Free Application for Federal Student Aid 

FAFSA opens the door to the federal student aid process.   Every step you take will get you closer to achieving your educational goals.  Find out what to expect from beginning to end. Understanding the Financial Aid Process 

Step by Step Applying for financial aid may seem overwhelming. The following 10 basic steps for applying for financial aid will streamline the financial aid process.   Step 1: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) to the central processor or apply on line at  www.fafsa.ed.gov. Step 2: The results are sent to the Universities you listed on the FASFA form. Bowie State University code is 002062 Step 3: Wait for the Universities you listed to contact you regarding financial aid. Step 4: You must respond to the Universities’ requests for additional documentation they request. Step 5: Notification of your financial aid eligibility will be sent to you based on the information you provided in Steps 1 and 4. Step 6: You must respond to the universities' financial aid offer by accepting or rejecting the financial aid offers. If you don’t respond by the deadline the award will be cancelled. Remember to inform the schools you decided not to attend that you are rejecting their award so the universities can re-allocate the funds to students who are planning to attend their institution and they can close your file. Step 7: If you have accepted a student loan as part of your financial aid award, you must complete and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) www.dlenote.gov, and an on-line.  Step 8: After you have been accepted for admission and register for classes, you will receive a bill listing your charges and the financial aid you accepted. Step 9: You must respond to Student Accounts to confirm your attendance and arrange final payment of your account.