Financial Aid

McDaniel College supports a program of financial aid to eligible students on the basis of both need and merit. The College is able to do this through its endowment, gifts, grants, and through cooperation with certain government programs and other resources for student aid. Over 90 percent of the current student body receives some form of financial assistance. A family’s total financial resources and obligations are considered in awarding aid; it is expected that students and their families assume as much responsibility for educational expenses as they are able. Students are admitted to the College based on academic and other non-financial criteria prior to consideration of their applications for financial aid.

Students who have been accepted by the College and can demonstrate financial need as required by the federal government may be eligible for assistance in the form of grants, loans, and opportunities for student employment. Frequently an award is a package of these resources, plus any awarded academic scholarships, tailored to the student’s needs. Aid is also available from many other sources, both public and private. Many awards carry provisions for annual renewal for students who do well academically and whose financial circumstances remain unchanged. To find out about eligibility for financial aid, students must apply.

Parents and students who desire assistance and information on financial aid are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid staff reviews a student’s eligibility for aid of various types, describes applicable alternatives, and explains the process involved. For the most up-to-date information, students are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid website, www.mcdaniel.edu/admissions-cost/cost-financial-aid.

To apply for financial aid, students must be accepted for admission to McDaniel College. Accepted students complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa. McDaniel College’s Title IV school code is #002109 and the priority filing deadline is found on the Admissions application checklist. For students who will begin their studies at McDaniel College in the spring, the priority filing FAFSA deadline is November 1. Financial aid awards are valid for one academic year.

Students must reapply for aid by filing the FAFSA every year between October 1 and March 1 to ensure maximum consideration of aid. More information can be found on the McDaniel College Financial Aid web site, www.mcdaniel.edu/admissions-cost/cost-financial-aid.

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the terminology used to describe the estimated total cost of attending college for one year. The COA is not the actual direct cost. It includes tuition and fees, room, board, books & supplies, personal expenses, and travel expenses. The Financial Aid Office estimates the COA for a typical resident and commuter student to attend McDaniel College for each academic year.

For a variety of reasons, the actual cost for any given student might differ from the standard budgets in the table below. Most notable are students who live in an off-campus apartment (without their parents) and those who live on campus.

A student cannot receive more than the Cost of Attendance from any combination of institutional, federal, state, or private funding source. This includes merit- and need-based aid as well as tuition benefits, ROTC awards, and RA contracts.

FINANCIAL AID BUDGET 2024-2025

In general, to receive aid from the federal student aid programs, students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Have a high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or have completed a high school education in a home school setting that is recognized as a home school or private school under state law.
• Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree.
• Meet satisfactory academic progress standards set by McDaniel College.
• May not be in default on a federal student loan.
• Must not owe an overpayment of a federal loan or grant.
• May not be in excess of aggregate loan limits.
• Must use federal student aid only for educational purposes.

Additionally, most financial aid programs require at least half-time enrollment (6 credits for undergraduate students) each semester. Most institutional and state scholarships require full-time enrollment (12 credits). Please see the individual financial assistance programs for minimum credit requirements.

McDaniel College is responsible for administering the Federal Campus-Based Programs (i.e., Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant [FSEOG] and Federal Work-Study and Loan) as well as institutional need-based funds. Awards are made reasonably available to all eligible students who meet the program requirements. Individual award packages consider demonstrated need, program eligibility, and the availability of funds for the award period. In the event that the number of eligible students exceeds the availability of funds, the College will give preference to those students demonstrating the greatest financial need. The determination of greatest financial need will consider grant and scholarship aid from all public and private sources.

Financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) and the student aid index (SAI).

COA - SAI = Need

For example, $67,560 (COA) - $20,000 (SAI) = $47,560 Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA) as mentioned is the estimated total cost (indirect costs included) of attending college for one year. It includes tuition and fees, room, board, books and supplies, personal expenses and travel expenses.

Student Aid Index (SAI) is a formula-based number that helps schools determine how much financial aid a student may need.

Verification is a federally mandated review process. The Financial Aid Office is required to confirm the accuracy of information submitted on the FAFSA for students who have been selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education.

McDaniel College has partnered with Inceptia, a National Student Loan Program (NSLP) non-profit organization that is committed to offering effective and uncomplicated solutions to financial aid management. Inceptia process provides the college with the ability to expedite the verification process. Students are notified by email if they are selected for the verification process. Those selected for verification must submit all required documents through the Verification Gateway (VG) online portal provided through Inceptia. Verification can be a lengthy process; therefore, we strongly recommend that students and their families submit the requested documents as soon as possible. 

Failure to submit requested documentation may result in cancellation of aid previously offered. Federal student financial assistance (e.g. Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loans, and the McDaniel need-based grant) cannot be processed or credited to the student’s account until the verification process is complete.

Any differences between information on submitted documents and information on the FAFSA will result in a new determination of financial need. This new determination of financial need may alter the student’s financial aid awards and eligibility. Students will be notified when a revised financial aid award has been generated due to verification adjustments.

Visit your McDaniel student portal for complete information about Financial Aid deadlines, policies, and rights and responsibilities.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Educational institutions that participate in federal financial aid programs are required to define and enforce Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for those students receiving financial aid. These standards assure that completion of a degree will occur, and within an established time frame.

The standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress measure a student’s academic progress both qualitatively and quantitatively. Therefore, in addition to minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirements, the federally established standards include requirements that students need to progress in their academic program by successfully completing the majority of courses for which they enroll and place a limitation on the maximum period of time that students can receive federal financial aid while pursuing a degree at an educational institution. In addition, certain types of courses are limited or excluded from eligibility. The federal standards apply to all federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid programs administered by the Financial Aid Office. These standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress are required to maintain eligibility for financial aid. The entire undergraduate SAP policy can be found here.

Students must:

• Maintain as minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
• Maintain a successful course completion rate (pace) of at least 67%
• Complete an academic program within the maximum timeframe (MTF)

Did you know your Financial Aid may be adjusted or canceled if you don’t attend or engage in class?

Financial aid is initially based on your enrollment status. Once the semester begins, faculty report students who never attended/engaged by the census date. At that point, your financial aid may be adjusted/canceled, and you may be required to repay financial aid (including loans) to the college. To ensure progression toward your degree and maintain eligibility for financial aid, you should attend/engage in all of your classes and make every effort to be academically successful. Lack of attendance can cause you to owe back or lose financial aid!

Did you know there is a difference between receiving a grade of F for failing a class versus receiving a grade of XF for failing a class with an attendance issue? To be in compliance with federal regulations, McDaniel uses a failing grade of XF to identify students who failed a class and also never attended or stopped attending the class. If you fail class(es) and also stop attending class(es), you may be required to pay back financial aid and/or lose future eligibility for financial aid, including federal student loans.

Academic Scholarships: The College awards more than $40 million each year in scholarships to academically talented students. These renewable scholarships range in amounts from $15,000 to full tuition. McDaniel College scholarships and grants are funded in part by the generosity of alumni and friends of McDaniel College specifically for student aid. Students may be asked to attend a luncheon and write a thank-you to a particular donor.

First-Year Students: In order to be eligible for an Academic Scholarship, the student must be a high school senior with an outstanding academic record. Information concerning Academic Scholarships for new students is available through the Office of Admissions. Information concerning Academic Scholarships for returning students is available through the Financial Aid office.

Transfer Students: In order to be eligible for a Transfer Scholarship, a transfer student must have completed at least one year of college work with a grade point average of 3.20 or higher.

Family Tuition Reduction Grants: Families with more than one immediate full-time undergraduate family member at the College are offered a special tuition reduction grant of $2,000. This award is listed on the second family member’s financial aid award and bill. The grant will continue each year as long as there are two family members enrolled full time in the undergraduate program. If more than two members attend the College simultaneously, a tuition reduction grant will apply for each additional person. The family must complete a family tuition reduction grant form available on the financial aid website (www.mcdaniel.edu/admissions-cost/cost-financial-aid) to receive the funding. First Year students should submit the online form through Admissions.  Returners must complete the form through the Financial Aid Office each year.

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant available from the federal government to undergraduate students with exceptional need. Students may be enrolled full or part-time. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined by a federal formula and is awarded to students with low expected family contribution. Federal Regulations require that a Pell recalculation date (PRD) is established by the college. McDaniel’s PRD and census date is the same. which is typically two weeks after the start of each term. If the Federal Pell Grant amount awarded to the student does not match their enrollment status at the time of the PRD, then the Federal Pell Grant award will be adjusted. The amount of Federal Pell Grant a student may receive over a lifetime is limited to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients who have met the priority filing deadline and have the lowest SAI. FSEOG funds are awarded based on availability and financial need. If a student received FSEOG in one academic year, it does not guarantee that the student will receive it the following year.

The McDaniel Grant is a need-based grant awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Full-time enrollment is required to receive a McDaniel Grant. The grant is limited up to eight semesters.

The following scenarios could result in a revision to a student’s McDaniel Grant:

• A change in the student’s financial need
• A receipt of state funding not previously estimated
• A change in the student’s housing status
• A receipt of tuition remission or tuition exchange

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) offers and administers a variety of state scholarships and grants. To be considered for need-based Maryland grants, students must be Maryland residents and must submit the FAFSA by March 1. MHEC also awards merit-based scholarships. For more information, visit www.mhec.state.md.us.

The State of Maryland offers an online inquiry system (MDCAPS) that allows students to view the status of their financial aid application and/or award information. This can be accessed at https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/MDCAPS

Other State Scholarships and Grants: Some states provide state funding for residents who attend an out-of-state school. Students who are not Maryland residents should check with the higher education agency for their state of residence for eligibility requirements.

Loans are available to students and parents. Loans must be repaid.

Federal Direct Loan Programs: Federal Direct Loans are made available to students through McDaniel College regardless of financial need. Students must file the FAFSA and enroll as degree-seeking students with at least six credits per semester.  Students who demonstrate financial need are eligible for a Subsidized Federal Direct Loan. Students who do not demonstrate need are eligible for an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. First time borrowers are required to complete an Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note. Both must be completed online at https://studentaid.gov. More information regarding Federal Direct Loans may be found at https://studentaid.gov. 

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: Students who demonstrate financial need are eligible for a Subsidized Federal Direct Loan. Interest is paid by the federal government while the student is enrolled on at least a half-time basis and during deferment. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school or falls below half-time status (6 credits). Beginning with new Direct Loan borrowers on or after July 1, 2013, a student may only receive a subsidized loan for 150% of the published length of the academic program enrolled.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan:  There may be times when a student does not demonstrate need. Those students will still be eligible for an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. The student is responsible for the interest from the date of disbursement.  The interest payments can be deferred while the student is in school. Repayment begins 6 months after the student graduates, leaves school or falls below half-time status (6 credits). 

The maximum a student can borrow each year depends on the class level and on whether or not a student is classified as a dependent or independent student:

An additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct loan is available to dependent students whose parent applies for a Federal Direct PLUS and is denied. For freshmen and sophomores, the additional amount is up to $4,000 per year; up to $5,000 per year for juniors and seniors.

Lifetime Borrowing Limits:  Combined lifetime maximum subsidized and unsubsidized loans are $31,000 for dependent students and $57,500 for independent students.

Parents of dependent students enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) are eligible to apply for Federal Direct PLUS Loans. Parent(s) may borrow the full cost of attendance minus any financial aid annually. In order to comply with Social Security Administration data matches, the FAFSA must be completed to process a Federal Direct PLUS Loan application. Eligibility is determined by credit history. Loan funds are disbursed directly to the student account.

The borrower is responsible for the interest that begins accruing after the first disbursement. Repayment of principal begins no later than 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed unless the parent borrower has requested a deferral. Deferrals may be requested during the period the student on whose behalf the loan was borrowed is enrolled at least half-time. Deferrals may also be requested during the 6-month period beginning on the day after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. If a parent is denied a Federal Direct PLUS loan due to an adverse credit history, the parent may appeal the denial with the Federal Direct Loan Origination Center or reapply with a credit-worthy endorser. Additional information may be found at https://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans/plus.

FWS provides students with the opportunity to earn wages through on-campus and off-campus employment. An FWS award represents the maximum amount a student may earn during the academic year. First consideration will be provided to students who meet the priority filing deadline. FWS award amounts are NOT deducted from the student’s bill. Instead, students receive bi-weekly paychecks for hours worked. Earnings do not have to be repaid but they may be considered taxable.

The hourly wage may vary depending on the complexity of the work performed. Students typically work between 8 and 10 hours per week.

Students must apply for work-study jobs and on-campus positions are limited. McDaniel College does not guarantee jobs on campus. Students are contacted via email to apply for jobs once the Center for Experience and Opportunity office posts the work-study jobs on their website.

Typical student employment includes positions such as library aides, lab assistants, tutors, and assistants in the Offices of Admissions and other administrative areas.

Outside scholarships provide an additional source of funding for students. Students are encouraged to research and apply for outside sources of funding. Begin by contacting your high school, civic, professional or religious organizations to which you or a parent may belong. Students should never pay a fee for a scholarship search. If in doubt about the integrity of an agency, check it out first with the Better Business Bureau. There are a variety of free scholarship search engines which provide reliable and accurate information, including but not limited to the College Board’s Scholarship Search (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search), Fast Web Scholarship Search (www.fastweb.com), and The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid on the Web (http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/finding-scholarships). Students are responsible for informing the Financial Aid Office of any outside scholarships.

Monthly Payment Plan: McDaniel College participates in a monthly tuition payment plan through a third-party servicer. For more information, visit the Payment Plan option in the student portal.

Students may borrow funds up to the cost of attendance minus financial aid (including outside resources) through a private educational loan. Private educational loans, offered by banks, savings and loans, and credit unions, are not federally guaranteed. They are typically the most expensive borrowing option and, therefore, should only be considered after eligibility for all federal student and PLUS Loan options have been determined. Most students will need a credit-worthy co-signer to obtain a private educational loan. All private educational loans are divided into equal disbursements for each semester.

The interest rate, terms, and repayment options of these private educational loans vary according to the lender. For this reason, students are encouraged to thoroughly research private educational loans and clearly understand the terms of the loan prior to borrowing. 

The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at the College offers four-, three-, and two-year scholarships to qualified applicants. Army ROTC scholarships are awarded by a national-board process in the senior year of high school or campus-based process focused on academic merit and leadership potential. The College awards ROTC scholarship recipients room-and-board grants, which, when combined with the ROTC funds, cover most of the total cost of education. These awards are renewable annually, contingent on the student maintaining a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average. Information and applications may be obtained from high school guidance offices, the Military Science department at McDaniel College, or online at www.mcdaniel.edu/admissions-cost/cost-financial-aid.

Veterans or their dependents who are eligible for veteran’s educational benefits should contact the VA Certifying Official located in the Registrar ‘s Office for certification of enrollment at vasco@mcdaniel.edu. Veterans Administration regulations require students receiving benefits to enroll in courses that lead to a degree or certificate and to maintain satisfactory progress. Veterans or their dependents who are eligible for 100 percent of the Post 9-11 GI Bill® are also eligible for Yellow Ribbon awards from the VA and the college for full-time undergraduate study which will cover up to 100 percent of tuition and fees. Monthly allowances, paid directly by the Veterans Administration to the veteran, are based on the student’s total credit hours per semester.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.