Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009
UDM Academic PoliciesCourse DescriptionsList of All ProgramsFaculty

Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarship and Financial Aid

The UDM Scholarship and Financial Aid Office helps students to meet their educational costs through access to a combination of UDM, federal and state programs designed to make the cost of attending a private university affordable to as many people as possible.

How much assistance is a person or family eligible for? The answer depends on the difference between the cost of a college or university and the family resources that should be contributed toward that cost. The expected family contribution (EFC) is determined according to a formula developed by the Federal Government and is the same no matter which institution a person attends. The cost will vary greatly among different colleges. At UDM, complete educational costs in the 2008-2009 academic year (tuition, room & board, books and fees) are $37,028.

The EFC not only takes the family income into account, but also the total number of children in the family and the number of family members attending college and pursuing a degree at the same time. In other words, no one should assume that financial assistance to attend a private university is unavailable until the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been completed and reviewed.

UDM also awards scholarships based on academic merit without regard to financial need, although everyone receiving a merit-based award is expected to complete the FAFSA.

Financial aid awards from the Federal Government and the State of Michigan are subject to a student making satisfactory progress toward earning a degree according to the details of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy described below. SAP requires students not only to maintain a satisfactory grade point average but also to successfully complete a minimum number of courses each academic year. SAP for financial aid may differ from academic standards for continued enrollment in each UDM college. In other words, it is possible for students to lose financial aid eligibility but remain eligible to enroll at UDM.

The most important point about financial aid eligibility is simple: the more expensive the college, the more assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans is available. For most UDM students, the real cost difference between attending a private university and public university is far less than the starting tuition costs.

How to Apply

The outline below is written for people new to UDM. It is necessary to apply for financial aid on an annual basis several months before the start of each new academic year.

First: Apply for admission at the UDM Admissions Office. Accepted students are automatically considered for UDM scholarships based on academic merit. These are described under UDM Academic Awards.

Second: Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed on-line. Be sure to have a copy of the report be sent to University of Detroit Mercy (code 002323). Michigan residents should list University of Detroit Mercy as the first school on the FAFSA in order to be considered for a Michigan Tuition Grant or Competitive Scholarship. The Michigan Tuition Grant is available only to residents attending a private college or university. Pay special attention to the questions regarding state of residence and date of residence on the FAFSA since these areas determine eligibility for programs funded by the State of Michigan.

Information about scholarships and financial aid is sent automatically to students when they first inquire about admission at the Admission Office. UDM admissions counselors are knowledgeable about financial aid programs and can answer most questions prospective students have. Questions can also be sent to the Scholarship and Financial Aid Office, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 West McNichols Road, Detroit, Michigan 48221-3038 or can be made by phone to (313) 993-3350, FAX (313) 993-3347 or e-mail finaid@udmercy.edu. Additional information can be found on the Financial Aid Home Page .

UDM Academic Awards

UDM rewards hard working students who have the academic ability to succeed, regardless of their family’s income. That means all freshmen students who are regularly admissible to UDM and are planning to attend full-time are eligible for an academic award or scholarship that is renewable for four years (five years for Architecture students). The amount is determined after reviewing the student’s GPA and ACT or SAT scores. Students who apply for admission by January 1 will receive preferential scholarship consideration.

Spiritus Scholarships
Our top academic scholars are designated as Spiritus Scholars and are eligible for a renewable academic award of at least $14,000 per year. Spiritus Scholars typically present credentials of a 3.7 GPA and a competitive ACT or SAT score.

Insignis Scholarships
This scholarship program is for the very top academic students who will be incoming freshmen at UDM. Students that meet the minimum requirements will be eligible for a scholarship that is renewable for up to 4 year (5 years for Architecture students) of full time undergraduate tuition. Minimum 3.9 GPA and a competitive ACT of SAT score are required. Valedictorians are automatically considered for this $19,500 scholarship.

Jesse Slaton Memorial Scholarships
This scholarship was established in memory of a University of Detroit Law School graduate to assist talented African-American students in attending UDM. This scholarship is renewable for up to 4 year (5 years for Architecture students) of full time undergraduate tuition. Minimum 3.9 GPA and a competitive ACT or SAT score are required. Valedictorians are automatically considered for the full tuition scholarship.

Benefactors Academic/ Deans/Hispanic Scholarships
Students with a 3.0 GPA and a competitive ACT or SAT score will receive a Benefactors Academic Scholarship. Those students with a 3.0 GPA and competitive ACT or SAT score who have an interest in studying architecture, business, engineering, nursing, pre-law, or education will receive a Dean’s Scholarship. Hispanic students with above average scores will receive the Hispanic Leadership Scholarship. The above scholarships are worth $12,000, renewable every year for four years (five for Architecture students).

Pastors Grant Program
This grant is for full-time freshman students who are members of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit. They will receive a one-time $500 freshman year scholarship. The student must submit a letter of recommendation on parish stationary from the parish pastor.

Theatre Scholarship
Full-time freshmen students pursuing a major in theatre may audition for a $1,000 theatre scholarship to complement their financial aid package. Students must be regularly admitted to the theatre program and be invited by the theatre faculty to audition during the winter semester.

Alumni Grant
An Alumni Grant of $1,000 per year is awarded to full-time, dependent undergraduate students who have a parent who graduated from University of Detroit Mercy, University of Detroit or Mercy College of Detroit.

Canadian Students
Students graduating from a Canadian high school are eligible for UDM academic awards and/or scholarships. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (800) 635-5020.

All UDM academic awards and scholarships are subject to change.

Academic Awards and Scholarships for Transfer Students

UDM Grant
All full-time transfer students a GPA of 2.0 or higher will receive a UDM grant. Students with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.49, $5,000 per year; 2.5 to 2.99, $6,500 per year; 3.0 to 3.49, $8,000 per year; 3.5 to 4.00, $10,000.

Jesuit Founders’ Scholarships for Full-Time Students
Up to 10 full-tuition scholarships are awarded each academic year. To become eligible for a full-tuition scholarship, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, have 24+ transferable credits from an accredited college or university, and plan to enroll full-time. The maximum scholarship period is seven semesters of full-time study based on the number of transferable credits (averaging 15+ credit hours each semester). Each semester the scholarship is renewable if the student maintains full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Summer terms are optional and are considered part of the semesters covered. Non-U.S. citizens and students with a previous bachelor’s degree are not eligible.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships for Full-time Students
Each academic year, at least two full-tuition scholarships are awarded to students who plan to attend UDM full time and are members of the PTK Honor Society. To become eligible for a full-tuition scholarship, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and 24+ transferable credits from an accredited college or university. Students must also submit a scholarship essay and two letters of recommendation. The maximum scholarship period is seven semesters based on the number of transferable credits (averaging 15+ credit hours per semester). Each semester the scholarship is renewable if the student maintains full-time enrollment and a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

Alumni Grant
An Alumni Grant of $1,000 per year is awarded to full-time, dependent undergraduate transfer students who have a parent who graduated from University of Detroit Mercy, the University of Detroit or Mercy College of Detroit.

International Student Grant
UDM will offer a $2,000 academic award to any full-time undergraduate international student who transfers from another American institution to UDM (subject to change).

Scholarships Offered by the Schools & Colleges

School of Architecture

AIA/AA Foundation Scholarship Program
This program granted through the American Institute of Architects provides scholarship opportunities to students in one of the last two years of a professional degree program. Based upon student population, this School is eligible to support two such scholarship applications. Apply directly to AIA.

AIA Minority Disadvantaged Scholarship Program
This program, granted through the American Institute of Architects, provides scholarships for students from minority/disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise have the opportunity to be enrolled in professional architectural studies. Apply directly to AIA.

Several other scholarships are available from funds donated in the memory of former students and faculty as well as from contributions from various architectural firms.

College of Engineering & Science

Chemistry Scholarships
Several tuition scholarships are available annually for Chemistry/Biochemistry majors.

Fuller Memorial Scholarship
A monetary award presented to sophomore Civil & Environmental Engineering students.

Other scholarships are available from corporations and engineering societies including General Motors Corporation, Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Additionally, there are several scholarships available from funds donated by alumni and other supporters of the College. Please contact the E&S dean’s office for more information.

Financial Aid Programs Based on Need

This section includes programs and awards offered by the State of Michigan and the Federal government. Eligibility and funding may change annually for any program listed.

The Michigan Tuition Grant and Michigan Competitive Scholarship
The Michigan Tuition Grant Program provides financial assistance to students who are Michigan residents attending a qualifying private Michigan institution, including UDM. Students demonstrating financial need may be awarded grants from $525 to $2,100 for up to five years of undergraduate study.

The Michigan Competitive Scholarship is awarded to approximately 6,000 Michigan freshman students each year and is renewable for up to five years. To qualify for this scholarship, students must complete the American College Test (ACT) with a high score. Students awarded the scholarship must demonstrate financial need and may receive from $525 to $2,100 each academic year. The FAFSA must be received by the federal processor by March 1 preceding the academic year for both state programs.

Both the Michigan Tuition Grant and the Michigan Competitive Scholarship are available annually to students who meet these requirements: U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status, Michigan residency, continuous residence in the State of Michigan for at least one full calendar year (beginning July 1 of the year prior to the year of application), demonstrated financial need, and satisfactory academic progress. Students may receive funds from only one of these programs each year. Complete the FAFSA each year by March 1

The Michigan Adult Part-time Grant
The Michigan Adult Part-time Grant is a grant of up to $600 per year for independent high-need students who are returning to school on a part-time basis after an interruption of their education of at least two years. Grant applicants must register for a minimum of six and a maximum of 11 credit hours per term.

The Tuition Incentive Program
The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) is available to Michigan residents who have graduated from high school or obtained a GED certificate within the past four years, are under the age of 20 at the time of high school graduation or GED completion, and meet state-determined income guidelines. Students may either be enrolled in an associate degree program at University of Detroit Mercy (TIP Phase I), or have completed their associate degree or at least 56 transferable credit hours. Students may contact the TIP program toll free at 1-877-323-2287 for more information or an application.

Federal Government Programs

The Pell Grant Program
The Pell Grant program provides the foundation for aid based upon demonstrated need for many students. Awards range from $890 to more than $4,731 for both full- and part-time students. Eligibility is determined by the following criteria: 1) U.S. citizenship or permanent residency 2) enrollment as an undergraduate student without a previous bachelor’s degree, and 3) demonstrated need.

The SEOG Program
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a grant with awards ranging from $200 to $1,600 for undergraduate students enrolled on a full-time basis, 12-18 credits. An award of $100 - $250 for part-time undergraduate enrollment of 3-11 credits with Pell eligibility is also available. Eligibility is determined by the Scholarship and Financial Aid Office after a review of financial need.

Academic Competitiveness Grant
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a grant with awards of up to $750 for first year students and $1300 for second year students who are Pell eligible. Students must be U. S. citizens and have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study and be enrolled in at least a two year academic program acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree or enrolled in a graduate degree program that includes three academic years of undergraduate education. To be eligible for the second year students must have at lest a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant) is a grant with an award up to $4000 for Pell eligible students in their third or fourth year of an eligible program, are U.S. citizens and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students must be pursing an eligible major in physical, life or computer sciences, engineering, technology, mathematics or a critical-need foreign language.

Perkins Loans
Federal Carl Perkins Loans are available to full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Repayment begins after graduation (or if a student enrolls for less than six credit hours) and may extend over a ten-year period. For new borrowers, there is a nine-month grace period before repayment begins. Interest accrues from the beginning of the repayment period at an annual rate of five percent (5%) on the unpaid balance. This program also provides for partial or total loan cancellation for borrowers who enter certain fields of teaching, law enforcement, and certain public health service professions.

Nursing Student Loans
Nursing Student Loans are available to students pursuing a first bachelor’s degree in the Nursing program. Students eligible for this program will be awarded a Nursing Student Loan rather than Federal Carl Perkins loan. Repayment and interest rates parallel those of the Federal Carl Perkins loan. There are currently no cancellations available.

Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program enables students who qualify for financial aid to work on or off campus on a part-time basis while attending classes. Students’ earnings may not exceed their financial need. Applications are available from the Scholarship and Financial Aid Office.

Stafford Loans
The subsidized Federal Stafford Student Loan Program provides low interest loans to students through a lender such as a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union. Repayment of the loan begins six months after the student has graduated, or is enrolled for less than six credit hours. Loan interest is fixed at 6.0 percent. This interest is paid by the federal government (“subsidized”’) while the student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Other Loan Programs
The unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program is a Federal Loan program designed to meet educational costs for anyone without regard to “need.” Interest on the loan is 6.8% and is not paid by the federal government while students are enrolled. Students can pay interest while enrolled or defer interest payment until regular repayment begins six months after the student graduates (or ceases being enrolled on at least a half-time basis).

The Federal PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) Program allows parents of dependent, undergraduate students to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid to pay educational expenses. Loan approval is subject to credit approval. Interest on the Federal PLUS loan is fixed at 8.5 percent, and repayment generally begins within 60 days of the last disbursement of the loan. There is no grace period or interest subsidy on this loan.

Many banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and other commercial lending institutions have special loan programs for students or parents of students attending college. Check with your local banking institution to see if it maintains an educational loan program.

Refunds to Financial Aid Programs
Students who withdraw or reduce their class load during the first four weeks of school or within 60 percent of the term may have their financial aid reduced in proportion to the refund policy cited in the Tuition Refund Policy section of this Catalog. The return of funds to financial aid programs is based upon federally-mandated formulae. Return of funds to financial aid programs are allocated in this order:

  • 1. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
  • 2. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
  • 3. Federal Carl Perkins Loans
  • 4. Federal PLUS loans
  • 5. Federal Pell Grant
  • 6. ACG/SMART Grants
  • 7. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
  • 8. Other federal Title IV assistance
  • 9. Other federal, state, private, or institutional financial aid programs
  • 10. A refund to a student is determined by the formula

This allocation order is mandated by the Federal Government and would change if the present priorities are changed.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements
In order for students to receive financial aid at UDM, they must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in accordance with the guidelines described here. The Federal and State governments mandate a SAP policy for all institutions disbursing their financial aid funds to students. To be eligible for financial aid funds administered by the Financial Aid Office, students must:

  • A. Enroll for a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester
  • B. Complete degree requirements in a specific number of years.
  • C. Complete a specific number of credit hours toward a degree each year.
  • D. Maintain good academic standing in a school or college.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards - Undergraduate Students

  • Must earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 during at least one of two semesters each academic year. Students with a GPA of less than a 2.0 for the two combined semesters may be considered making satisfactory academic progress if the college in which the student enrolled accepts the lower grade point average.
  • Must meet the minimum increment standards toward the completion of a degree as set forth below:

1. Full-time students (those who register for at least 12 credit hours per semester) must complete a 126 credit-hour degree program by the end of the sixth academic year (12 full-time equivalent semesters). In addition, they must complete the minimum number of credit hours per year indicated below:

Academic Years Completed123456
Credit Hours Successfully Completed18365778102126

Students enrolled in a program of study requiring more than 126 credit hours must complete a minimum of 26 credit hours each year beyond the sixth year. The only exception to this policy will be made for students requiring fewer than 26 hours to graduate.

2. Less than full-time students (those who register for 6-11 hours per semester) must complete a 126 credit-hour degree program in a maximum of 12 full-time equivalent semesters.

In addition, the incremental standards below must be met:

Academic Years Completed - 3/4 time123456789
Credit Hours Successfully Completed12243651668196111126

Academic Years Completed - 1/2 time123456789101112
Credit Hours Successfully Completed91827364554667890102114126

Students enrolled in a program of study requiring more than 126 credit hours must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in each year beyond these. The only exception to this policy will be made for students requiring fewer than 12 hours to graduate. All students must complete their degree program within 150 percent of the normal time frame for degree completion, adjusted for the level of attendance (full-time, half-time, etc.).

In addition, at the end of the second year of attendance (calendar year regardless of the number of credit hours completed), the student must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or be making satisfactory progress toward a degree as specified by the school. Thus, students with a cumulative GPA of less than a 2.0 may be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress if the college in which the student is enrolled accepts the lower grade point average. As this policy becomes effective, changes in the appeal process must also be made. Thus, when a student makes an appeal, he or she may also include evidence from the dean of the college or his or her academic advisor, which verifies that the student is making satisfactory academic progress within that college.

Treatment of Withdrawals, Incomplete, Repetitions, and Non-Credit Remedial Courses
For financial aid purposes, only grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D and P will be considered passing grades. Classes elected for audit and credits earned through testing are not considered when determining eligibility.

Grades of I, F, I/F and XF are considered non-passing grades. Grades of I, if changed to passing grades, are taken into consideration. A grade of “W” will be counted as attempted but will not be counted in the calculation of GPA, and will not be considered a course completed toward the incremental requirement.

Students who repeat a course during a semester must meet the grade point and increment standard for the year for continued eligibility for financial aid. Remedial courses are treated the same as all other courses.

Financial Aid Probation
Students receiving financial aid who fail to meet the SAP standards are placed on financial aid probation for one semester. While on probation, these students are considered to be be making satisfactory academic progress. First time financial aid applicants who do not meet SAP requirements are also placed on probation. Students who do not meet SAP requirements are notified by letter after Term II (Winter semester) grades are posted. Along with the letter, students are sent a list of steps to complete to best ensure continued aid eligibility.

Appealing the Loss of Financial Aid Eligibility
Students denied financial aid because of failure to meet SAP requirements may appeal the denial in writing to the Financial Aid Office if there are mitigating circumstances. The appeal must describe in detail all circumstances relative to the student’s inability to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. Students must submit letters of appeal, plus any supporting documents, by the end of the first week of classes (late registration week).

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility
Students may regain academic eligibility for financial aid by meeting the SAP policy while not receiving aid from UDM. To do this, students must complete courses which are applicable to a UDM degree and must achieve the number of credit hours and/or GPA sufficient to meet the SAP policy. To find out more about regaining financial aid eligibility, the student should contact a financial aid officer for assistance.

Academic Eligibility of Transfer Students
To evaluate academic progress for transfer students, the number of credit hours accepted by UDM determines the incremental completion requirements. For example, if a transfer student enters UDM with 36 credit hours, the student is expected to complete a minimum of 21 credit hours during the first year at the University as a full-time student, or 12 credit hours during the first year as a part-time student. These students, for instance, have completed two years in a full- time program or three years in a part-time program of study.

Veterans Benefits

UDM is recognized by the Michigan Department of Education to offer education and training for veterans. Eligibility for all benefits is determined solely by the Veterans Administration (VA). For more information contact the Office of the Registrar, or the Detroit Regional Office of the Veterans Administration, or visit http://www.gibill.va.gov , or call 1-888-442-4551.

All veterans receiving benefits must comply with the satisfactory progress policy. Specifically, all veterans receiving benefits must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for undergraduate, law and dental and 3.0 for graduate programs.

A veteran who allows his/her cumulative GPA to fall below these levels will be placed on probation. A veteran is allowed two semesters to bring his/her GPA above these levels. If the veteran fails to do so, the VA will be notified of unsatisfactory progress and enrollment will not be certified. Certification may resume once the cumulative GPA rises above the previously stated levels.

If a veteran receives a failing grade in or officially withdraws from any class(es), the veteran is obligated to report in writing to the Registrar’s Office the last date of attendance for such class(es). If the veteran fails to notify the Registrar’s Office in writing, the University will report the last date of attendance to the VA as the first day of class.

Veterans will not be certified for courses taken on an audit basis or those that do not fulfill degree requirements in the program the student is enrolled in. At the time a recipient of VA benefits first requests certification for the Veteran’s Administration, the Registrar will provide materials on current procedures. The student should review these materials carefully. In some cases, actions permitted by UDM may result in a reduction or termination of the student’s benefits by the Veterans Administration under their regulations. Because academic advisors or deans may not be familiar with such regulations, the student is advised to consult the Office of the Registrar when registering, withdrawing, adding or discontinuing attendance.

College of Business Administration

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School of Architecture

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For more information about UDM, or to apply online, go to www.udmercy.edu/apply.


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