🏆Chancellor’s Scholarship: Full tuition (competitive) — see Flagship (Competitive) for details.
Average Net Price
$10,904/year
What families actually paid on average
Automatic Merit (OOS)
$7,500–$12,500/year (Non-Resident Merit)
Automatically awarded based on GPA at admission
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.0–4.0 tiers (3.25+ for $7,500+)
Merit award level determined by GPA range
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT if provided
Key Deadlines
Admission: Rolling • Merit: automatic at admission • FAFSA: file ASAP
Apply early for best scholarship consideration
Honors Program
University Honors Program
Perks: small classes, research funding, and faculty mentorship
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Go Blue Guarantee (in-state full tuition & fees)
For eligible MI residents (income/assets ≤ $125k; GPA criteria)
Residency & Waivers
Great Lakes Scholarship (border states/ON pay in-state)
IL, IN, MN, NY, OH, PA, WI, Ontario
The University of Michigan–Dearborn combines the prestige of the U-M system with an accessible price tag. Students with strong academic profiles can automatically qualify for generous non-resident merit awards, and eligible Michigan residents may receive the Go Blue Guarantee, which covers full in-state tuition and mandatory fees.
With test-optional admissions, regional Great Lakes tuition discounts, and a focus on small classes and applied research, UM-Dearborn offers one of the best values in Michigan’s public university system.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — UM-Dearborn is test-optional and considers GPA, leadership, and service for scholarships.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21–28; SAT: 1050–1310 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $10,904/year after aid (College Scorecard). See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — the Great Lakes Scholarship lets eligible students from IL, IN, MN, NY, OH, PA, WI, and Ontario pay the in-state tuition rate.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Michigan–Dearborn 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
Expense
In-State
Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees (15 credits, two semesters)
$16,240
$34,162
Housing & Meals
$11,330
$11,330
Total
$27,570
$45,492
Note: Books & supplies (~$1,300), transportation (~$2,194), and personal/miscellaneous (~$1,662) are
indirect costs that vary by student and are not paid directly to the university,
so they are listed here and excluded from the table totals.
Average Net Price: $10,904 (2022–23). This is what families actually paid on average after grants
and scholarships — no loans included.
Michigan Aid & Guarantees:
Go Blue Guarantee: Covers full undergraduate tuition & mandatory fees for in-state students
with family income ≤ $125,000 and assets ≤ $125,000. Students must also maintain the minimum GPA set by
UM-Dearborn.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship: Up to $5,500/yr for eligible Michigan high school graduates
with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $30,000 or less.
Example: An in-state student with a $16,240 tuition bill could see it reduced to $0 if they qualify for
Go Blue. With the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a qualifying student could bring that bill down to about
$10,700 before other aid.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for the Go Blue Guarantee?
Michigan residents with family income ≤ $125,000 and assets ≤ $125,000, who also meet the GPA and FAFSA requirements
set by UM-Dearborn.
How much is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship worth?
Up to $5,500 per year for students attending a Michigan public university; minimum $2,500 if eligible. The exact
award depends on FAFSA results and SAI.
Do I need to apply separately?
Both the Go Blue Guarantee and Michigan Achievement Scholarship are awarded automatically once you submit the FAFSA.
No CSS Profile is required at UM-Dearborn. While the university encourages early filing, always confirm the most
up-to-date FAFSA priority deadline on the UM-Dearborn financial aid site.
UM-Dearborn automatically considers every admitted first-year student for merit scholarships. Awards are based on high school GPA and are renewable if your student maintains good standing. No separate application is needed.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Dean’s Scholarship
$7,000–$10,000/yr
High school GPA at admission (~3.8–4.0)
No
Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr
Students with ~3.8–4.0 GPAs*
Rolling (apply by March 1 for priority)
Dearborn Scholars
$5,000–$7,000/yr
High school GPA at admission (~3.6–3.85)
No
Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr
Students with ~3.6–3.85 GPAs*
Rolling (apply by March 1 for priority)
Distinction Scholarship
$3,000–$5,000/yr
High school GPA at admission (~3.3–3.6)
No
Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr
Students with ~3.3–3.6 GPAs*
Rolling (apply by March 1 for priority)
Gateway Scholarship
$1,000–$2,500/yr
High school GPA at admission (~3.0–3.3)
No
Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr
Students with ~3.0–3.3 GPAs*
Rolling (apply by March 1 for priority)
Non-Resident Merit Award
$7,500–$12,500/yr
High school GPA at admission (~3.25+; non-resident students)
No
Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr
Students with ~3.25+ GPAs*
Rolling (apply by March 1 for priority)
*Estimates based on published award bands and typical recipient profiles. Actual cutoffs may shift year to year depending on the applicant pool and available funding.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply for these scholarships?
No — all admitted first-year students are automatically reviewed for merit awards.
Does UM-Dearborn superscore the SAT/ACT?
UM-Dearborn does not list a superscore policy for automatic scholarships. Awards are based on GPA, and test scores are not required for admission or merit aid.
Can these awards stack with other aid?
Yes, most automatic scholarships can be combined with state or federal aid. However, if you earn a full-tuition award like the Chancellor’s Scholarship, you may not be able to stack additional tuition-based awards.
Some of UM-Dearborn’s biggest awards aren’t automatic — they require an extra application, essays, or an interview. These scholarships are limited in number and highly selective, but for families they can make a big difference if your student stands out academically and personally.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Chancellor’s Scholarship
Full in-state tuition & mandatory fees (up to 8 semesters)
Michigan residents with strong academic records (typically ≥3.8 GPA*), invited to compete
Yes — essay & competition steps
Yes — must maintain GPA and full-time enrollment
Top academic students with leadership, service, and strong writing; usually Honors-eligible
February (annual competition deadline)
Detroit Promise Scholarship
Covers full tuition after other grants and scholarships
Graduates of Detroit high schools who meet GPA and residency requirements
Yes — apply through Detroit Promise
Yes — must maintain satisfactory progress
Detroit students who file FAFSA early and meet GPA benchmarks (around 3.0+)
February 1 (eligibility lock-in)
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Up to $5,500/yr at public universities
Michigan high school graduates with a Student Aid Index ≤ $30,000
No separate app — FAFSA required
Yes — up to 5 years, must remain eligible
Students with financial need who complete FAFSA early
FAFSA priority (recommend by March 1)
*GPA ranges marked with an asterisk are estimates based on past awardees and published criteria. Actual cutoffs can shift each year depending on the applicant pool.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why are these considered competitive?
They’re not guaranteed — you’ll need strong academics, essays, or to meet extra eligibility rules. Only a limited number of students are chosen each year.
Are these worth the extra effort?
Yes. Full-tuition programs like the Chancellor’s Scholarship can completely cover tuition, saving families thousands of dollars.
Can I stack these with automatic scholarships?
Some competitive awards (like the Chancellor’s) replace other merit awards. Others, like the Detroit Promise or Michigan Achievement Scholarship, act as “last dollar” aid and combine with institutional awards.
What deadlines should families watch?
Chancellor’s steps are typically due in February of senior year. Detroit Promise has a February 1 GPA/eligibility cutoff. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship follows FAFSA timelines—file as early as possible (by March 1 recommended).
Beyond the big automatic and competitive awards, UM-Dearborn students have access to other programs that can quietly reduce costs. These include ROTC opportunities, identity-based aid, research stipends, and study abroad funding.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Air Force ROTC (Detachment 390)
Up to full tuition, plus stipend & book allowance
U.S. citizens meeting AFROTC academic & fitness standards
Yes — AFROTC national application
Yes — must meet performance and service requirements
STEM-focused students with strong leadership and physical fitness
Dec 31 (national cycle)
Army ROTC
Full tuition, $420/month stipend, plus book allowance
Students meeting Army ROTC standards; must enroll through U-M program
Yes — Army ROTC national application
Yes — must meet academic and service obligations
Students interested in leadership, military service, and physical training
Feb 4 (national), rolling
NSF STEM Scholars
Scholarship support; varies based on program funding
U.S. citizen or permanent resident; ≥3.0 GPA; calculus readiness; declared STEM major; financial need
Yes — program application
Varies by grant cycle
First-year and transfer STEM majors with financial need and academic potential
May 1 (priority)
Study Abroad Funding
Covers part of program costs (can use federal/institutional aid)
UM-Dearborn students in approved programs
Yes — through financial aid & program office
No — applies to individual trips
Students planning study abroad who complete paperwork early
March 1/Oct 1
International Undergraduate Scholarship
Up to $12,500/yr (max $50,000 over 4 years)
First-year international students; 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr
No — automatic
Yes — with GPA & credit requirements
International students with strong records
Rolling (apply by March 1 priority)
Go Blue Guarantee
Full in-state tuition & fees
MI residents; family income/asset cutoff; GPA required
No — FAFSA required
Yes — maintain GPA/progress
In-state students with solid GPA and income/assets under threshold
March 1 (FAFSA priority)
Detroit Promise Scholarship
Full tuition after other grants/scholarships
Grad of Detroit public high school; residency & GPA requirement
Yes — Detroit Promise app
Yes — good standing required
Detroit students who file FAFSA and meet deadlines
Feb 1 (eligibility lock-in)
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Up to $5,500/yr
MI high school grad; Student Aid Index ≤$30,000
No — FAFSA required
Yes — up to 5 years
Financial need—FAFSA early
March 1 (FAFSA priority)
919 Scholarship Fund
Varies—need-based
MI high school grad, leadership, community service
Yes — campus portal
Varies
Service-minded students with need
March 1
Blenda J. Wilson Endowed Incentive Scholarship
Varies
Detroit grad, need, leadership/service
Yes — campus portal
Varies
Detroit grads with need/service
March 1
Thomas Safran Family Scholarship
Varies
Community service, financial need
Yes — campus portal
Varies
Service-oriented with need
March 1
U-M Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
Varies
U-M campuses; social justice involvement
Yes — UM app
Varies
Civically engaged students
March 1
Center for the Education of Women (CEW+) Scholarships
Varies—often $2,000–$10,000
Nontraditional, STEM gender diversity, or interrupted pathway
Yes — CEW+ app
Varies
Returning/adult learners and underrepresented women
March 1
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Varies
Family connection to UM-Dearborn alum
Yes — campus portal
Varies
Legacy students with strong academics
March 1
Hidden Gem FAQ
Are ROTC scholarships full rides?
Yes, they can cover full tuition plus provide stipends and book allowances. In return, students commit to service after graduation.
Can study abroad be affordable?
Yes. You can apply your federal and institutional aid to approved programs, and UM-Dearborn offers extra scholarships to offset costs.
Who should look at NSF STEM Scholars?
Strong STEM students with financial need who are calculus-ready and want mentoring and research opportunities.
Can international students get aid?
Yes. UM-Dearborn’s International Undergraduate Scholarship offers up to $12,500 per year automatically to eligible students.
If your student thrives in small, discussion-based classes and wants extra challenge without extra time, UM-Dearborn’s Honors Program is a great fit. It’s an invite-to-apply experience for high-achieving first-years, with a supportive cohort and courses that count toward degree requirements—so families don’t pay for “extras” that delay graduation.
How admission works: Eligible admits (typically ≥3.5 HS GPA) are invited to apply. Notifications often go out in January, required steps are due in late February, and decisions/confirmations follow in spring. Continuing eligibility in Honors requires maintaining good academic standing (UM-Dearborn lists a minimum 3.2 UM GPA for Honors standing).
What a Typical UM-Dearborn Honors Student Looks Like
GPA: 3.7–4.0 in rigorous college-prep courses*
Rigor: AP/IB/dual-enrollment or top-tier senior schedule
Leadership & Service: consistent roles in school, community, or work
Fit: enjoys small seminars, discussion, and faculty engagement
*Honors eligibility begins around ≥3.5 HS GPA; the range above reflects common admits and is an estimate.
Honors Perks That Matter
Small seminars (≈25 students) with close faculty interaction
Scholarship portal; targeted for Honors students (any class year)
Yes — separate application
Varies
Honors students with strong academics and involvement
March 1
Charles M. Krafchak Scholarship
Varies
Scholarship portal; prioritized for Honors students (any class year)
Yes — separate application
Varies
Honors students with strong applications and potential
March 1
*GPA ranges are estimates based on recent profiles and campus data; selection varies year by year.
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA?
No. Qualified students are invited to apply; selection is holistic and space-limited.
Does Honors add time or extra credits?
No. Honors seminars meet degree requirements, helping students graduate in four years.
When should we act?
Watch for the January invitation, complete all steps by late Feb, confirm acceptance in spring.
Are there extra dollars for Honors?
Yes — top applicants compete for the Chancellor’s Scholarship; others have access to named awards in the portal that typically require a separate application.
If your student is considering UM-Dearborn, you’ll hear a lot about how it’s rooted in Metro Detroit’s industries and community connections. This is a campus that pairs strong professional programs with small-class support — especially in engineering, business, and applied sciences. Families looking for career-ready pathways in Michigan often find UM-Dearborn to be a practical and respected choice.
Standout Program:
Automotive & Mobility Engineering — UM-Dearborn is nationally recognized for its automotive and mobility systems programs, benefiting from its location in the heart of the auto industry. Students tap into internships and careers with Ford, GM, Stellantis, and the growing EV/AV sector.
College of Business (AACSB-accredited) — Consistently ranked among the Top 3 undergraduate business programs in Michigan and Top 100 nationally (Poets&Quants, 2025).
Online & Professional IT Programs — U.S. News (2025) ranked UM-Dearborn’s online IT graduate programs #41 nationally and #2 among Michigan public universities.
STEM Pathways — Strong pipelines in computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, with ties to regional employers.
Regional Public Recognition — Repeatedly named a Top Public Regional University in the Midwest by U.S. News (2024–25 editions).
For families weighing UM-Dearborn, the picture is clear: this campus pairs affordable tuition with meaningful scholarships and strong professional pathways. From automatic GPA-based aid to competitive awards and hidden gems like the Go Blue Guarantee or Detroit Promise, there are many ways to make college more affordable. Add in the Honors Program and standout majors like automotive engineering or business, and UM-Dearborn becomes a practical, career-focused choice in the heart of Michigan’s economy.
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