As an administrator in the UMBC's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, I am happy to provide the following Quick Guide:

5 Things All College Students Should Know About UMBC Financial Aid Resources

1. Scholarship Retriever - the university’s scholarship portal allows new and current students to apply for institutional, endowed, and departmental scholarships all with one application.  umbc.academicworks.com 

2. FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid is filed every academic year in order to be considered for need-based federal, state and institutional grants, scholarships and student loans.

3. All UMBC students have an assigned Financial Aid Counselor designated by the first letter of their last name.  Students may visit the contact webpage to identify their counselor.

4. There is a tool called theCost-Calculator that will assist students in calculating their educational expenses by evaluating expenses with all need-based and merit aid.

5. Maryland State Residents: The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) awards grants and scholarships to Maryland state residents attending an in-state scholarships. Specialty scholarships such as Delegate & Senatorial Awards are not primarily based on financial need, however a FAFSA on file is required. Students should reach out to their local representatives to obtain application instructions.