About Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid offers financial assistance to students in the form of federal and state programs that provide scholarships, grants, loans and work study to assist eligible students in pursuing their academic goals.
What is Financial Aid?Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to assist students with meeting educationally related expenses. Aid is usually provided by or through federal and state agencies, foundations, corporations, and the universities. Grants and scholarships are considered as "gift" aid and need not be repaid although they may carry certain provisions.
Loans are usually offered at low interest rates and can be repaid over an extended period of time after leaving the institution. Where aid is offered in the form of college work study, the wage is paid at an hourly rate for work actually performed.
The amounts and types of financial aid that students receive are determined through federal, state, and local guidelines.
Financial aid is intended for those in need of it based on their economic circumstances, and we take steps to ensure the integrity of our programs are not jeopardized. Federal Student Aid is to be used for education related expenses. Falsifying information on the FAFSA may result in significant fines and imprisonment.
What is Financial Need?
Basically, it is the amount representing the difference between a family's expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and a student's cost of attendance.
Financial aid for students attending Bowie State University can be obtained from the following sources:
- The federal government (FAFSA priority funding deadline)
- Maryland State Programs (deadline March 1)
- Institutional need-based funds (deadline March 1, must complete a FAFSA)
- Private resources (deadline varies depending on individual awards)
- Institutional scholarships (deadline April 15)
Students who wish to apply for the Bowie State University Institutional Need-Based Aid should complete and submit the FAFSA by March 1. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Do I Accept My Aid?
Students are required to log into their Bulldog Connection account and accept/decline their aid offer. Below you will find detailed instructions on how to log into your financial aid account