Know the Financial Difference: Assistantships and Fellowships (Hover over the blocks to learn more)
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Which type of aid is right for you?
Your individual situation is unique: you may have additional sources of income (like full-time employment, family, or a working spouse), or external scholarships that impact your tuition and loan calculations. The following scenario is an illustration of the impact a fellowship or assistantship can have on your eligibility for federal student loans. Always check with the Financial Aid Office to discuss your specific financial needs and options.
Consider this scenario: The 2021-2022 9-month cost of attendance at UWM is $30,322. The typical federal loan offer is $20,500. Financial aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
Here is an example showing the difference in how an assistantship or fellowship affects federal loan eligibility.
| Fellowship | Stipend: $15,000 Tuition Waiver: $10,700 Total aid provided by fellowship: $25,700 Remaining cost of attendance: $4622 | Federal Loan offer: $4622 |
| Assistantship | Stipend: does not count as financial aid Tuition Waiver: does not count as financial aid Remaining cost of attendance: $30,322 | Federal Loan offer: $20,500 |