For First Year or Transfer Students
St. Mary's College encourages every student entering the college to file a FAFSA. There is an array of financial assistance possibilities in the form of grants, scholarships, and other awards that can be used to aid students' journey through college.
Apply for FAFSA (Federal Student Aid). The application is quick, easy, and free.
FAFSA
-
- Federal Student Aid FAFSA Information
- Create an FSA ID
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Scholarships
St. Mary's also offers a number of scholarships and grants that are available to eligible students.
There are many external funding organizations that can be found by simply searching online.
Additional Forms and Resources
Who counts as a parent on the FAFSA® form?
A student may need to ask their parent(s) to provide information on their FAFSA form based on the student’s dependency status.
This tool helps determine which parent(s) should participate in a student's FAFSA form.
For Returning Students
For continuing students, we require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
FAFSA
Returning students must file a new FAFSA each year.
Scholarships
Current students will also receive their St. Mary's scholarships and grants. Returning students will be packaged for the upcoming academic year in June.
There are many funding options that can be found by just searching online.
Additional Forms for International Students
For MAT Students
All Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) students are charged a single tuition rate. Institutional grants or scholarships are not available for graduate students. Federal loan programs are available and a student may borrow for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
Graduate students are considered independent students and they do NOT include parental information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Financing the MAT Program through Loans
Students in the MAT program are eligible for three different types of loans, two of which are borrowed through the federal government while the other is lent through a private company of your choice. These loan programs are the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Graduate Plus Loan, and/or Private Alternative Loans. Below is a side by side comparison of the three types of loans. **Interest rates and fees are for the 2023-24 academic year.
| Types of Loans | Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Direct Graduate Plus Loan | Private Alternative Loans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | Fixed 7.05% | Fixed 8.05% | Fixed or variable depending on the lender |
| Origination Fee | 1.057% | 4.228% | Depending on lender |
| Repayment Options | Eligible for federal repayment plans | Eligible for federal repayment plans | Dictated by your lender |
| Maximum Amount | $20,500 | Up to cost of attendance | Up to cost of attendance |
| Application Process | File a FAFSA | Complete application at https://studentaid.gov/ | Apply through the website of the lender of your choice These may require a co-signer |
In general due to ease of application, the softness of credit check, and the quality of terms and conditions on the loan, we recommend pursuing these options in the following order: Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct Graduate Plus Loan, and Private Alternative Loans. If you would like to discuss your individual needs and options, please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Additional Forms for Graduate Students
Resources for MAT Applicants
For Undocumented & DACA Maryland Students
MSFAA (Maryland State Financial Aid Application)
The Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) is available to applicants who are ineligible to receive federal aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The MSFAA allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants, who qualify for in-state tuition under §15–106.8 of the MD Education Article, to apply and be considered for certain types of State need-based financial aid.
To Apply, eligible applicants will need to complete the application online through the Maryland College Aid Processing Portal (MDCAPS)
Special Cases - Professional Judgement
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requests income information from two year's prior and does not give the student the opportunity to explain a circumstance that could affect their ability to pay for college. Therefore, under federal law, financial aid administrators have been given the authority through "Professional Judgment" to take specific circumstances into account, that may lead to data adjustments and/or updates to the FAFSA application. These changes may impact your Student Aid Index (SAI), which is what the college uses to help award financial aid.
The FAFSA Simplification Act distinguishes between different categories of professional judgment by amending 479A of the HEA.
Special Circumstance
What is a special circumstance?
Special circumstances can refer to any financial situation that is not addressed in the application process. All circumstances will require you to submit appropriate documentation before being considered.Eligibility
The following list includes common special circumstances in which professional judgment may apply:- One-time reduction in income such as a one-time IRA withdrawal
- Loss or reduction of employment, wages, or unemployment compensation
- Exceptional medical and/or dental expenses
- Divorce or separation that occurred after taxes were filed
- Death of a parent or spouse which occurred after the FAFSA was filed
- Marriage (if married between the date the FAFSA was filed and December 31st of the same year)
Unusual Circumstance
What is an unusual circumstance?
Unusual circumstances refer to any situation where a financial aid administrator would need to adjust the dependency status of a student. Most students entering a postsecondary school straight from high school are considered financially dependent on their parents. This means their parents must provide their financial information on the FAFSA. In some circumstances, the financial aid office can change a student's FAFSA status from dependent to independent in situations where providing parental information may be difficult for the student. All circumstances will require you to submit appropriate documentation before being considered.Eligibility
The following are examples of circumstances that may considered for a dependency override:- An abusive family environment
- Abandonment and/or estrangement by parents
- Incarceration or institutionalization of both parents
- Parents cannot be located
- Students who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Parents refuse to contribute to the student's education
- Parents are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification
- Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
- Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency
