The Maryland Master's Certification Program (MMCP) : FINANCIAL AID

What do I need to know in dealing with financial aid?

Demands of the program make it impossible to hold employment during the year. We strongly advise you against working. The Financial Aid Office is aware of the special needs of our Master's Certification cohort members. Therefore, a counselor has been specifically assigned to assist the cohort members in the financial aid process.

What types of financial aid are available?

Available loans: Stafford Loans (formerly GSLs/Guaranteed Student Loans) are the most common. You may also be awarded a Perkins Loan to cover part of your expenses. Eligibility is computed based on the financial aid applications you submit. Please contact your Financial Aid Counselor at (301) 314-8291.

In order to aply for a loan, file your FAFSA and wait until you receive an award letter. If you are denied based on your salary before beginning the program, don't panic yet; instead, ask for the "Professional Judgement" form. this allows students to report their projected income (or lack thereof) for the coming year in order to demostrate a need for financial aid, instead of income from the past year as the standard FAFSA requires. If you feel you meet these special circumstances, please contact your Financial Aid Counselor.

You will only be eligible for summer aid if you complete a FAFSA* for the school years before and after the summer term. You must also complete a University of Maryland "Summer Financial Aid Request" (a one page form). Both the FAFSA and Maryland's form must be submitted by MAY 1.

All these loans offer a repayment schedule with deferments until after you complete the program. Materials from the UMCP Financial Aid Office and the U. S. Department of Education's Student Guide to Financial Aid gives details on all these programs.

Additional financial aid resources are available. To learn more about what is available this year please visit the office of financial aid.

Scholarship Money: Maryland Senatorial scholarships of varying amounts (usually about $200 per semester) are also available directly through the Maryland State Senator from your legislative district. Also check with Maryland delegates; they give money, too. Call the Maryland State Scholarship Administration at (410) 974-5370.

Some State funded scholarships may also be available through the Maryland Higher Education Commission, such as the Science and Technology Scholarship, Maryland Teacher Scholarship, and the Christa McAuliffe Memorial Teacher Education Award. For further information about these, please contact the State Scholarship Administration at (410) 974-5370 or (800) 974-1024.

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*A FAFSA is a Free Application for Federal Student Aid administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This replaces the old FAF that College Scholarship Service used to gouge you for.

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