University Students as Consumers

As a University of Minnesota student on the Rochester campus, you will find a compilation of topics, understandings, and tools here that are essential for a successful academic experience.

This core information is provided according to federal requirements set forth in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (amended in 1988). If you need assistance or would like a paper copy of this information, please contact One Stop Student Services.

Academics

Detailed information for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs is available through the University department/college offering the program.

Faculty and other instructional personnel are profiled in their University department and collegiate Web sites.

Instructional facilities & labs Specific information about instructional facilities and laboratory space can be obtained through the department/college offering the course or program.

Program review & accreditation

Accreditation is a process of reviewing the quality of higher education institutions. Two types of accreditation are used at the University of Minnesota:

Institutional accreditation

A comprehensive review by a private, nongovernmental organization specifically created to review higher education institutions and programs for quality. The four University of Minnesota campuses are accredited separately at the institutional level by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Specialized accreditation

Refers to review of a program. The evaluation is done by a specialized accrediting body and is often associated with a national professional organization or with a specific discipline.

Disability Resources

Facilities and services for students with disabilities

Equal Employment and Educational Opportunity

The University of Minnesota is envisioned as a community free from prejudice, discrimination, hatred and ignorance - an intellectually and culturally vibrant place of learning and leadership where all individuals are valued, respected, and unobstructed in their pursuit of excellence in their work and scholarship. Go to the above link for detailed information on how this vision is implemented.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

As a University student, you are required to give certain information in order that the University may make reasonable judgments about you, provide services, and give informed advice regarding courses to be followed. Such personal data and information may become part of your University student education record. You may make the justifiable assumption that the University, as custodian of this data, will preserve the data's private nature. By requiring or requesting such information, the University gives assurance that the information will be protected against improper disclosure and only those within the institution who have a legitimate need-to-know will have access to this information. All student information is stored in decentralized locations. Read more about the University's guidelines and practices related to student records privacy.

Admissions

For specific information about admissions requirements for any of the programs, please contact them directly.

Enrollment policy

You are encouraged to maintain the same number of credits throughout the semester. In the event that you must reduce your credit load, the University has an established refund schedule for tuition and fees. See also the 13-credit Policy FAQ.  

University student accounts

You are notified in your University e-mail account when your billing statement is available online. You must pay the balance due in in full by the due date. Use the University 's online UMPay for a convenient, secure payment. You must make at least a minimum payment by the due date and assume installment plan charges that will be added to your amount due. If you fail to make a payment, late payment fees will be added to your account and a hold placed on your records. With a hold in place, you will not be able to register for classes at the University until the bill is paid in full.  

One Stop Student Services

For information about registration, financial aid, tuition and billing, student records, and general institutional issues.  

Student financial aid

Rights and responsibilities of aid recipients

Rights

  • Be informed about financial aid application procedures, cost of attendance, aid available and renewal requirements
  • Confidential protection of your financial aid records, i.e., the contents of your financial aid file are maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  • Appeal decisions made by the financial aid staff at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (a written appeal must be submitted to the Office of Student Finance)

Responsibilities

  • Complete applications correctly and on time
  • Read and understand all materials sent to you from the Office of Student Finance and other financial aid agencies
  • Keep copies of all forms and materials submitted
  • Know and comply with the rules governing your aid programs
  • Comply with the provisions of any promissory note and all other agreements you sign
  • Register for the number of credit hours required and maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Request personal assistance, if you have questions or don't understand the information provided to you

Applying for financial aid

To be considered for aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov after January 1 each year for the upcoming academic year that begins in the upcoming fall term. The Federal Department of Education has reported that the 2025-2026 FAFSA will become fully available on December 1, 2024. Applying online is faster and more accurate than submitting a paper application. However, you may request a paper application at the FAFSA Web site, if you prefer to complete a paper form. The FAFSA is available in both English and Spanish. Be sure to include the University's Federal School Code of 003969 to release your information to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

The cost of attendance (COA) at the University of Minnesota includes, but is not limited to: tuition, fees, room (residence halls/apartments) and board (meal plans/groceries), books, and miscellaneous expenses. COA is calculated individually according to your program of study, housing arrangement, and year in school.

Student Aid Index (SAI)

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is a formula-based index number used by financial aid professionals to determine your financial need. It is calculated using the information that you (and other contributors if required) provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). SAI ranges from -1500 to 999999. Where your SAI falls within that range determines how much financial support you may need.

Need-based financial aid If you have financial need, you will be offered financial aid to meet that need. The aid offered may be any combination of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study jobs. If you are awarded financial aid, in particular student loans, accept only the amount necessary to meet your expenses. 

Net Price Calculator

This calculator is designed to give you an estimation of the need-based financial aid you might qualify for if you were a college freshman attending the University of Minnesota full-time in the academic year indicated.

Financial aid satisfactory academic progress

Financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and your academic performance are reviewed to ensure that you are making progress toward graduation. Your financial aid eligibility is based on standards that are established, published, and applied by the Office of Student Finance (OSF), as required by the U. S. Department of Education.  

Return of financial aid after withdrawal

Be aware that changes in your enrollment may require you to return all or a portion of the financial aid disbursed to you. If you received a credit balance check or direct deposit earlier in the semester, you may be required to return a portion of those funds to the financial aid programs from which the aid was received. This portion represents funds that were intended to pay education-related expenses through the end of the semester. The amount to be returned to the University will be calculated from the date on which you officially withdrew.

Athletic program participation and financial support

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) Report provides annual participation rates and financing of men's and women's sports in intercollegiate athletic programs.  

University of Minnesota code of conduct for financial aid professionals

As required by law, the University publishes its code of conduct for officials responsible for Title IV financial aid programs.    

Exit Counseling

Exit counseling sessions are required of all borrowers of federal and university-administered student loan programs.

One Stop Student Services

For information about registration, financial aid, tuition and billing, student records, and general institutional issues.

Campus safety & security

Campus Security Act (Clery Act)

Statistical reporting of campus crime.

Access UMR's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report 

Drug-free schools/workplace

Drug use, trafficking, and possession are violations of the established University Board of Regents Policy regarding Student Conduct Code. In compliance with the federal regulations on drug free schools, the University has the following policy and listing of resources for faculty and staff.  

Student Conduct Code

All students at the University are bound by the Student Conduct Code. It is the policy of the University of Minnesota (University) that certain minimum standards of conduct are necessary to safeguard the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University community and to assure protection of the interests of the University as it seeks to carry out its mission. The University requires a community free from violence, threats, and intimidation; protective of free inquiry; respectful of the rights of others; open to change; supportive of democratic and lawful procedures; and dedicated to a rational and orderly approach to the resolution of conflict.