Finlandia University will not enroll students for the Fall 2023 semester
On Thursday, March 2, Finlandia University’s Board of Trustees announced that Finlandia will not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Announced Tuesday, March 14, Finlandia University’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to dissolve the institution and wind up affairs in an orderly manner.
Finlandia University has finalized six Teach-Out Agreements with Michigan Technological University, Bay College, Adrian College, Wartburg College, Northern Michigan University and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Several non-partnering institutions have also made commitments to supporting FinnU students in incredible ways. All this information and more are available on these pages.
Classes remain in-person, or as normally scheduled, for the remainder of the 2022-2023 academic year. Students with questions or concerns regarding their current course load and/or individual classes should reach out to their academic advisors.
Thursday, April 20 | UP Michigan Works! Workshop | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Finn Hall Conference Room | Learn More
Thursday, April 27 | UP Michigan Works! Workshop | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Finn Hall Conference Room | Learn More
Thursday, May 4 | UP Michigan Works! Workshop | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Finn Hall Conference Room | Learn More
Thursday, May 11 | UP Michigan Works! Workshop | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Finn Hall Conference Room | Learn More
Past Events
FinnU Student Teach-Out & Transfer Fair | Over 25 colleges and universities attended FinnU’s Student Teach-Out & Transfer Fair, with several committed to supporting FinnU students in incredible ways (accepting credits, matching financial aid/cost of attendance, etc.) Learn more here: www.finlandia.edu/about/teachout/teachoutfair
Dining Services operations will continue as originally scheduled for the remainder of the spring 2023 academic semester.
University Housing operations will continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the spring 2023 academic semester.
Support and academic success resources will continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the spring 2023 academic semester. To include, but not limited to:
Tutoring and Learning Center
TRiO Student Support Services
Tutoring and Learning Labs
Teach-Out Information
So far, FinnU has negotiated Teach-Out Agreements with the institutions listed directly below. Finlandia continues to negotiate agreements with regional institutions and will post new Teach-Out Agreements as they are finalized.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to those of you who are considering enrolling at Michigan Tech. While choosing a new institution may be a daunting task, Michigan Tech’s faculty and staff are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals and we will work with you to ensure a smooth transition to our institution.
We know you’ll have questions. We’ve appointed Kat Hanson in our admissions office to be your single point of contact to assist you in obtaining the information you need to best evaluate your options. We encourage you to reach out to her at khanson1@mtu.edu or by calling 906-487-2622.
We are here to support you in any way we can and look forward to talking with you.
Northern Michigan University students, faculty and staff welcome you to our University community. We know you have questions and big decisions to make as you navigate this transition. At NMU we put student success at the center of everything we do and we want to support you in every way we can, so don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us.
To see if Northern is the best fit for you, contact our Admissions Office at 906-227-2650 or admissions@nmu.edu. Staff are ready to connect you with NMU faculty, current students, academic advisors and staff in the various student service areas from which you may need assistance. We can also arrange for either in-person or virtual campus tours where you (and your family and friends) can learn more about us.
I know this is an unsettling time for you, but please know that there are many resources at Northern and the other schools working with Finlandia University to help you accomplish your educational goals. The journey to your college degree has taken an unexpected turn, but you’re still on your way toward that destination and Northern would like to help you if we can.
Northern Michigan University Provides Support to Finlandia University Students Amidst Teach-Out
NMU will offer Finlandia students guaranteed admission for the 2023-2024 academic year to continue their education and course of study when the Institution closes
Marquette, Mich., March 3, 2023 – Northern Michigan University (NMU) announces today that they are partnering with Finlandia University (FinnU), and its students, through FinnU’s teach-out. This partnership will provide an educational experience, resources and support services similar to FinnU for students who opt to receive guaranteed admission to NMU. FinnU announced the teach-out plan to their community on Thursday, March 2, 2023 that they will not be enrolling students for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Students that are enrolled at FinnU for the 2022-2023 academic year will be offered guaranteed admission to NMU for the 2023-2024 academic year. FinnU students can enroll in NMU Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 courses beginning in late March and early April.
For FinnU students interested in exploring education opportunities at NMU, they can contact the admissions office by visiting: nmu.edu/admissions/finlandia. NMU admissions counselors will work directly with FinnU students, providing them with personalized attention to evaluate each student’s individual needs to ensure they get the support they need, and support academic program planning and course registration. NMU is able to work with all FinnU students interested in the teach-out plan, even if their course of study or program is not offered at NMU.
“We understand that this teach-out will have a huge impact on Finlandia students, and we want the entire FinnU community to know that we are here to support them through this challenging transition,” said Dale Kapla, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Northern Michigan University. “All Finlandia students are welcome to speak with a counselor from our admissions office to learn more about programs and courses we offer here, and how that can fit into their current area of study. We want this guaranteed admissions process to be as easy as possible for the FinnU community and for FinnU students to know they’ll be welcomed if they decide to finish their studies at NMU.”
NMU will directly admit FinnU students to NMU for a future Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 term, and will:
Provide Finlandia students with the same high quality experience, resources, and support services that are available to students at Northern Michigan University.
Provide Finlandia students with NMU resident-equivalent tuition rates, which are less than Finlandia’s published tuition rates.
Waive admission requirements and application fees for eligible Finlandia students.
Accept all successfully completed Finlandia University credits.
Work with students to keep them on their degree completion timeline.
Northern Michigan University will adhere to all guidelines and best practices of the Higher Learning Commission and any other accreditors specific to programs included in this teach-out plan.
For more information about Northern Michigan University, please visit: https://nmu.edu/.
About Northern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University, located in historic Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic, public university known for its undergraduate research opportunities, award-winning leadership programs, and cutting-edge technology initiatives. NMU has about 8,600 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers 180 academic programs ranging from one-year diplomas to the doctorate degree. Visit www.nmu.edu.
Greetings from Bay College! We are aware of the changes you are experiencing, and want you to know that we are here to offer support, help and guidance. If would like to explore options for transfer, course, or degree completion at Bay College, follow the path below to get started.
Adrian College is saddened that Finlandia University will be closing its operation at the end of this academic year, and is committed to working with the institution to make sure its students have opportunities to continue their education in a seamless manner.
Adrian College and Finlandia University have been partners in delivering high-quality, private education in the State of Michigan for over 120 years. As members of Michigan Independent Colleges & Universities (MICU), we have partnered to offer a dynamic tapestry of high impact learning and engaging programs with a global perspective and forward-leaning innovations.
Finlandia University has asked Adrian College to help in teach-out endeavors and many arrangements are already in place. Adrian College and Finlandia have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Adrian College to provide the following regarding the teach-out partnership:
Extend direct admission to all current Finlandia University students in good standing;
Adrian College admissions counselors will work directly with Finlandia students to provide personalized attention and to evaluate and support their individual needs regarding academic program planning and course registration. A transition flyer for Finlandia students has been created to provide information on how to receive guidance, and it will be made available in both print and electronic format;
Adrian College academic departments will be made accessible to address Finlandia students’ specific needs regarding Adrian College graduation requirements to complete their degrees;
Adrian College will provide students a clear statement of tuition and fees and agree to match or better the Finlandia tuition rate;
Adrian College will work with the Higher Learning Commission to navigate the accreditation aspects of the teach-out partnership.
Students who participate in the teach-out with Adrian College will ultimately earn an Adrian College degree.
Adrian College offers several academic and co-curricular programs that overlap with Finlandia University programs. Adrian College has developed a chart to readily illustrate the overlapping academic programs, and will work with Finlandia students in programs not offered at Adrian College to review alternatives that may be a good fit. Adrian College will work with flexibility to ensure both the integrity of an Adrian College degree and the time invested in studies. We want to assure all students that they will receive as much assistance as possible to make the transition to Adrian College an easy process.
Finally, Adrian College offers many of the same wonderful benefits that Finlandia students have enjoyed during their time on campus. Small classes, personal attention from professors, a dynamic athletic and out-of-class experience in a quaint Michigan town are only a few of the benefits of making a smooth transition to Adrian College.
More information will be provided in the coming days. For immediate attention, contact Frank Hribar, Adrian College Vice President for Enrollment & Students Affairs, at fhribar@adrian.edu.
PTA & Pre-PTA Only: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI
Important Note: Non-PTA or non-Pre-PTA majors applying for admission to NWTC will be considered Transfer Students. Website:www.nwtc.edu PTA Website:www.nwtc.edu/academics-and-training/physical-therapist-assistant Academic Contact: Elizabeth Martin, Academic Advisor, Elizabeth.Martin@nwtc.edu, 715-732-3872 Admissions Contact: Kelly Thompson, Campus Experience and Admissions Specialist, Kelly.Thompson@nwtc.edu, 715-735-9361
FAQs & Resources
Teach-Out vs. Transfer
What is the difference between enrolling at a Teach-Out Institution and transferring?
Teach-Out Agreements entered into by Finlandia University for its current students typically include protections that exceed what non-partnering institutions typically provide. These benefits include the following:
Automatic admission of current FinnU students in good academic standing (see more information below)
Guaranteed acceptance of 100% successfully completed credits at FinnU
Able to complete your degree in the same amount of time – Students will need to complete the same number of semesters at the Teach-Out Institution as they would have at FinnU to finish their degrees.
Comparable net tuition – The net tuition amount the student is expected to contribute to complete their degree will be the same (or less) as they would have had to pay at FinnU. While the scholarships may be packaged differently and with different names, the net cost will be comparable. FinnU students will not need to negotiate that process or be concerned about the Teach-Out Institutions’ published “sticker” price.
NOTE: The Hancock Promise Tuition Rate is an agreement between Hancock Public Schools and Finlandia University and, unfortunately, does not extend to Teach-Out institutions at this time.
Many institutions accept applications for transfer students, but the process may not be as seamless or have the same guarantees as with transitioning to a partnering Teach-Out Institution. Therefore, it is often in the best interest of students to transition to a designated Teach-Out Institution.
Teach-Out FAQs
What does this mean for current students?
Finlandia students who can complete their degree requirements by the end of the current spring or summer semester will be able to graduate from FinnU.
Finlandia has formalized Teach-Out Agreements with specific institutions by which academic programs at Finlandia will continue seamlessly to these receiving institutions after the spring term commensurate with accreditation body approvals. These agreements include waived application fees, requirements, and deadlines. Finlandia will provide students with detailed and organized information on identified receiving institutions.
Students will have the option to continue their studies at one of these institutions and complete their degree requirements on-schedule. Students may also opt to transfer to another institution. The differences between teach-out plans and transfers are outlined in the Teach-Out vs. Transfer section above.
FinnU students who are not able to finish their degree requirements by the end of spring or summer semester, will meet with identified advisors to review their options prior to deciding which strategy they wish to follow.
Will Finlandia hold a commencement this spring?
Yes, commencement and related graduation activities are scheduled for Sunday, May 7, 2023. For more information, visit finlandia.edu/graduation.
How do I order transcripts and request enrollment/degree verification?
Finlandia is finalizing an agreement with Michigan Technological University (Houghton, MI) to serve as Finlandia University’s custodian of records, which will take over transcript issuance at the appropriate time. Students will always be able to secure an official transcript. Once records are transferred to the custodian, information about ordering the transcript will be updated. Until then, please continue to use the processes below for ordering transcripts.
How to order transcripts through August 2023
Finlandia utilizes Parchment to provide transcript ordering via its website. You can order transcripts using any major credit card, and it will only be charged after completing your order.
Finlandia is working towards obtaining official transcripts for our students at the end of the spring and/or summer terms.
How to order a replacement or an additional diploma through August 2023
Please download this Diploma Request Form (PDF) and return it to the Registrar’s Office to order additional or replacement diplomas. Once the records are transferred to the custodian noted above, new processes will be communicated.
Degree and enrollment verification
A verification is a request for a university to verify a student’s degree and/or enrollment information. Unlike a transcript, a verification is simply a confirmation of degrees earned and does not include course grades. Students may need certification of enrollment to defer student loans, provide proof of enrollment for health insurance, or verify degrees for prospective employers. Enrollment and Degree information can be verified via the National Student Clearinghouse for a nominal fee. It may take up to 3-5 business days to process your request.
Financial Aid FAQs
Will I receive the same financial aid package and scholarships at another college?
If you transition to one of Finlandia’s partnering Teach-Out Institutions, you can expect to pay similar tuition costs to attend. The scholarships and aid you receive may have different names and amounts, but the portion of the tuition for which you are responsible should be the same or less than it would be at Finlandia.
If you transfer to a non-partnering institution with whom Finlandia does not have a Teach-Out Agreement, you will need to work with that institution’s Admission and Financial Aid Offices on your financial aid package.
Throughout this semester, Finlandia staff will be available to help you with this process and get you in touch with the right contacts who can answer your questions. Please sign an Authorization for Release of Information to Third Party so Finlandia can share your information with the Teach-Out Institution(s).
Can I get work-study at my new school?
If you qualify for federal work-study as part of your financial aid package, you can apply for work-study jobs at your new institution.
How will these changes impact my veteran (VA) benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
If you receive VA benefits at Finlandia, your benefits at another institution are likely to continue, but you should review your benefits with the VA representative at your future institution.
What should I do if I already submitted my FAFSA for 2023-24 at Finlandia University?
If you filed a FAFSA for the 2023–24 award year identifying Finlandia as the institution you would be attending and need the information forwarded to another institution, visit www.fafsa.gov to make changes to your filed application.
What happens with my student loans and when do I have to begin paying them back?
You can find all your federal student loan information by accessing the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). You can access the site using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) User ID and qualifying personal identification information.
Once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school, your federal student loan goes into repayment. However, if you have a Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Federal Family Education Loan, you have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments.
When your loan enters repayment, your loan servicer(s) will automatically place you on the Standard Repayment Plan. You can request a different repayment plan at any time.
Your loan servicer(s) will provide you with a loan repayment schedule that states when your first payment is due, the number and frequency of payments, and the amount of each payment.
Your billing statement will tell you how much to pay. Your monthly payment amount depends on your repayment plan. If you signed up for electronic communication, pay attention to your email. Most loan servicers send an email when your billing statement is ready for you to access online.
What if I decide to take a gap year or withdraw?
If you take more than 6 months off, you most likely will have to start repaying your loans, but financial aid advisors will provide exit counseling for each student making this choice to assess their individual circumstances.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you do not enroll in the Fall 2023 semester at a Teach-Out Institution, you will then be considered a transfer student and lose all benefits of Finlandia University’s Teach-Out plan.
Am I still responsible for my balance at Finlandia University?
Yes, you are legally required to pay any balance due to Finlandia. If you are withdrawing from the Spring 2023 semester, then you should follow the steps to request a refund of applicable tuition and fees.
Can I discharge my student loans since Finlandia is no longer enrolling students?
Loan discharge is the removal of your obligation to repay your loan under certain circumstances. There are certain eligibility requirements to qualify for a closed school loan discharge, and you must apply. You can either:
Complete and return the Closed School Loan Discharge Application and return it to your loan servicer(s), or
Contact your loan servicer(s) about the application process.
Your Closed School Loan Discharge Application must be sent to your loan servicer(s), not Finlandia University. To find out who your loan servicer is, log in to My Federal Student Aid or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the hearing impaired 1-800-730-8913). Be sure to continue to make payments on your loan while your discharge application is being processed. If you do not meet the criteria for a loan discharge, you will be informed by your loan servicer(s) and must continue making payments on your loans based on the terms of your promissory note.
What happens to my loans if I transfer to another institution?
If you choose to continue your education at a Teach-Out Institution, or transfer to a non-partnering institution, you will still be responsible for the student loans you borrowed for Finlandia University, so it is important to address them. While your new institution should automatically report your enrollment, you are responsible for following up. If you fail to do so, you could end up owing loan payments because your loan servicer(s) think(s) you are no longer enrolled. Make sure your loan servicer(s) are aware that you are enrolled at a new institution.
Even after transitioning to one of Finlandia’s Teach-Out Institutions, or transferring to a non-partnering school, you are still responsible for repaying loans taken out to cover the costs of previous institutions. You should track all of the different loans you have taken out so you can make a plan for repayment upon graduation. You do not want anything to fall through the cracks when it comes time to repay your college loans.
Additional Questions?
Please email additional questions to questions@finlandia.edu
Enrolling at a Teach-Out Institution
Schedule an Appointment With Your Academic Advisor
Identify your academic advisor. If you are unsure of who that is, check your last class schedule or contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@finlandia.edu
Contact your advisor by email using your FINLANDIA email address.
Set up a 30-minute appointment. You may not need that time; however, it is wise to block it off so that you both are not hurried.
At this meeting you will discuss your major, the differences between Teach-Out and Transfer, and which Teach-Out receiving school has your major/degree/program of study.
Be sure to cover what is required to:
Move to the Teach-Out Institution
Have your records moved to the Teach-Out Institution
What forms need to be signed
Who the contact person is at the Teach-Out Institution you wish to attend
Contact the designated Teach-Out admissions counselor at the Teach-Out Institution to discuss registration, financial aid, and more.
Change your priority school in the FAFSA from Finlandia to the Teach-Out Institution.
Finlandia will transfer your records and transcript to the Teach-Out Institution.
Complete your degree! Your degree will be awarded from the Teach-Out Institution.
Transfer Options
While the official Teach-Out Agreements for the institutions listed above typically include protections for FinnU students that exceed what non-partnering institutions typically provide, several schools listed below have made commitments to supporting FinnU students in incredible ways. To learn more, click the school’s name to view their information and, where applicable, their commitment to FinnU students.
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Travis Tekiele, 517-629-0384, tatekiele@albion.edu
Commitment to Finlandia Students: Guaranteed Admission with 2.5 GPA or higher. Pay the same tuition you were paying at Finlandia. Easy Pathways to Degree Completion. UpperClassmen Housing Guaranteed
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Amanda McCullough, Director of Admissions, amandam@bellincollege.edu, 920-433-6625
Commitment to Finlandia Students: At Bellin College we are devoted to providing you with an excellent education that fulfills this promise and prepares you for the demands of the rapidly changing healthcare environment. Bellin College is a not-for-profit institution, and one of Wisconsin’s premier private colleges specializing in health sciences degrees in Nursing and Allied Health. The Nursing program offers multiple starting points for transfer students in Spring, Summer and Fall.
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Carl Thomas – Admissions Rep – 800-686-1883 ext. 1048 / 517-338-3325
Commitment to Finlandia Students: Dedicated Career Services to work with the students individually, Dedicated Financial Aid Representative, Dedicated Admissions Representative, New state-of-the-art residence halls, Flexibility of on/off campus living, Ability to jump start your graduate degree while finishing you undergraduate degree (Plus-One Program), multiple Academic Scholarship options to include Athletic Scholarships, Ease of Credit Transferability, Multiple Modalities of taking classes to include OL
Location: Grand Rapids, MI (with additional Michigan campuses, online and RTV options)
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Jodi Chycinski, Vice President of Admissions and Strategic Partnerships, jchycinski@davenport.edu, (616) 233-2595
Commitment to Finlandia Students: Davenport University is excited to welcome Finlandia University students as transfer students. From the main campus in vibrant and exciting Grand Rapids, Michigan to additional in-person campuses in the lower peninsula, online and RTV (real-time virtual) learning formats, your learning options as a student are plentiful. Offering industry-leading degrees in Arts and Sciences, Business, Health, Technology, and Urban Education, DU is extremely transfer credit-friendly, so many FinnU credits will transfer. Opportunities also exist in NCAA Division II athletics for student-athletes.
Guaranteed admission to any campus or learning model for Finlandia students in good standing
Application fee waived
Fast admit process with an individual advisor
42% partnership discount for all Finlandia University transfers
Primary Contacts for Finlandia Students: Kim Zeckovich, Director of Admissions, (906) 307-1347 or kimz@gogebic.edu, Matt Laird, Student Success Advisor, 906-523-7930 or matthewl@gogebic.edu
Commitment to Finlandia Students: GCC School Code: 002264, For Financial Aid questions please contact Maryann DeCaire, Director, at 906-307-1208 or maryannd@gogebic.edu, https://gogebic.edu/academics/program_main.html GCC has 16 academic pathways for Finlandia students to complete and Associates degree that is transferable to their desired four year institution., GCC has on-campus housing and athletics! Finnish Boldly with GCC!!
Commitment to Finlandia Students: Students interested in transferring their course of study to Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University will be provided priority assistance. Kendall offers transfer friendly, NASAD accredited Bachelor of Fine Art degrees in Graphic Design, Interior Design, Studio Arts, Fashion Design, Product Design, Digital Art and Design, Illustration, Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration, Photography, Collaborative Design, and Art History. They are located in the heart of Grand Rapids and more information about KCAD can be found here.
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Sam Poullette, VP of Admissions, poullettesg@lakeland.edu, 920-565-1022 ext. 2131
Commitment to Finlandia Students: Lakeland is committed to honoring Finlandia’s teach-out partner requirements (free application for admission, matching graduation timelines, teach-out curriculum requirements, financial aid packages with the same out-of-pocket cost as what the student was paying at Finlandia, etc.). Lakeland offers both in-person classes (and a residential experience) on its main campus near Sheboygan, Wisconsin as well as online courses for students to choose how they want to complete their degree.
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Lucia Kohne, Assistant Director of Admissions, kohne@msoe.edu, 414-277-7331
Commitment to Finlandia Students: MSOE will match your current out of pocket cost while attending Finlandia. Also, by submitting your official Finlandia transcript, we will work diligently to make the transfer credit evaluation as seamless as possible.
Primary Contacts for Finlandia Students: Martin Finney, Director of Transfer Admissions (989)450-1868 and Susie Poli-Smith, Vice President of Enrollment | Financial Aid, 810-614-1516, polismit@northwood.edu
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Mya Morris, morriskm@tiffin.edu
Commitment to Finlandia Students: TU will accept all earned academic credit for the similar degree and match financial aid package (double room w/air and 14-meal plan).
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Melissa Gunnelson, Senior Director of Admission, mgunnelson@dbq.edu, 563.589.3664
Commitment to Finlandia Students: Guaranteed admission to students in good academic standing at Finlandia, no application fee, waive admission deposit, match student’s net cost at Finlandia
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Brian Studebaker, Director of Admissions, bstude@morris.umn.edu
Commitment to Finlandia Students: Application fee waiver, dedicated Transfer Counselor, automatic transfer scholarship consideration, Director of Admissions will work with Financial Aid to strive to get your out-of-pocket cost at UMN Morris as close as possible to your current cost at Finlandia.
Primary Contact for Finlandia Students: Darren Ward, Associate Director of Admissions for Transfer and Articulation
Commitment to Finlandia Students: UW-Stout is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University and is committed to hands on, applied learning in the classroom and has an impressive 98.4% job placement rate among graduates. UW-Stout offers several majors that align with Finlandia’s such as Applied Science (Biology concentration), BFA in Graphic Design and Interactive Media, Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation, Professional Communication and Emerging Media (English), Psychology, Applied Social Science, and Business Administration. We look forward to helping Finlandia’s students continue and finish their educational journey at UW-Stout!
