Financial Aid at UBalt: Unlocking the Doors to Higher Education Additional Information for Prospective Students Contact Information Tables

For many aspiring students, the cost of college can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. However, the University of Baltimore (UBalt) is committed to making higher education accessible to all qualified students, regardless of financial need. Through a comprehensive range of financial aid programs, UBalt provides the resources necessary to pursue academic goals without the burden of excessive debt.

Types of Financial Aid at UBalt

UBalt offers a wide array of financial aid options to meet the diverse needs of its students. These include:

• Need-based grants: These grants, funded by the university and external organizations, do not require repayment and are awarded solely on the basis of financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Scholarships: UBalt awards a variety of academic, merit-based, and need-based scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
• Student loans: Loans are available to students who need additional funding to cover college expenses. Loans must be repaid with interest, but federal student loans typically offer low interest rates and flexible repayment options.
• Work-study programs: These programs allow students to earn money while they attend school by working part-time for the university or other eligible employers.

How to Apply for Financial Aid at UBalt

To be considered for financial aid at UBalt, students must complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is available online at StudentAid.gov and typically becomes available on October 1st each year. The FAFSA collects information about students’ and their families’ income and assets to determine their eligibility for need-based aid. After submitting the FAFSA, students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education. The SAR will provide students with an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used to calculate their financial aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Deadlines at UBalt

UBalt has two financial aid priority deadlines: February 15th for the fall semester and November 1st for the spring semester. Students who submit their FAFSA by these deadlines will be given priority consideration for all available financial aid programs. However, late applications will still be considered as long as funds are available.

Tips for Maximizing Financial Aid at UBalt

There are several steps students can take to maximize their financial aid eligibility at UBalt:

• Apply for financial aid early. Students who apply by the priority deadlines are more likely to receive the maximum amount of aid for which they are eligible.
• Complete the FAFSA accurately and thoroughly. Any errors or omissions on the FAFSA could delay or even disqualify students from receiving aid.
• Explore all financial aid options. In addition to federal and state aid, UBalt offers a variety of institutional scholarships and need-based grants.
• Consider work-study programs. Work-study programs can help students reduce their overall cost of attendance while gaining valuable work experience.
• Seek financial counseling. UBalt’s Office of Financial Aid provides free counseling services to help students understand and manage their finances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Financial Aid Applications

There are several common mistakes students make when applying for financial aid at UBalt, including:

• Not applying for financial aid at all. Many students assume they won’t qualify for financial aid, but the FAFSA is the only way to determine eligibility.
• Missing financial aid deadlines. Students who miss the priority deadlines may still be considered for aid, but they may not receive the same level of funding.
• Providing incorrect or incomplete information on the FAFSA. Any errors or omissions on the FAFSA could delay or even disqualify students from receiving aid.
• Not exploring all financial aid options. UBalt offers a variety of financial aid programs to meet the diverse needs of its students. By exploring all available options, students can maximize their chances of receiving the maximum amount of aid for which they are eligible.
• Ignoring financial counseling services. UBalt’s Office of Financial Aid provides free counseling services to help students understand and manage their finances. Students should take advantage of these services to ensure they are making the best financial decisions possible.

Conclusion

Financial aid is an essential resource for many students who aspire to attend college. By understanding the types of financial aid available at UBalt, how to apply for aid, and how to avoid common mistakes, students can increase their chances of receiving the maximum amount of aid for which they are eligible. With the support of UBalt’s Office of Financial Aid, students can unlock the doors to higher education and achieve their academic and career goals.

In addition to the information provided above, prospective students may also find the following resources helpful:

• UBalt Office of Financial Aid
• UBalt Cost of Attendance
• UBalt Scholarship Programs
• UBalt Work-Study Programs
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Apply for Financial Aid at UBalt

Schedule a Financial Aid Counseling Appointment

For further assistance, please contact:

UBalt Office of Financial Aid
1420 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 837-5270
Email: [email protected]

Table 1: Average Cost of Attendance at UBalt (2022-2023)

Table 2: Types of Financial Aid Available at UBalt

Table 3: Financial Aid Deadlines at UBalt

Table 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Financial Aid Applications