SiD understands that paying for college has never been more expensive. We also recognize that the opportunity to spend a transformative semester learning, interning and living in Detroit is not equally available to everyone. As a result, SiD is thrilled to announce that every U-M student accepted into our 2023 programs will be eligible to receive a $2,000 living stipend. These new living stipends will make the Semester in Detroit experience more accessible than ever, enabling more UM students to cover the costs of housing, food, and other living expenses.
Additional details about the living stipend:
- SiD Living Stipends are available to all of our students - whether they qualify or not for need-based financial aid. As of January 2023, these funds are available to all students from all three U-M campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint). NOTE: we are still exploring if/how these stipends can be offered to students from Grand Valley State University.
- SiD aims for an equitable distribution of financial support. Funding for living stipends comes from donors and is limited. Students who have the economic means to participate without this financial assistance are encouraged to forgo the living stipend so that this fund can support more students with financial need.
- The Office of Financial Aid will receive a list of SiD students who receive the living stipends. Therefore, these awards will be taken into account when determining financial need for other semesters within the academic year. Please talk with your financial aid advisor if you have any questions about how this living stipend may impact your financial aid package.
- Students who may need additional financial support to participate in SiD (beyond the $2,000 living stipends) are encouraged to apply for scholarships through our other three funds:
Estimated fall costs:
Students participating in the fall Semester in Detroit program pay standard UM tuition rates. Please see the Office of the Registrar for further tuition information. Note: UM students eligible for financial aid during the regular fall semesters on campus receive the same support for their Semester in Detroit classes.
Outside of tuition, program costs include:
**Please note: these numbers are estimates, actual costs may vary.
- Housing: $500-1,000/month (varies depending on housing location and whether student chooses triple, double, or single-occupancy rooms)
- Food: $200-$300/month
- Transportation: $0-$100/month
- Books: $0-$50
Students may find that the expenses of living in the city differ from those in Ann Arbor. Some SiD students report spending less than they would on campus, due to the comparatively low cost of living and free events, while others find that they spend a lot as they explore a new city.
