The process of applying for financial aid at UMBC is simple. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to apply for financial aid using our school code of 002105. You can complete the FAFSA on the web at studentaid.gov or via the myStudentAid mobile App.
2023-2024 Academic Year
- All students are encouraged to apply beginning October 1, 2022.
- Our priority deadline is March 1, 2023.
- Click here for more information about the 2024-2025 FAFSA.
2024-2025 Academic Year
- The FAFSA application is set to open in December, 2023.
- Our priority deadline is March 1st, 2024.
Enrollment in Summer/Winter Sessions are considered Special Programs for financial aid purposes. Please be sure to review the eligibility requirements.
Student Aid Report (SAR)
After the FAFSA has been processed, the federal processor will send a Student Aid Report (SAR) to you. The SAR indicates whether you have been selected for a process called verification and whether you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. However, eligibility for all other financial aid awards is determined by UMBC. If you do not have a copy of your SAR, you can request a duplicate copy from the Federal Student Aid Information Center by calling 1-800-433-3243.
Review your SAR carefully for accuracy and make sure that UMBC is listed. If it is not, we will not receive your application data until you add UMBC to your FAFSA. Confirm our receipt of your SAR information from the federal processor by checking your myUMBC account for awards. If awards are posted, then your SAR has been received. If you have not received your electronic SAR from the federal processor, neither has the university. We cannot send you an award letter until your FAFSA information has been received and processed.
If you have questions about your SAR, please call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.