Students are required to complete all steps; parents must complete all steps except "Accept Awards."

1. Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at  https://studentaid.gov/ 
   The PIN is used to electronically sign financial aid documents with the Department of Education including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Master Promissory Notes (MPN). It also is used as a login for Department of Education websites. The parent and the student must have their own PIN numbers.
2. Yearly requirements that must be completed by incoming and returning students  
   • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 
     Federal Title IV Code: 002104
     The FAFSA is the official application of the Department of Education to determine eligibility for Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and all other federal and most state aid. The priority deadline for this form is March 1 (form goes live October 1) for prospective (even if not yet accepted) and returning students, late submission could cause a delay of funds. The parent and the student must both sign the FAFSA.
   • Parent Plus Direct Loan Request Form: Email aidtalk@umaryland.edu to request
     The Parent Plus Direct Loan Request Form authorizes the Financial Aid Office to process the loans on the student’s behalf and contains additional information on the loans. The student must request the form from their Financial Aid Counselor.
   • Apply for a PLUS Loan: StudentAid.gov
     Parents wishing to take out a Parent PLUS Loan for their dependent children must first apply for the PLUS Loan online at StudentAid.gov.
   • Master Promissory Note (MPN): StudentAid.gov
     The Master Promissory Note (MPN) contains the terms of the loans and is your contract with the Department of Education to repay your loans. Parents must complete the Parent Plus Loan Agreement (MPN) in addition to students completing the Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan Agreement (MPN).