Financial Aid
College is expensive, and many families need help paying for it. Financial aid is based on the idea that parents and students will contribute to educational costs to the extent they are able—the aid is designed to make up the difference between that and the total college cost. Understanding financial aid is an extremely important part of the college admissions process.
There are three general categories of financial aid: need based grants, scholarships, and self-help, including loans and work-study.
- You may get a scholarship based on academic standing. (If you are a Maryland resident and apply early, you may get a state scholarship.)
- If you are among those students with the greatest financial need, and apply early, you may receive a grant.
- All other students can apply for long-term, low-interest loans.
Meeting deadlines for submitting applications, completing forms and providing complete information is crucial to any family seeking financial aid to meet college costs.
To determine what your family is able to contribute to the total college cost, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit the FAFSA Web site for more information on this standard form that all schools require. The FAFSA guarantees that every family is treated equally and fairly when schools are considering financial aid eligibility. The family contribution reflects what you and your family can contribute. This amount is subtracted from the total college cost for a year, and the net amount is your financial aid eligibility or need. The other sites below provide additional information about financial aid.
Office of Admissions
Enrollment Services Center, Room 208 (map)
1-888-4TOWSON (toll free)
Phone: 410-704-2113
Fax: 410-704-3030
E-mail: admissions@towson.edu
|
