Graduation Cap

Ask the Counselor

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Following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.  If you have a question not answered below, please e-mail aidtalk@umaryland.edu or contact your counselor directly.

 Click on the category your question most likely falls into:

Applying

How do I apply for aid at UMB?
If you are applying for the fall and/or spring semester(s), all that is required is the FAFSA (note:  there is a separate application that medical students may fill out if they wish to be considered for additional scholarships).  If you are applying for summer aid , a summer aid application is required.  These applications are typically available from our office midway through the preceding spring semester.

What is UMB's school code?
002104.

Awards

How do I accept my awards?
Step-by-step instructions are available here.

I accepted an incorrect award amount.  How do I fix this?
Call our office as soon as possible so that your award can be reset.  If you wait until after your loans are processed, you will have to contact your counselor and complete a Loan Adjustment Authorization Form for the additional amount requested.

How do I qualify for grants/scholarships?
You must show sufficient financial need and have filed your FAFSA before the March 1 priority date to be considered for grants/scholarships awarded.  More detailed information about our awarding process can be found here .

Why was I not awarded a Federal Pell Grant?
Only students seeking their first undergraduate degree are eligible for Pell Grants.  Graduate students and undergraduates seeking a second degree are not eligible.

Can I receive aid at two universities at the same time?
No.  However, if you are enrolled in a dual degree program at two universities, please contact your financial aid counselor at the school at which you are receiving aid in regard to completing a consortium agreement.

Health Professions Loan (HPLN)

I am an independent student.  Why do I have to submit my parents' tax documents?
Dental and Pharmacy students who provide parental income and signatures on the FAFSA will be considered for the Health Professions Loan.  This loan is a 5% loan and repayment begins 12 months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled full-time.  If you are offered this loan, you must provide signed copies of you and your parents' tax returns so that we can verify the information used to offer the loan.  If this information is not received within 45 days of the offer, the award will be canceled.

Miscellaneous

What is the number for  Student Accounting  /Records and Registration?
Student Accounting is 410-706-2930 and Records and Registration is 410-706-7480.

Refunds

Once tuition and mandatory fees are paid, any excess funds are disabursed to students via Higher One.  All students will receive a Higher One card which they must use to select a refund preference.  Additional information on this process can be obtained from the Office of Student Accounting. 

Residency

I am a Maryland resident, so why am I being charged out of state tuition?
You should have completed an Application for In-State Classification when you completed your admissions application.  If you have further questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 410-706-7480.

SIMSWEB/SURFS

Questions regarding how to use SIMSWEB/SURFS?
Please constact the HELP desk with any questions regarding gaining access.  You can reach the HELP Desk at 410-706-HELP or by email at help@umaryland.edu.

 Work Study

How do I apply for work study?
File your 2009-2010 FAFSA before the priority date of March 1.  When you file, answer "yes" to question #31, which asks if you are interested in work study.  If you have already received your award information and you were not awarded work study, contact your counselor to inquire about the availability of funds.