The Veterans Assistance Fund at University of Maryland Global Campus is designed to help military and veteran students enrolled at UMGC cover costs related to education when Federal financial aid, Tuition Assistance, and VA benefits are unavailable or exhausted. The purpose of the fund is to offset costs related to academics, completion, or transition for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship.
Eligibility
To apply for the Veterans Assistance Fund, you must
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Be currently enrolled at UMGC
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Be a veteran of the U.S. military or using VA educational benefits
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Have completed at least 9 undergraduate credits or 6 graduate credits
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Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 as an undergraduate student or 3.0 as a graduate student
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Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and received a Student Aid Report
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Demonstrate financial hardship
Please Note: Financial need will be calculated by subtracting the Expected Family Contribution, scholarships, grants, and estimated veterans benefits from the Cost of Attendance. Student loans will not be included in this calculation or considered as a contributing factor to financial need.
If you are applying for the Accessibility category under the Completion pillar (see About the Fund), you do not have to meet the minimum credits requirement. However, you must contact the Office of Accessibility and complete a student intake form prior to applying for assistance under that category.
How to Apply
You can apply for a total of up to $3,000 per academic year. As part of your application, you will need to complete the following steps:
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Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
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Step 2: Complete the Veterans Assistance Fund application
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Step 3: Submit a copy of your DD Form 214 to verify your veteran status and submit any optional supplemental documentation, such as a personal statement, bill, or invoice
Applications are reviewed throughout the year, so there is no application deadline or window.
About the Fund
Veterans Assistance Fund grants are awarded on an annual basis unless noted otherwise, and you must reapply each year if you want to continue receiving grant assistance. Award categories are divided into categories called “pillars.” You can choose to apply for one or more pillars, as long as the award amount requested does not exceed the overall total of $3,000 per academic year.