The FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available at high school guidance offices, college or university financial aid offices and on the Internet. For instructions on how to complete a FAFSA on the Web, visit the University of Maryland Office of Student Financial Aid's web site at http://www.financialaid.umd.edu/.
Completing the FAFSA
The FAFSA requires information from both the student and parents' Federal Income Tax Returns. You do not need to wait until your tax returns are filed to complete and submit the FAFSA. If you have not yet submitted your income tax forms, you should submit the FAFSA with estimated tax return figures. There is no penalty for filing estimated tax figures on the FAFSA, and you will have the opportunity to correct information later if necessary.
In the section of the FAFSA titled "Releases and Signatures," please enter "University of Maryland, College Park" and our school code: 002103. Mail the FAFSA via first-class mail to the Federal Student Aid Programs processing center in time for it to be received by February 15th - our priority financial aid deadline. We recommend mailing it by February 1st. Be sure to make a copy of the FAFSA for your own records.
If you plan on submitting your FAFSA online, you should request your Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Federal Processor so you can sign the FAFSA electronically. For dependent students, a parent must also apply for a PIN to file online. You may apply for your PIN at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
