Financial Aid
Common Financial Aid Questions:
How do I apply for financial aid?
All students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal, state or institutional funds. The FAFSA can be filed electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To file a paper copy, please contact our office at 301-314-9000.
I don’t think I’ll be eligible for need based financial aid. Should I apply anyway?
Yes. Many students mistakenly think they don't qualify for need based aid and miss out on financial opportunities by opting not to apply. In addition, there are financial resources, such as unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans that are available regardless of the student’s need.
Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid?
No. You can apply for financial aid any time after January 1. We encourage all students to file the FAFSA prior to our University Priority Deadline of February 15th. To actually receive funds, however, you must be admitted and enrolled at the University.
Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. You must file the FAFSA every year. After your first year, you will receive a "Renewal Application" from the Department of Education, which contains pre-printed information from the previous year's FAFSA. You will need to review the information, make any changes and submit to the Department of Education. This can all be done at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If your financial circumstances change, you may receive more or less aid than the previous year. Please be sure to file your FAFSA by the University deadline of February 15.
What types of aid am I applying for when I file the FAFSA?
The FAFSA form qualifies you for Federal, State, and University of Maryland need based funds. The University does not have a separate application. For more information on specific aid programs, please review our award guide at www.financialaid.umd.edu.
Are there scholarships available for Veteran students?
Yes. There are many scholarships that are available for Veteran students. To view the list of scholarships, please visit our web site at www.financialaid.umd.edu and click on the link titled “Veteran Scholarships”.
I am receiving an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?
Yes. If you are receiving any type of financial aid not listed on your award letter, you must report the information to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
For more information, please visit our website at www.financialaid.umd.edu.
Grants & Loans
Regardless of veteran status, the University offers various types of financial support including federal, state, and institutional funds to help cover the cost of education. The awarding of financial aid is based on several factors including financial need, the date the Free Application for Federal Student (FAFSA) was filed, as well as other aid received. Students cannot receive more aid than it cost to go to college. The cost of education includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation and personal costs. If you are interested in receiving financial aid (scholarships, grants, work-study and loans), please be sure to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Most initial awards are based on the assumption that you will enroll full time for the academic year. If you plan to enroll part-time, please review the enrollment requirements for specific aid types at http://www.financialaid.umd.edu.
Emergency Financial Aid
The University of Maryland Office of Student Financial Aid can provide emergency financial assistance to students. One method available to students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a 0% interest loan, which is intended to cover expenses incurred at the beginning of the semester (such as housing) before GI Bill funds have been disbursed. Such loans must be repaid; please contact us at vetstudentlife@umd.edu for more information.
Veterans Crisis Fund
With the help of the Kamin Foundation, Veteran Student Life now has a Veterans Crisis Fund. This fund provides grants, which do not need to be repaid, to students who incur unexpected expenses that would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education. Examples include, but are not limited to, unexpected medical issues or car accidents. If you are a student veteran, or know a student veteran, who is in need of emergency financial assistance, please apply here. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the process, please email Will Jones at wjones19@umd.edu for more information.
Veterans Financial Advocate
The Veterans Financial Advocate for America’s Debt Help Center has some great resources listed available for Veterans. Their goals are to help veterans become aware of what options are available for them through the federal government and what programs the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has to help active duty service members and veterans. Information and services to military personnel and their families are also provided. Please see links below for helpful sites
http://www.debt.org/veterans/
http://www.debt.org/veterans/federal-va-benefits-programs/
http://www.debt.org/veterans/jobs-and-unemployment/