publications describing the different programs, eligibility criteria, satisfactory progress, and application procedures are available via the Student Financial Services Financial Aid website, at the Student Financial Servies, Aber Hall 5th Floor, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812, or telephone at (406) 243-5373.

Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply for aid. Assistance to graduate students is generally limited to long-term loans and work opportunities. Information on graduate fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships may be found on the Graduate School website.

Although student expenses will vary according to differences in courses of study, residency status, housing arrangements, transportation costs, and other factors, the Cost of Attendance website provides current estimated costs for a school year. Between-semester expenses should not be overlooked.

Please remember that policies and procedures governing financial assistance at UM are subject to change at any time, without prior notification or publication, due to changes in university, state, and/or federal guidelines and regulations.

The Student Financial Services office hours and contact information are available on the Student Financial Services website.