Understanding Financial Aid At UMES

To be considered for financial aid awarded through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Office of Student Financial Aid, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Have a valid FAFSA on file.
Meet the eligibility requirements of each aid program (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education/ Federal Student Aid).
Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States (for federal and state financial aid programs). International students with student visas are not eligible for financial aid awarded through the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Be enrolled at least half-time (six [6] credit hours for an undergraduate student and three [3] to six [6] credit hours for a graduate student) in a program leading to a degree or eligible certificate program. Federal Pell Grants may be available to students registered less than half-time; audits and cooperative education 00 semester hours do not count.
Not be in default on an educational loan nor owe a refund on a grant received at any institution.
Be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the UMES Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
Students enrolled as visiting students, extension, or other non-degree-granting programs are not eligible. If you are a graduate student registered for less than three [3] hours and you are working on your dissertation or thesis [799 or 899 course] or doing research toward fulfillment of a degree requirement, you may be considered a half-time or full-time student. Additional information is available on our Understanding your Cost of Attendance web page.

Understanding How Financial Aid Works at UMES

At the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), we are committed to helping students afford college. Our financial aid process is designed to assess each student’s need and provide assistance through various funding sources.

How We Decide Your Financial Aid as a Freshman

Where You Live Matters – Your residency status affects the amount of financial aid you may receive. Whether you are an in-state student from Maryland, a resident of a nearby region (Eastern Shore Virginia or Delaware), or an out-of-state student, your financial aid package may vary.
Your Family’s Financial Situation (Student Aid Index – SAI) – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) generates a Student Aid Index (SAI), which determines how much your family can contribute toward your education. This number helps us calculate your financial aid eligibility.
Your GPA Counts – Academic performance matters. We consider your GPA when awarding financial aid to ensure that funds are distributed fairly.
We Look at All Available Aid – Your financial aid package is a combination of grants, scholarships, and federal or state financial aid. We strive to create a comprehensive aid package that meets your financial needs.

Why Your Aid Might Change

If you receive additional financial assistance from external sources, such as federal or state grants, your university aid may be adjusted. This ensures compliance with financial aid regulations and allows funds to be distributed equitably among all students.

Financial Aid Beyond Freshman Year

Financial aid for sophomore, junior, and senior students at UMES is awarded based on the timely submission of the FAFSA. Students who file their FAFSA by the priority funding deadline of January 15 may be eligible for pr