Maryland Higher Education Commission

Additional Financial Aid Resources

The first stop in your search for student financial assistance should be with your high school counselor or your college's financial aid office.  This guide describes the major sources of financial assistance that are generally available to large numbers of students.  There are many other sources of financial aid.  Using the Internet is the easiest, fastest, and most comprehensive way to search for the thousands of scholarships and grants not described in this guide.  We have included several Internet search sites for your use that are free, comprehensive, and easy to use.

The Maryland State Department of Education
(www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/audiences/parents/byrd_scholarship.htm)

MSDE administrators the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program.  For information, please visit the web site or contact your principal, headmaster, or the School and Community Outreach Office at (888) 246-0016 or (410) 767-0484.

Maryland Prepaid College Trust
(www.collegesavingsmd.org)

If you would like information about saving for college and reducing your dependence on student loans, visit the web site or call (888) 4MD-GRAD or (888) 463-4723.

Sources of Federal Student Aid

U.S. Department of Education
(www.ed.gov/finaid.html or www.fafsa.ed.gov)

If you need information about federal student financial aid programs or wish to complete the electronic version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may visit the Education Department's web site. If you need help completing the FAFSA, want to check on the status of your FAFSA, or request a copy of your SAR, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800)4FED-AID, (800)433-3243 or TTY; (800)730-8913.

You may also call these numbers if you would like a Federal Methodology Workbook, the Title IV codes, or a campus security report.

USA Funds
(www.usafunds.org)

If you need more information about federal student loans, call the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend.  You may also get information on federal student loans by contacting USA Funds at (888)272-5543.

Department of Veterans Affairs
(www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_info/benefits.htm)

If you are a veteran, a member of the reserves, or an eligible dependent of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition, you may qualify for VA assistance.  (888)GI-Bill-1 or (888)442-4551.

Department of Health and Human Services
Bureau of Primary Health Care
(www.bphc.hrsa.gov)

If you are interested in financial assistance to pursue a health professional career, visit the web address above or call (301)594-4400 or (800)435-6464.

AmeriCorps Program
(www.cns.gov)

AmeriCorps rewards individuals for volunteer service to the community with money for education. (800)94-CORPS or (800)942-2677.

Sources of Private Student Aid

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - Gates Millennium Scholars
(www.gmsp.org)

The Foundation seeks to increase the number of African Americans, Native Americans/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Americans, and Hispanic Americans enrolling in and completing undergraduate and graduate degree programs. (877)690-GMSP or (877)690-4677.

United Negro College Fund
(www.uncf.org)

UNCF oversees more than 400 scholarship programs. (800)331-2244.

Employers and Membership Organizations
Many employers provide educational assistance to employees and their dependents.  Membership organizations, such as credit unions, religious organizations, clubs, affinity groups, etc., also offer educational grants and scholarships.

Free Resources to Help Locate Other Sources of Student Aid

www.finaid.org
The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators sponsors this financial aid information page.  It is comprehensive, independent and objective and contains information on thousands of scholarships and grants.

www.fastweb.com
Financial Aid Search Through the Web is a free scholarship service with a personal online mailbox for answers to financial aid questions.

www.petersons.com
The Peterson Education and Career Center covers everything from financial aid to admissions tests to graduate studies.  It is complete and easy to use.

www.collegeboard.com
The College Entrance Examination Board and Educational Testing Service provides information about college entrance requirements, the financial aid process, and other educational services.