Application Procedures/Federal Aid Programs To apply for financial aid (grants, loans, and student employment) students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with supporting documentation (upon request). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, public libraries, in most high-school counseling offices, and in the Office of Financial Aid. We strongly encourage students to apply online in order to expedite the application process. Applicants must include Bowie State University on the FAFSA as one of the schools that should receive their information. The information reported on the FAFSA is electronically transmitted to Bowie State University if the student includes the Bowie State University school code on the FAFSA. The school code is 002062. All entering undergraduate students must be admitted to the University before his or her application for financial aid can be reviewed. Students will receive the Student Aid Report (SAR) after the FAFSA has been processed. The SAR will include the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and indicate any missing or inconsistent information. Students are responsible for making any necessary corrections. If a student submits an incomplete application, the US Department of Education will be unable to determine financial aid eligibility. The student will not be eligible to receive financial aid until financial aid eligibility is determined. Students can make corrections to the SAR online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by paper. Eligibility Criteria To gain eligibility for financial aid, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet the following general eligibility requirements: demonstrate financial need; be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; have a high school diploma or GED; have a valid Social Security number; maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress; be enrolled or accepted as a degree- or certificate-seeking student; and be registered with the Selective Service (if required). Determining Financial Need Information reported on the FAFSA is used to determine the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is an amount the student and parent are expected to contribute toward the cost of education. Financial need is calculated using the following formula: Cost of Attendance-Expected Family Contribution (EFC)= Financial Need Important Deadlines January 1 The FAFSA can be completed as early as January 1 and must be completed every year. Apply for PIN www.pin.ed.gov Apply on-line www.fafsa.ed.gov March 1st The priority date for completing the FAFSA for earlier notification of financial aid award for federal and institutional aid. Maryland residents must complete the FAFSA no later than March 1 to be considered for state grants and/or scholarships March 12th Submit application for DC Leap to the Bowie Financial Aid Office Complete DC TAG application on-line: http://seo.dc.gov/ and submit to DC State Education Office April 15th Students interested in applying for BSU Institutional Scholarships must complete the BSU Institutional Scholarship Application June 1st Financial Aid Office must receive your valid processed Student Aid Report in order to receive pending Financial Aid for tuition and fees. If you are selected for verification you must submit all required documentation by this date.   Federal Pell Grant Program The Federal Pell Grant Program provides grants to undergraduate students who exhibit financial need and meet other eligibility requirements.  The Federal Pell Grant is gift aid and does not have to be repaid.  It is considered to be the foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.  Pell Grants are awarded based on enrollment status (full time, part-time, or less than half time).  Award limits vary based on Congressional budgeting each year.  The award ranges from $400.00 to $4025.00 for the 2004-2005 academic year. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program is intended to supplement the Federal Pell Grant and provide additional assistance to the neediest undergraduate students.  The average award ranges from $200 to $4000 per year. Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) The Federal Work-Study Program is need-based and provides employment opportunities for eligible undergraduate students.  The program encourages community service and work related to the student’s course of study.  Wages vary but will be at least the current minimum wage.  The FWS award depends on the available funding and need. Federal Perkins Loan Program The Federal Perkins Loan is a need-based, low-interest loan available to exceptionally needy undergraduate and students.  The Loan (as of the date of publication) has a 5% interest rate and is interest-free until (9) months after graduation or separation from Bowie State University.  The Loan is made with Bowie State University with a share contributed by the federal government, and the Loan must be repaid to Bowie State University.  The average award ranges for $1,500 to $4,000 per year.   Financial Aid Recipient All students applying for Financial Aid must be in receipt of a Financial Aid Notification letter prior to arena registration. Financial Aid awards will automatically be applied to your account upon completion of the registration process. If your financial aid does not cover your charges, you will be required to pay the balance by the due date on your bill. BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL CODE: 002062