Important Financial Aid Tips

Read this information carefully. Following the tips outlined here will assist you in applying for and securing the widest range of financial assistance available.

• We suggest that you maintain a personal financial aid file with copies of all documents submitted to and received from the OSFA.

• You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each academic year and mail in the envelope provided. Make sure you list UMES as one of the schools to received your information (School Code #002106). You must submit the FAFSA in January of the preceding award year to receive priority aid. You may apply on-line with the US Department of Education at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

• Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) to determine if you have been selected for verification and contact the OSFA for information concerning other documents required for verification.

• Meet the priority deadline. The priority deadline is March 1st preceding the academic year for which the student is requesting financial aid. All files that are complete with all required documents will be considered for priority funding. Student files completed after the priority date will receive only Federal Pell Grant (if eligible) and Federal Direct Student Loans though the applicant may be eligible for other grants.

• Award notification is projected to begin April 20th for the upcoming academic year (pending notification of awards from the Maryland State Scholarship Administration). Award notifications are estimated to be received approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks after the student completes his/her financial aid file.

• Your financial aid file MUST be completed prior to payment of financial aid to your student account. Timeliness is important.

• Parents who wish to borrow on behalf of the student under the Federal Direct Parent Loan Program (PLUS) must submit a completed Parent Data Sheet (available from the OSFA).

• Verify your student account balance PRIOR to the end of each semester. You should monitor your balance to ensure that all financial aid is credited to your account. All charges must be paid prior to registration for subsequent semesters.

• The OSFA is responsible for administering Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Federal Workstudy, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Subsidizied and Unsubsidized Stafford and Parent Loans, Newcombe Scholarships, and University Grants. If your award notification reflects aid other that those listed above, you must contact the donor of the aid if you have concerns regarding the crediting of your account and/or changes in the award amount.

• Access the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Internet homepage at http://www.umes.edu for current financial aid and other pertinent university information.

• You should come prepared to pay a portion of your expenses. Financial aid is usually not available at the beginning of the semester, even if you are expecting a refund. The university does not offer book vouchers.

• Pending financial aid allows a student to register. No refunds will be given against pending financial aid until final disbursement of funds to the student’s account. Final disbursement will be delayed for students who have not met program requirements (i.e. loan entrance counseling, missing documents, etc.)

• Any grants and scholarships in excess of tuition and fees must be reported as taxable income for the tax year in which the grants/scholarships were awarded. Institutions are required to withhold 14% of the excess for students classified as "international." Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

Hours of Operation*

General hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students may see a financial aid counselor on a "walk -in" basis during this time.

*Subject to change
**Though much material is sent to students under the signature of the Director, students will be better served by contacting a financial aid counselor directly.

Don't Forget To:

• Apply Early
• Respond to all requests for additional information
• Maintain your personal file
• Familiarize yourself with policies and procedures
• See your FA Counselor with any questions
• Check your account balance regularly