General Questions about Applying for Financial Aid

1. 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.


2. 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.


3. 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.


4. 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 preprinted 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.


5. 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.


6. 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”.


7. 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.