Complete Your FAFSA

The FAFSA has changed – Find out What You Need to Know

Through the FAFSA Simplification Act, the US Department of Education is revamping the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

Some of the changes, required by law, include the following:

Quicker, Simplified Application Process

• The application is shorter and therefore takes less time.
• Federal tax information will be transferred directly from IRS and can no longer be added manually.
• Applicants can now select up to 20 colleges/universities to share their FAFSA.

New Terminology

• The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be replaced with the Student Aid Index (SAI).
• The Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated using information provided on the FAFSA form. This number determines the amount of federal student aid the student can receive.
  
  

Modified Family/Household Considerations

• The number of students a family has enrolled in college will no longer factor into the FAFSA calculation. 
• In cases where parents are divorced or separated, the parent who provided the most financial support in the last calendar year will now complete the FAFSA. 
• A student’s spouse or stepparent will need to be listed on the FAFSA as a contributor.

Plan Ahead!

 Any student seeking federal, state or institutional assistance must have a completed FAFSA on file. Be sure to use Bowie State University’s school code 002062 to ensure we receive your information.

• Learn more about upcoming changes.
• Prepare ahead of time by locating or resetting your FSA ID.

Maryland Residents

The State has an extensive array of financial aid programs in the form of grants, scholarships and other awards for students.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission has extended the Maryland financial aid deadline to submit the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to June 1, 2024. However, students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 1, 2024.

Additional information regarding specific programs and applications can be found at  www.mhec.maryland.gov.

DC Residents     

To apply for DCTAG residents must use the DC OneApp. The DC OneApp is the online application college-bound District residents use to apply for funding from the District of Columbia’s Tuition Assistance Grant.

Additional information can be found at osse.dc.gov.

Questions?

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@bowiestate.edu.