Stevenson is committed to making college affordable and accessible to you, and we're here to guide you to the right financial path. Our mentoring and personalized attention, supportive campus community, career focus, and exceptional experiences in and out of the classroom are all part of the “Best Value” that we bring to your education. Get your journey started today!
Students rely on funding from a number of sources to help finance their education:
An independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse.
Dependent students must include their parents'/guardians' information when filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you've never filed a FAFSA before and would like an estimate of your expected family contribution, visit the federal government's FAFSA Forecaster.
FAFSA Deadlines
New freshmen entering fall term | You can start filing the FAFSA on October 1 for the following academic year. February 15 is Stevenson’s deadline to submit the FAFSA for maximum consideration for funding from all sources. |
New transfer students entering fall term | October 15 |
New undergraduates entering winter, spring, or summer terms | July 1 until your Admission Application Deadline |
Current undergraduate students | Renew annually beginning October 1 for the next academic year |
New graduate students entering fall term | October 1 - March 1 |
Current graduate students | Renew annually beginning October 1 for the next academic year |
Apply for your Federal Student Aid ID if you don't already have one. You will need your FSA ID to sign your FAFSA electronically. If you cannot remember your FSA ID or need to get a FSA ID, you may do so at https://fsaid.ed.gov/. Parents should also have a FSA ID if you meet the dependent student definition as described on the FAFSA.
SU requires students to file the FAFSA. The FAFSA uses tax information from the student's family to determine what each family can contribute to the student's education. The FAFSA is a critical tool in the financial aid process, and we encourage all applicants and current students, regardless of means, to submit the FAFSA.
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov as early as October 1 prior to the academic year in which you plan to enroll. For example, if you plan to enroll in the fall 2022, you can submit your FAFSA starting October 1, 2021 using income tax information from your 2019 Federal Income Tax Return.
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows students and parents to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the FAFSA. Students and parents may transfer the data directly into their FAFSA.
Am I Eligible for IRS Data Retrieval?
Students and parents are encouraged to file taxes early; however, we know that many will not have their federal tax returns completed by the priority application deadline. You should use "estimated income" information on the initial FAFSA. Then you will be able to use the data retrieval process approximately 2 weeks after electronically filing or 6-8 weeks after paper filing.
After completing the federal tax return and waiting the appropriate amount of time, go to "Make FAFSA Corrections" on the FAFSA website fafsa.gov to transfer tax data using the IRS data retrieval process. You will need to use your FSA ID to log into the web site.
How do I use the IRS Data Retrieval Process?
What is verification and what do I need to do if selected?
Complete the Verification Process (If Selected)
Your Student Aid Report (SAR) is a report that summarizes the information you submit on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It contains the expected family contribution (EFC) that you or your family is considered capable of contributing to educational expenses. Your SAR includes important information about the status of your application (such as missing information and/or missing signatures) that must be completed.
Review your award letter and Financial Aid Award Guide when you receive them. There are several factors that are weighed when creating financial aid awards. Learn more.
If you or your family have unusual circumstances that might affect your need for student aid, submit the Special Conditions form to the Financial Aid Office for consideration. Be sure to include your name and SU ID or social security number in your request.
If you have been awarded a Federal Direct Stafford Loan or a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, you will need to complete the process described below before you can receive your funds. More information about loan programs can be found under Types of Financial Aid.
The Federal Direct Student Loan Application process requires a student to complete both Loan Entrance Counseling and also a Master Promissory Note. Both processes can be accessed on the www.studentloans.gov web site.
Remember, you only need to follow these instructions AFTER you have been awarded a Federal Direct Student Loan. Step by step instructions are posted at
Remember, you only need to follow these instructions AFTER you have been awarded a Direct PLUS Loan. Step-by-step instructions are posted at:
If you are applying for an Alternative/Private Loan be sure to follow any instructions given by your lender for that loan. Learn more.
Your FAFSA may be selected for verification by the Department of Education. According to the federal government, this means we must make sure the information you reported on your FAFSA is accurate. If selected, we will mail you a letter asking for specific information to support or clarify your application. Submit your information promptly to avoid delay of your financial aid award. Please do not send us income documents unless we request you to do so.
If you are asked to complete any special forms, the forms can be found on the Forms Page.
If you receive a work-study award and are interested in working, you must apply for a position using the University's Online Employment Site and click on Employment Opportunities. Students who have been awarded work-study will be notified when they can attend a required on-campus orientation session before beginning work.
If you were not offered work-study but are interested, please submit a written request for consideration to the Financial Aid Office.
To maintain your financial aid award, continue to make satisfactory progress toward your degree requirements and remain in good academic standing. Review our Satisfactory Academic Progress Policies for further information.
Most financial aid programs require at least half-time enrollment (6 credits for undergraduate students; 3 credits for graduate students) each semester. Please see the individual financial assistance programs on this site for minimum credit requirements.
Need-based financial aid awards are not automatically renewed each year. To maintain eligibility, be sure to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov as early as October 1 for the following academic year using the prior year’s tax information. For example, if you plan to enroll in the fall 2021, you can submit your FAFSA starting October 1, 2020 using income tax information from your 2019 Federal Income Tax Return.
You may review your financial aid awards and status at any time in your WebExpress account. If you have any questions during the process, please contact the financial aid office.
Any kind of aid you receive includes certain requirements to remain eligible and to continue to receive the funds you have been awarded. You should review the information on the Financial Aid website, in the Financial Aid Handbook, and on your award letter to be sure you understand the requirements for your specific award(s) and any consequences should you not meet those requirements.
One requirement that can affect your aid almost immediately involves making changes to your schedule. Schedule changes can require an adjustment to your aid at the time you make the change and may cause you to have to repay funds. You want to be careful if you audit a class, add or drop a class/classes, or if you withdraw from all your classes. For more detailed information see the Financial Aid Handbook and the document "Return of Title IV Funds" on the "Policies and Information" page of the Financial Aid website.
All of the resources you need to apply for financial aid in one place.
The Office of Student Accounts is dedicated to assisting students with their account needs throughout their experience at Stevenson University.
Our Financial Aid Office is always available to provide support as you explore your financial aid options.
100 Campus Circle
Garrison Hall North Room 241
Owings Mills, MD 21117
443-334-3200 (phone)
443-352-4370 (fax)
Email Financial Aid
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Meet with your Financial Aid Counselor