The amount and types of financial aid are determined by Federal, State, and institutional guidelines. Federal and most State financial aid programs are based on need. Students must reapply each year for most of these programs. Eligibility for financial assistance depends upon many factors. Being eligible does not guarantee that you will receive an award, since award selection criteria are not the same as eligibility criteria. 

Federal Financial Aid

Before you receive an award, you must first be eligible. To be eligible to receive financial aid, you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen 
2. Be a high school graduate or have earned an equivalency such as a General education Diploma (G.E.D.) 
3. Be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program
4. Be making satisfactory academic progress (refer to the Standard of Academic Progress Policy)
5. Have a valid social security number 
6. Not be in default on a Federal Student Loan or owe a refund to a federal grant program.

For more on Basic Federal Eligibility Criteria for federal student aid, click here. 

Financial assistance from most Federal programs is based on need. Your award depends on you and your family’s ability to meet college costs. 

State and Federal programs have separate formulas for determining the family’s ability to contribute to college costs. 

Special Note:  The Office of Financial Aid determines  a student’s financial aid eligibility, not FAFSA.  Students are required to be in compliance with the Financial Aid Office’s Standard of Academic Progress Policy.

Beginning with the 2019-2020 award year, the qualified children of undocumented immigrants who are eligible for in-state tuition under §15–106.8.of the MD Education Article​ also are now eligible to apply for various State financial aid grants and scholarships. For the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) User Guide, please click here.