Determining Eligibility
About 74% of undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance. Even if you think you are not eligible, you might be. Explore all of your options.
Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
To be considered for aid, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be enrolled at Frostburg State in a degree-seeking program
- Make satisfactory academic progress according to the Office of Financial Aid standards
- Meet FAFSA guidelines
- Be a student with a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent
Expected Family Contribution
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a number that schools use to evaluate your eligibility to receive federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
Before you can get an EFC, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive your official EFC number, available on your Student Aid Report (SAR). The financial aid office uses the EFC to determine financial need, which is defined as the difference between the cost of attendance at Frostburg State and your EFC.
Beginning with the 2024-2025 aid year, EFC will be known as Student Aid Index (SAI).
How is the EFC/SAI calculated?
- Based on a formula established by the federal government
- Considers factors such as family income, assets, household size and the number of family members attending college
How is the EFC/SAI used?
- Determines eligibility for federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants, federal loans, and federal Work-Study programs
- Used by institutions and the state to determine a student’s eligibility for other aid programs
The EFC/SAI is not:
- The amount of money your family will have to pay for college
- The amount of student aid you will receive
Undocumented Students
- If you are a Maryland resident, but not a U.S. citizen or "eligible non-citizen" you can apply for aid through the state of Maryland portal via the One App (MDCAPS).
- The state will then relay your eligibility to the universities you are interested in attending.
- More detailed information can also be found at the MDCAPS website.
- Maryland Higher Education Commission aid application deadlines can be found at (MD Deadlines).