UMUC's Financial Aid Department administers a variety of financial assistance programs—including grants, scholarships, federal work-study, and loans—to help students meet the costs of their university education. All financial aid is administered and awarded in accordance with the federal rules and regulations that govern Title IV Student Financial Assistance Programs. Regardless of income level, all students are encouraged to apply for assistance; many financing alternatives are available.

An eligible applicant for UMUC assistance must

• Be admitted to UMUC as a regular degree-seeking or eligible certificate-seeking student.
• Be a U.S. citizen or classified as an eligible noncitizen.
• Be enrolled for three or more credits for most federal and institutional aid programs. Federal loan programs require enrollment of at least half time per term. Audited courses, some repeated courses, credit by examination, and EXCEL portfolio credits cannot be counted.
• Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate according to UMUC policy.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Possess a valid Social Security number.
• Register with Selective Service, if required to do so.
• Not be in default on any federal student loans, nor have borrowed in excess of loan limits, nor owe a refund on any grant under Title IV federal student aid programs.
• Not be ineligible based on a drug conviction.

Most aid programs are available to both full- and part-time students. Amounts and eligibility for financial aid vary from year to year. Following is a brief description of amounts likely to be available for the upcoming award year.

Financial assistance, for which no repayment is required, is offered by the federal government in the form of Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant).

The Federal Pell Grant program is a federal need-based grant program for high-need, first-time undergraduates. Awards will range from $400 to $4,731 per academic year and will vary by EFC and enrollment status.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program provides up to $300 per term to eligible students with the greatest financial need. Students must be eligible for and already have been awarded a Federal Pell Grant. Eligibility for the FSEOG is determined by the Financial Aid Office in compliance with strict Federal requirements. Since funds are limited, students are encouraged to apply early.

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) Program allows students who completed a rigorous high school program of study and are eligible for a Pell Grant to receive up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study. Students self-certify when they complete the FAFSA.

The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) Program enables students who major in specific courses in the fields of physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering, or critical foreign languages and are eligible for a Pell Grant to receive up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study. UMUC monitors the eligibility of financial aid students throughout the year.

The UMUC President's Grant program offers grants to students who demonstrate financial need. Typical awards will range from $100 to $600 per term, based on need.

UMUC scholarship programs, which include the UMUC President's Scholarship, offer a number of institutional scholarships as well as scholarships from corporate donors and foundations. A separate scholarship application must be completed for consideration. Requirements vary according to the individual scholarship programs, but typical awards are $1000 per academic year. Most scholarships require a minimum GPA for consideration. Students may refer to the scholarship page for further information.

Loan programs are available to students enrolled at least half-time per term. Students who accept loans to pay for college expenses must repay the principal and interest in accordance with the terms of the promissory note.

The Federal Perkins Loan program offers need-based, low-interest federal loans. UMUC is the lender. Award amounts are typically $1000 per academic year. The current interest rate is 5 percent. Repayment is made to UMUC and begins nine months after the borrower leaves school or attendance drops below half time.

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program offers low-interest federal loans to students. Loan amounts vary based on grade level and dependency status. Repayment begins six months after the student leaves school or when the student's attendance drops below half time. For annual award amounts and general repayment terms, please visit the Federal Student Aid site.

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan program enables parents with good credit histories to borrow for a dependent student enrolled at least half-time per semester. It is a non-need-based federal loan program available to parents of undergraduate dependent students. Parents are eligible to borrow up to the cost of education less other financial aid received by the student. Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed (there is no grace period).

Alternative Student Loan programs are also an option for UMUC Asia students. Students whose financial aid awards do not meet their financial need may be able to borrow up to their cost of attendance from private student loan programs offered by banks and other lenders. These education loans are not federal loans; students borrow directly from and make payments to the lender. Alternative student loans typically require a credit check, and often a cosigner. Students are generally required to be enrolled at least half time. A student with an alternative loan must pay all tuition charges when registering for classes. Registration will not be put on hold pending payment, since alternative loan checks are mailed directly to the borrower. There are many lenders who offer alternative student loans. A student who is interested in applying for an alternative student loan should contact a bank or other lender.

UMUC recognizes the importance of flexible, part-time employment for students who are in transition or who have financial need.

The Federal Work-Study program is a need-based program that provides jobs to assist students in meeting college costs. The amount of award varies according to financial need and availability of funds. Funds are paid monthly, based on hours worked. Students must apply and be hired for employment at UMUC.

Federal regulations require students receiving financial aid to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree or certificate. Students who fail to meet the minimum academic standard are placed on financial aid probation for one standard term, during which they may receive financial aid. If a student fails to meet the minimum requirements during probation, the student is denied aid the following term and financial aid is not disbursed. Students should refer to the appendices for details of the appeal process and the complete Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for financial aid students.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for any type of financial aid at UMUC. The FAFSA must also be completed for a student to be considered for need-based Maryland state scholarships. To be given high priority for their financial aid applications and a determination of eligibility early enough for funds to be reserved by registration, students should complete their FAFSA by the priority deadlines listed below. Students meeting these dates will have the opportunity to be considered for the various grant and scholarship programs with limited funds. Those who do not meet these deadlines may not receive their financial aid in time for registration. Students who apply late may still receive aid, depending on their eligibility and the availability of funds. Eligibility for both loans and grants can be authorized even after the term has begun.

Students receiving federal financial aid have the responsibility to follow the institution's withdrawal procedures, which are outlined here. The Department of Education requires the University to calculate a return of Title IV funds for all federal financial aid students who withdraw from all classes. Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing are also subject to a return of funds calculation at the end of the term/period of enrollment based on the last documented date of attendance as determined by the teachers.

Information and application material are available on the UMUC Asia Web site. Students who have additional questions should contact the Financial Aid Office directly at DSN 225-3680 or e-mail at ofinaid@asia.umuc.edu.

Scholarships are sometimes available through Officers' and Noncommissioned Officers' Spouses Clubs and other organizations on military bases. At some locations, the Air Force and Navy have spouse tuition assistance programs for spouses of active duty military members. Check with the local Education Services Officer or UMUC Asia Field Representative about the possible availability of these scholarships.

Maryland State Scholarships are provided to Maryland residents who show academic promise and demonstrate financial need.

1. General State Scholarships are available to full-time students (24 credits per year).
2. Senatorial Scholarships are available to both part-time and full-time students.
3. House of Delegates Scholarships are available to part-time and full-time students.

Students applying for scholarships may request applications from:

Maryland State Scholarship Board 16 Francis Street Annapolis, MD 21401