To receive financial aid at UMB, you need to be a citizen or meet specific requirements as a non-citizen. If you don't meet these criteria, there are other option to help you pay for your education. 

A student must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen to receive federal, state, and/or institutional aid at UMB.  Eligible statuses are:

• U.S. citizen or national
• U.S. permanent resident
• Citizens of certain pacific islands (the Freely Associated States)
• Other eligible noncitizens

A student whose citizenship status is one of the following is not eligible for any federal, state, and/or some forms of institutional aid at UMB:

• F1 or F2 Visa (student)
• J1 or J2 Visa (exchange visitor)
• G Series Visas (international organization)
• Noncitizens with only an I-688A or I-688B
• Noncitizens with only an I-171 or I-464 (Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence)
• Noncitizens with only an I-797 (Family Unity Status)

International students who are determined to be ineligible may wish to explore other potential sources of financial aid.

Below is a list of possible sources of assistance. Please note: This list in no way guarantees that aid may be available but is intended only to provide students with possible sources of assistance.

• Universities in your home country
• Your embassy
• Private U.S. and international organizations, foundations, and agencies
• Rotary Clubs in your home country
• eduPASS
• Graduate assistantships through your school

Many lending institutions offer private/alternative education loans to students who meet certain criteria. Private/alternative education loans are obtained by applying directly to a private lender. Student borrowers must be able to provide the lender with a creditworthy co-signer who also is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. These loans must be certified by UMB's Student Financial Assistance and Education office.

Students who are applying for a private/alternative education loan are encouraged to speak with the Alternative Loan Counselor, Peggy Buerhaus, in the University Student Financial Assistance office if they have questions about the application process.

Many private lenders offer loans for students who do not qualify for federal student aid. It is the student's responsibility to find a lender that suits their needs.

Students are encouraged to consider their options carefully when choosing a lender and the type of private/alternative education loans available, so they feel comfortable knowing the loan is right for them. Visit our Alternative Loan Guide for more information.