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Financial Aid Application Process

Here are the critical steps to follow in applying to UMA for financial aid.

1. Apply for admission to a degree or certificate program. (Click here for information on how to apply to UMA.)
2. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
   
   Students can complete the FAFSA two ways:
   • Either file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. UMA recommends that students use this method whenever possible. (Click here to go to the FAFSA web site now.) If filing online, use UMA's code number - 006760 - to ensure that the FAFSA results are forwarded to UMA.
   • File using a paper FAFSA form. Forms are available from any high school, from UMA’s Financial Aid Office at 877-862-1234 (toll free in Maine), or by email at umafa@maine.edu.
3. Review the Student Aid Report (SAR)
   
   Once the FAFSA is processed, a copy of the results (called the Student Aid Report, or SAR for short) will be sent to the student. Students should review the information and make corrections, if needed. Students who filed their FAFSA online can update their information at the FAFSA web site (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
4. Respond to any request for additional information.
   
   Approximately 30 percent of the financial aid applicants at UMA will be selected for verification by the Department of Education. Verification is a process UMA is required to complete by collecting additional information from the student to compare it to the information on the FAFSA. A quick response by the student to UMA's request for more information will speed up the processing of the financial aid decision.
5. Receive a financial aid award letter from UMA
   
   UMA mails award letters beginning in mid-March to students whose files are complete and who have been accepted into a degree program by that time. Students should review the award letter and return it indicating what aid they wish to receive. In addition, students need to complete the request for additional information on the back side of the award letter.
6. Notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes
   
   If changes occur after the student has filed the FAFSA form, students need to report those changes to the UMA Financial Aid office so that a review of the student’s award can be completed.
   
   Examples of the type of changes students should report are:
   • Decrease or Increase in enrolled credit hours
   • Changes to in job status resulting in a decrease of income