Additional Sources of Financial Aid
A broad range of private scholarships, employment opportunities, benefit programs, and loans are also available as sources with which to finance your college education. The University of Maryland provides several resources to assist in locating these other sources of financial aid.
Private Scholarships
Numerous groups, clubs, sororities, fraternities, unions, religious organizations, businesses and associations offer scholarships to college students each year. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship. Criteria may include talent, need, special skills, or the applicant's background. Entering freshmen are encouraged to check scholarship resource books found in most libraries, with their guidance counselor and with their families' employers and organizations. Links to several free scholarship search services are available on-line at http://www.financialaid.umd.edu/.
Career Center
Maryland's Career Center assists students in locating part-time, temporary, full-time, and summer employment both on- and off-campus. Any currently registered University of Maryland student may use this free service. The Career Center also assists students - usually of sophomore standing or above - in locating paid internships and cooperative education positions related to their academic program or career objectives.
Federal PLUS Loan
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a low interest, non-need-based loan that parents of dependent students may borrow to help them pay for their child's education. The Federal PLUS enables parents to borrow up to the annual cost of their child's education (as determined by the university) minus all other financial aid received. PLUS loan request forms are available at www.umd.edu/fin. Final approval for this loan is based upon credit history, and repayment of the loan begins immediately.
Alternative Student Loans
Many banks and other lending agencies offer alternative loan programs. These programs generally have higher borrowing limits than federal loans, but also have higher interest rates. The Office of Student Financial Aid maintains a list of alternative lenders for students and parents to contact for assistance at www.financialaid.umd.edu/OSFA/Lendercell2.html.
Air Force ROTC Scholarship
Scholarships are available to qualified cadets in Maryland's two-year and four-year AFROTC programs. These awards cover full tuition cost, reimbursement for textbooks, and laboratory and incidental fees. Information about these awards is available by contacting the University of Maryland's AFROTC at (301) 314-3242 or visiting the website at http://www.afrotc.umd.edu/.
Army ROTC Scholarship
Scholarships are available to qualified students in Maryland's Army ROTC programs. Two, three and four-year scholarships are available. All awards will cover full tuition, fees, $400 for books, and up to $400/month for a stipend. For more information, please call (301) 314-9238 or visit the website at http://www.armyrotc.umd.edu/.
Athletic Scholarships
Intercollegiate athletes may be eligible for full or partial athletic scholarships. Information is available by contacting the appropriate coach in the university's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Veterans Benefits
Students who served at least 181 days of continuous active duty (with some exceptions) and who received an honorable or general discharge from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard may be eligible to receive G.I. Bill or Veterans Education Assistance benefits. Children of veterans may also be eligible to receive financial assistance. Contact the Veterans Administration or the university's Veterans Affairs Office at (301) 314-8239 for more information.
Rehabilitation Benefits
Students with a physical or mental disability may be eligible for assistance from the Maryland State Division of Rehabilitation Services. Contact your local office for further information.
