I Need Money

Financial Aid and Student Loan Information

UMass Amherst Financial Aid Services can help you with filling out and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A UPay payment plan allows you to spread out your tuition payments in installments. Income Based Repayment or economic hardship deferments may be available for some student loans. Financial Aid Services staff can review and adjust your budget on case by case basis.

MyinTuition is a customized website that calculates your real cost of attending UMass, factoring in tuition, fees, and financial aid.

My Debt Center is a tool designed to help you monitor your UMass Amherst student loan activity. It displays your loan details and contains information about epayment options and scholarships. To access My Debt Center in SPIRE, go to Main Menu > Finances > View Financial Aid > My Debt Center.

To access the My Debt Center page, log in to the desktop version of your SPIRE account. Click on “View Financial Aid” in the Finances menu, then click on the My Debt Center button in the upper right corner of your screen.

Smart About Money (SAM)

Part of Student Success, SAM is a peer-to-peer financial wellness program for UMass students. Through events, classroom presentations and one-on-one meetings with a Peer Financial Coach, students learn to navigate student loans and college finances to prepare themselves for financial success.

Banking Services, Loans, and Financial Counseling

The UMassFive Credit Union has checking and savings accounts and other financial services including loans (student, personal, auto, bicycle, etc.); mobile banking; and mortgages.

UMassFive’s affiliates can compare student loans, find scholarships, personalize loan repayments, manage credit card debt, help prevent foreclosure, and provide financial education and advice.

The Dean of Students Office can help students with unexpected situations through short term loans, emergency meal swipes, and items from the Student Care Supply Closets. Additionally, undergraduate students may be eligible to receive a microgrant to assist with funding outside of tuition expenses. 


Student Care and Emergency Response Fund & Student Care Supply Closets

The Student Care and Emergency Response Fund can provide help to students with economic insecurity who are encountering unforeseen expenses. Contact the Dean of Students Office at 413-545-2684 to schedule a meeting with a case manager. Student Care Supply Closets provide free toiletries and household items to students facing economic insecurity and/or unexpected financial emergency. 

Tax Preparation and Assistance

A variety of resources, tutorials, and supports for understanding and filing taxes are available to students at the university, including free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance right here on campus. 

Additional Resources

Money stress can have a big impact on your well-being. Calming your body’s stress responses can help you think more clearly, get control of your situation, and find better solutions. Having a financial rough patch is not a sign of personal failure or weakness. Money management tools, learning from financial professionals, support for managing anxiety, or meeting with a support group or a drop in session with a counselor at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH), can help you see options and solutions for your situation and get you back on track so you feel more in control and optimistic.


Apps like Mint.com, Wally, and Good Budget can make tracking and managing your budget easy so you stay on top of what comes in, what goes out, what you’ve saved, and if you’re on track with your budget to meet your goals.

Save money on textbooks and software through free Open Education Resources, free and discounted software, asking faculty to add textbooks to course reserves, renting textbooks, or buying used textbooks. Sell your used textbooks through eCampus @ UMass.

Visit I Need Food to learn about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. Save money on food with recipes and strategies for eating well on $4 a dayBrandless offers high quality, healthy food and household products with specialized selections of certified Kosher, gluten-free, and vegan foods for $3 or less.

Save money on clothes and household items with Rack City Thrift and the New2U Tag Sale at UMass.

When shopping or traveling, look for and use student discounts.

If you currently have MassHealth coverage, you may be able to sign up for the UMass Amherst health insurance plan through MassHealth Premium Assistance. If you qualify, MassHealth will pay for your student health insurance plan. Information on MassHealth premium assistance is at 1-855-273-5903.