Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility and selection criteria vary widely between each different aid program.
Programs may be merit-based, need-based, or some combination of both.
- To apply for all federal loans and many need-based grants, applicants must also meet
all of the Eligibility Requirements for federal student aid. These include U.S. Citizenship Requirements. Maryland's state aid programs also include many of these federal requirements.
- Most need-based programs rely on a standard financial need formula.
Available Aid Programs
Sources of Aid
- Federal aid — The U.S. Department of Education is one of the largest sources of financial aid.
They provide a variety of loans, grants, and work programs, which are all explained
in the links above.
- State aid — Maryland residents can apply for grants and scholarships from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).
- Institutional aid — TU provides a variety of need-based grants and merit-based scholarships. Because
funding is limited, selection is competitive based on either academic merit or financial
need.
- Private aid — Includes many scholarships, private student loans, and employer education benefits.
Eligibility Categories
Types of Aid
Gift aid programs do not have to be repaid.
- Grants are usually need-based.
- Scholarships are usually merit-based
Self-Help Programs
Loan programs must be repaid with interest. Students with and without need can borrow loans, but
some lower interest loan programs require financial need.
Student employment — Many students get part-time jobs to assist with their education and living expenses.