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IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!
FINANCIAL AID
CALL FEDERAL STUDENT AID: 800-433-3243
CALL MDCAPS: 410-767-3300
Applying for financial aid
Applying for financial aid
There are several ways to apply for financial aid. There's the FAFSA application which is for all US citizens to apply for federal financial aid. The Maryland State Department of Education has the MDCAPS and MSFAA are programs for all eligible Maryland residents. Lastly, some colleges require applicants to complete the CSS Profile for financial aid specific to their programs.
These applications will determine you and your family's eligibility for financial scholarships, grants, loans and/or work-study.
FAFSA Using TIN Instead of SSN
FAFSA Using TIN Instead of SSN
To file the FAFSA without a Social Security Number (SSN) and use a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you must leave the SSN field blank, check the box to indicate no SSN is available, and enter the ITIN in a separate ITIN field on the form. Individuals without an SSN can still create a StudentAid.gov account to complete their portion of the application, with the option to add an ITIN in the dedicated field.
CLICK HERE for a recording of a live presentation with the above slides.
The organization UnderstandingFAFSA.org makes their guidebook available in ten different languages. The English version is available to the left as an ebook; please visit their website to download or view the book in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, or Urdu.
They also offer many other financial aid resources, including those for homeless students, immigrant families, and undocumented students.
Resources for understanding financial aid award letters
Financial aid offer examples that meet the standards and principals of the College Cost Transparency (CCT) Initiative
Washington Post article regarding college financial aid transparency
The College Scorecard project is designed to increase transparency, putting the power in the hands of students and families to compare how well individual postsecondary institutions are preparing their students to be successful.
There are different kinds of loans to consider when it comes to college financing. Click the graphic to the left to learn more about these specific types, and the links below for more information.
Video: What you need to know
Remember: Student loans must be repaid! This is how they differ from grants and scholarships.
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