What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award for a student to further their education that is not required to be repaid. There are government-funded, privately funded, and university-funded scholarships.
Do I have to be a high school senior to apply for a scholarship?
No, you do not only have to be a high school senior to apply for aid. There are scholarships available for students coming from all types of backgrounds and situations. Many scholarships are open to anyone attending college or vocational schools regardless of age or time off. Check to make sure you fit the eligibility requirements before applying.
What are my financial aid options outside of scholarships?
Many resources exist to help students financially. In addition to scholarships, students can seek financial aid by applying for grants and loans.
Grants, similar to scholarships, do not have to be repaid. Grants are gifts given away by large institutions like universities, states, and federal government. Grants are almost always need-based. They are competitive, so it is best to apply early to expand your chances of receiving an award.
A loan is different from a grant or scholarship because they are not “free” and must be paid back (usually with interest). However, loans are a popular option because they are less competitive to apply for and most accessible to the broadest range of people.
How many scholarships can I apply for?
You can apply for as many privately funded scholarships as you are eligible for. Individual schools and states may have limits on the number of scholarships/grants you can apply for, so check with your individual program.
How can I be sure a scholarship opportunity is real and not a scam?
College is an expensive investment. The unfortunate reality is scammers take advantage of this by posing as legitimate scholarships and offering you money to pay your tuition bills. You can avoid scams by following these two general rules: never pay to apply for a scholarship and do not accept unsolicited offers.
Legitimate scholarships will require an application. Most scholarships include essays and letters of recommendation. Steer clear of scholarships that seem too easy to apply to, such as those that only need you to write 100 characters or less.
Other general tips are to avoid listings that use words like “sweepstakes” and “drawings”. Do not provide your social security number to any scholarship outside the FAFSA. Only you and your family can file your FAFSA application; do NOT pay organizations upfront that “guarantee” scholarship money by filling out this information for you.
What is the difference between need-based and merit-based financial aid?
Students are awarded merit scholarships and aid based on their academic performance. Need-based aid provides funds for students based on their level of financial need.
Do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
Not always, but you should if you are eligible. Many applications require that you submit the FAFSA, so we recommend that you do this. For example, you need to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for most government grants. Additionally, colleges base their financial aid decision and many of their scholarship awards on this information.
NOTE: In Maryland you may be able to receive certain state funding even if you are not eligible to fill out a FAFSA form. If you are not eligible for FAFSA due to your immigration status, check to see if you are eligible for the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA).
My Immigration/citizenship status is complicated. Can I still receive financial aid?
Although undocumented and DACA students are not eligible to fill out a FAFSA application and are unable to access federal grants, you can still apply for need-based aid through the State of Maryland. Individuals that are ineligible for federal aid due to their immigration can create a MDCAPS account to apply for certain state funding. Through this portal you can submit a Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA). NEED LINK HERE
Individual colleges and private scholarship providers may also be able to provide financial help if your immigration/citizenship status is complicated.
What is the difference between the FAFSA and Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA)?
Students should only complete one of the applications (not both), according to the requirements below:
- You are eligible to complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa if you are a:
- U.S. Citizen
- Permanent Resident
- Eligible non-citizen
- T Visa holder
- You are eligible to complete the MSFAA if you are:
- Undocumented
- Meet the non-resident exemption as described here: §15–106.8. of the MD Education Article
Can I fill out MSFAA if I do not have a social security number?
Yes. Students are not required to have a Social Security Number to submit the MSFAA. However, students will need to meet the non-resident exemption requirements as described here: §15–106.8. of the MD Education Article to qualify for aid.
Yes. Students are not required to have a Social Security Number to submit the MSFAA. However, students will need to meet the non-resident exemption requirements as described here: §15–106.8. of the MD Education Article to qualify for aid.