Taubman College

Master of Science / Funding

Master of Science Incoming Merit-Based Scholarships

All Master of Science applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Applicants are notified whether they have been offered a scholarship award in their admission letter. Scholarships can range from partial to full semesters of tuition. About one half of the incoming Master of Science students typically receive a scholarship. These financial scholarships are possible because of our generous alumni and friends of Taubman College. Because financial resources are limited, applicants are encouraged to seek out other sources of funding as well.

Student Expenses

The Office of Financial Aid establishes standard student budgets each year as a basis for awarding financial aid funds. These budgets reflect typical "modest but adequate" expense patterns of University of Michigan students based on research conducted by the Office of Financial Aid. While actual expenses will vary based on your lifestyle and level of enrollment, the estimated costs listed below should assist you in planning your own budget.

To see current tuition, living expenses, and other fees, please visit our tuition page.

Federal Financial Aid Awards (FAFSA)

The University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid administers federal loan and work-study programs for graduate students. You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-U.S. citizen (permanent resident with alien registration card). You do not need to be admitted to the University before submitting the FAFSA. To apply for financial aid for Fall/Winter, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and February 15. Although you may submit the FAFSA later (by April 30), early application is strongly advised and ensures you will be considered for all aid for which you are eligible. Be sure to list the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Federal School Code number 002325).

See the Office of Financial Aid about the various types of aid available, or download a Graduate Student Financial Aid Programs flier here.

  • Work-Study and Other Jobs: Students who work during the summers and during the academic year can make a significant contribution toward meeting their college costs. And having a job while in school may help prepare students for life after college as well. Both Work-Study and non-Work-Study jobs are available on the U-M campus and in the surrounding communities, and the Student Employment Office serves all students, whether or not they qualify for Work-Study employment.

    A Federal Work Study award is an award that allows a student to work for eligible employers on and off campus to earn money to pay for school. A student must be hired for a work study job through the Student Employment Office and earn the wages up to the specified award amount. Work Study employees are paid directly by their employer; the wages earned are NOT automatically applied towards tuition. It is the student's responsibility to manage their earnings accordingly. Work-study positions are made available through the program as hourly research assistant or administrative assistant positions. Incoming and returning students are notified of any positions available at the start of the fall term.

  • Private Loans: There are private loan options for students, such as a CitiAssist loan, a Signature loan from Sallie Mae, or an MI-LOAN. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website for detailed information.

Graduate Student Instructorship Positions (GSI)

Master of Science students in are eligible for Graduate Student Instructorships (GSI), and typically hold those within the Architecture Program. The number of positions that is available depends on the program's teaching needs for the particular semester. Students apply for GSI positions each term, indicating their course preferences. Assignments are negotiated by the Architecture chair, and the individual teaching faculty who require a position.

Prior to serving as Graduate Student Instructors, students whose undergraduate education was at an institution where the language of instruction was not English are required to pass the Graduate Student Instructor Oral English Test, administered by the English Language Institute. The test assesses competence and effectiveness in the type of communication typically used by GSIs at the University of Michigan. A student who does not demonstrate the necessary proficiency may be encouraged or required to take courses offered by ELI in order pass the GSI-OET at the level required to serve as a GSI.

Graduate Student Research Assistant Positions (GSRA) and Other Research Positions

Master of Science students are eligible for Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) positions as well as hourly research positions, and typically hold those within Taubman College. The number that is available varies depending on the amount of sponsored research that is currently in progress. Assignments are negotiated by the Architecture chair, and the faculty director of the research project.

Project directors seeking GSRAs recommend students to the Architecture chair and the Ph.D. in Architecture coordinator. Generally they recommend those who they feel have an appropriate background for the project and will contribute the most towards its successful completion.

GSI and GSRA positions include a tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits. They typically require a 12-14 hour work week. Students in the positions are expected to perform teaching or research duties as directed by their faculty supervisors. At the end of each semester performance evaluations are requested from their faculty supervisors and used by the Architecture chair and Ph.D. in Architecture coordinator in reappointment decisions and in the program's annual review of active and continuing students.

New appointments and reappointments of GSI or GSRA positions for the next semester are negotiated by the Architecture chair, the Ph.D. in Architecture coordinator, and the individual faculty members or project directors. Reappointment is contingent upon the evidence of the student's satisfactory performance as well as the Architecture Program's teaching needs and the availability of research positions. Reappointment is also contingent upon the financial package of each student. As a general rule, GSI/GSRA positions are limited to the number of terms specified in that package. Any exceptions must be in the best interests of the student's academic progress and must be agreed upon by the Architecture chair and the student's faculty advisor.

Private Loans

There are private loan options for students, such as a CitiAssist Loan, a Signature loan from Sallie Mae, or an MI-LOAN. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website for detailed information.