Message from Financial Aid and Scholarships

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 15:47:02 -0500

Here in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, we spend a lot of time talking about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and with good reason: the FAFSA is used by the US Department of Education, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and UMBC to determine Federal, State, and institutional grant, work-study, and loan eligibility. It’s a one-stop application for dozens of programs that provide millions of dollars in financial assistance to students each year.

But what if a student isn’t able to file a FAFSA because they are undocumented or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) individual? Beginning with the current 2019-2020 school year, and beyond, students who are classified as Maryland residents for in-state tuition purposes can complete the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) to be considered for certain State financial aid programs, even if they are otherwise not eligible for Federal Student Aid. Applicable programs include the Educational Assistance (EA) Grant, Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant, Delegate Scholarships, and Senatorial Scholarships. Awards through these programs can range from $400 to $19,000 annually.

Students who are undocumented or DACA individuals can also apply for the institutional UMBC Grant. The UMBC Grant is a need-based grant program for undergraduates, with awards ranging from $500 to $3,000 per year. More information about the application process is available here. The personally identifiable information provided on this application and the MSFAA is confidential and is used solely to determine eligibility for financial aid.

More information, additionalsupport, and resources for undocumented and DACA students are available both on the UMBC campus and in the community nearby. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships if you have any questions about the MSFAA or UMBC Grant application process.