Financial Aid

Financial Aid FAQs

• What are my chances of receiving financial aid?
• In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year?
• What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
• I missed the March 1 application deadline, can I still apply for financial aid?
• Will I be required to submit additional forms to St. Mary's College of Maryland other than the FAFSA?
• If I need to complete the aid application, but everyone is telling me to do it on the web, is that better than completing it on paper?
• How do I apply for St. Mary's College of Maryland Scholarships?
• What happens after my freshman year? Will my aid stay the same?
• If I am awarded financial assistance for both fall and spring semesters of the academic year, but do not enroll in the fall semester, will my aid change?
• How can I apply for work study?
• Do I need to submit tax returns?
• What does it take to be considered an independent student?
• If my parents are separated or divorced, whose income is reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
• Is the money I receive from financial assistance programs taxable?
• What should I do if my family's financial circumstances change after I apply for financial aid?
• Does St. Mary's College of Maryland require the CSS profile?
• Will the financial aid at one school transfer to another school?
• Is there any aid available if I decide to attend summer school?

Q: What are my chances of receiving financial aid?
A: The only way to determine your eligibility for financial aid is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The likelihood of receiving some form of financial assistance is probably better than most students and their families anticipate.

Q: In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year?
A: Yes. In order to receive consideration for all programs you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. File the FAFSA in the month of January. If necessary, you may estimate your taxes to complete the form.

Q: What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
A: To receive maximum consideration for aid, students apply using the FAFSA, which must be received by the processor, prior to March 1st of each year to be considered for MD State Scholarships. High school seniors applying for St. Mary's College of Maryland scholarships must apply before February 15.

Q: I missed the March 1 application deadline, can I still apply for financial aid?
A: Yes, students may still apply for a loan or a Pell Grant. There is no specific deadline for these two federal programs. Anyone who completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before May 1st of the enrollment year will be considered for these two types of aid. You must be enrolled at the time funds are disbursed.

Q: Will I be required to submit additional forms to St. Mary's College of Maryland other than the FAFSA?
A: Possibly, if you are selected for review in a process called verification we will contact you about what additional forms are necessary.

Q: If I need to complete the aid application, but everyone is telling me to do it on the web, is that better than completing it on paper?
A: Yes, The web version guides you through the application and assists you in providing the right responses. Consequently, there are little or no errors with this method and therefore, no delays in processing your student aid. This method of applying is much faster than submitting the FAFSA by mail. Approximately 87% of all applicants used the method last year.

Q: How do I apply for St. Mary's College of Maryland Scholarships?
A: You apply by completing the Application for Undergraduate Admission and filing a FAFSA.

Q: What happens after my freshman year? Will my aid stay the same?
A: The Financial Aid Office at St. Mary's College of Maryland is committed to meeting as much of our students' need as possible throughout their undergraduate years. However, an individual student's need may change from year to year. Educational costs may increase, and changes in family size, number in college, and gross income can increase or decrease parental contribution from year to year. If a family's circumstances remain the same, the parents calculated contribution should be relatively consistent.

Q: If I am awarded financial assistance for both fall and spring semesters of the academic year, but do not enroll in the fall semester, will my aid change?
A: Yes, aid will be canceled for students choosing not to enroll in the fall semester. Students enrolling in the spring will be considered for assistance on a funds available basis.

Q: How can I apply for work study?
A: Students must file a FAFSA before March 1, and have financial need to receive Work Study. However, other jobs may still be available on campus through non need based employment. Please contact Career Services for more information.

Q: Do I need to submit tax returns?
A: Only if our office sends a letter requesting that the forms be submitted as part of the verification process.

Q: What does it take to be considered an independent student?
A: Step Three of the FAFSA is used to identify students as either dependent or independent. To be considered an independent student, you must answer 'Yes' to at lease one of the six questions listed in this step.
Also, the Financial Aid Office can override a student's dependent status but to do so requires some very unusual family situations. These situations require documented evidence from third-party witnesses (police reports, clergy, counselors, etc.).

Q: If my parents are separated or divorced, whose income is reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
A: The parent you live with should complete the FAFSA. If the parent you live with has remarried, the income of that parent and their new spouse (step-parent) must be used.

Q: Is the money I receive from financial assistance programs taxable?
A: Any scholarships, benefits, fellowships, or grants (gift aid) received from St. Mary's College of Maryland or any other source that, when combined exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, and required equipment and supplies, are considered taxable income. Loans are not included. Since you are required to report taxable awards to the I.R.S. as income, you should keep a detailed record of all expenditures for tuition, fees, books, and required equipment and supplies. Housing and food are considered non-exempt, so money spent on these items is subject to income tax. For more detailed information, consult a personal tax advisor. Work study earnings are taxable and must be reported on tax returns.

Q: What should I do if my family's financial circumstances change after I apply for financial aid?
A: If a family's financial circumstances have changed due to death of a parent, divorce, separation, or loss of employment; they should contact the Financial Aid Office at (240) 895-3000.

Q: Does St. Mary's College of Maryland require the CSS profile?
A: No, all you need is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Q: Will the financial aid offered at one school transfer to another school?
A: No. Financial aid does not transfer from school to school. Students planning to transfer to another school should contact the Financial Aid Office at both schools to find out what is required.

Q: Is there any aid available if I decide to attend summer school?
A: Students may receive aid during summer sessions through the Federal Pell Grant and Stafford Loan programs if they show financial eligibility, and have not received their maximum allocation for the academic year. Students may also receive consideration for a full- or part-time job through the Federal Work Study program.