Financial Aid Office

Financial Aid Office

Get help using 'Financial Aid Office'

Big Changes Coming to Federal Student Aid: What Students and Parents Need to Know

Changes to Federal Financial Aid (Starting 2026)

Starting in 2026, the way students receive and repay federal financial aid will change. These updates come from a new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Below is a summary of what to expect and how it may affect you.

Federal Student Loans

Effective July 1, 2026:

  • Graduate PLUS Loans: Eliminated for new borrowers.
  • Parent PLUS Loans: Capped at $20,000 per year and $65,000 total per child.
  • Graduate/Professional Loans: Annual caps of $20,500 (graduate) or $50,000 (professional); total caps of $100,000 and $200,000.
  • Overall Lifetime Limit: $257,500 across all federal student loans (excluding Parent PLUS). Includes loans that have been forgiven, discharged, or repaid.
  • Loan Proration: Loan amounts will align with enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time).
  • Deferment and Forbearance: New restrictions on forbearance length; economic hardship and unemployment deferments will be eliminated.

Loan Repayment

  • Only two repayment options will be available:
    • Standard Plan: Fixed payments over 10, 15, 20, or 25 years based on loan size.
    • Income-Based Repayment Plan (RAP): Payments range from 1–10% of income based on adjusted gross income (AGI), with dependent discounts and a 30-year repayment term.
  • Current borrowers may keep existing plans temporarily, but some will be phased out by 2028.
  • Parent PLUS loans issued after July 1, 2026 must use the Standard Plan.

FAFSA and Eligibility Changes

  • Family Farms, Small Businesses, and Fisheries: Assets will not count in aid calculations.
  • Foreign Income: Must be included when determining Pell Grant eligibility.
  • Full Scholarships: If non-federal scholarships fully cover cost of attendance, students will not qualify for a Pell Grant.

If you plan to attend college or graduate school in 2026 or later, these changes may impact how much you can borrow and how you repay your loans. Parents of future students should also review the new loan caps and repayment rules carefully.

Capitol Technology University’s Financial Aid Office will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Capitol Technology University's Commitment to You

With committed faculty, small class sizes, and strong job placement outcomes, Capitol Technology University is an investment in your future. Our financial aid staff is here to help you make that investment manageable. Over 90% of our students receive some form of financial assistance.

We are committed to helping you evaluate your options and develop the best financial plan for your needs, including:

  • Undergraduate Tuition Guarantee: Beginning with the Fall 2019 class, tuition increases are capped at 1% per year.
  • Financial Aid Assistance: Our staff will help you complete forms, understand aid types, and identify scholarship opportunities.
  • Financial Aid Programs: A variety of programs are available to support students in funding their education.

Scholarship Posting Policy

Purpose

Our goal is to provide students with accurate, up-to-date, and legitimate scholarship opportunities. To maintain the integrity of our listings, all submitted scholarships must adhere to the following policy.

Eligibility to Post

Only the following entities may submit scholarships for posting:

  • Accredited educational institutions
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Verified businesses or foundations offering legitimate scholarships
  • Private individuals (with valid contact information and background verification)

Required Information

Each scholarship listing must include:

  • Scholarship name
  • Description and purpose
  • Award amount
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Application deadline
  • Application process (including required materials)
  • Contact information (name, email, phone number, and website)
  • Official link to the scholarship application or organization

Prohibited Content

We do not accept listings that:

  • Require payment to apply
  • Promote sweepstakes or “random draw” prizes with unclear rules
  • Collect unnecessary personal data
  • Contain incomplete or misleading information
  • Link to unverified or potentially fraudulent websites

Duration of Posting

Approved scholarships will remain posted until the application deadline has passed.

Reporting Concerns

If you believe a posted scholarship is fraudulent or misleading, please contact us at finaid@captechu.edu.

Disclaimer

Capitol Technology University does not endorse or guarantee any scholarship listed on this site. Users should conduct their own research before applying. The university is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from interactions with third-party organizations.

Contact Us

For questions or concerns regarding scholarship postings, please contact finaid@captechu.edu.

News and Updates

Get help using 'News and Updates'

ACEC Research Institute Scholarship Program

Qualified engineering students have access to more than 100 scholarships totaling nearly $1 million.

Apply for Engineering Scholarships

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026

Scholarships provided by ACEC State Member Organizations may have varying deadlines. Students must be enrolled in a college or university during the 2025–2026 academic year. Current high school students are not eligible. Scholarship funds will be applied to the 2026–2027 academic year only.

NSA Cooperative (Co-Op) Education Program

The National Security Agency (NSA) is pleased to announce a call for applications for the NSA Cooperative (Co-Op) Education Program. The Co-Op Program is open to four-year college and community college students majoring in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or cybersecurity. Community college students must intend to complete a four-year degree. A GPA of 3.0 is preferred.

Information about the NSA Cooperative (Co-Op) Education Program is available on the Intelligence Careers website .

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online between February 1 and March 31 or between September 1 and October 31. Applications received after these deadlines, as well as incomplete application packages, will not be considered. New Co-Op students will begin work in either January or August only.

To submit a resume during the open application period, visit the National Security Agency Careers page . Under "Basic Job Search," type the keywords "Cooperative Education" and click "Search." Select "Cooperative Education," then click "Apply Now." Follow the directions as prompted.

Women's International Network of Utility Professionals (WiNUP) Fellowships

The Women's International Network of Utility Professionals (WiNUP) believes in doing all it can to help those within the industry with their educational pursuits. WiNUP currently has three fellowships available annually to women pursuing advanced degrees (beyond a bachelor’s degree), which will lead to careers in the utility industry or allied fields. Relevant fields must relate to a career in a utility-related profession such as engineering, business administration, accounting, environmental sciences, communication, or information technology.

  • Julia Kiene Fellowship – This fellowship awards $2,000 annually. Ms. Kiene’s career serves as an inspiration to women pursuing careers in the industry. During her long, diversified career, she taught home economics, served as Home Editor of Capper's Farmer, and retired from Westinghouse Corporation. She was also president of the organization and served on the Board of Directors for WiNUP’s parent organization, The Electrical Women's Round Table, Inc.
  • Lyle Mamer Fellowship – This $1,000 annual fellowship was named for a long-time associate professor at the University of Tennessee College of Home Economics who dedicated her life to advancements in the electrical industry. Lyle Mamer, whose family endowed the fellowship in her name, was an active member of WiNUP (formerly Electrical Women's Round Table, Inc.).
  • Louisan Mamer Fellowship – This fellowship awards $500 annually. Ms. Mamer was an electric industry pioneer who worked with the Rural Electrification Administration educating rural Americans about the uses of electricity. She was the first woman to receive the Clyde T. Ellis Award in recognition of her service to electrical cooperatives. She joined WiNUP in 1948 and remained a member until her death in 2006. Her generous contribution helps fund this fellowship.

Applicants must be accepted to a regionally or nationally accredited university.

Both WiNUP members and non-members are eligible to apply for the fellowships.

Hard copy applications must be postmarked on or before May 1. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) each year to be eligible. Fellowship funds will be paid directly to the university. Winners will be notified by June 30 each year.

The Institute for Broadening Participation offers undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, and postdoctoral positions in STEM programs

The mission of the Institute for Broadening Participation is to increase diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. The organization designs and implements strategies to increase access to STEM education, funding, and careers, with special emphasis on supporting individuals from underserved communities and underrepresented groups, including underrepresented minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and first-generation college students.

Learn more about the organization by visiting the Institute for Broadening Participation website .

You can also follow the Institute for Broadening Participation on Facebook .

Changes to Maryland Higher Education Commission Programs for Students

If you received State financial aid (Guaranteed Access Grant, Educational Assistance Grant, or the Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant) beginning July 1, 2018, for at least two years starting August 31, 2015 or later, you will be required to meet certain credit completion requirements to renew State financial aid awards for subsequent years.

Renewal Credit Completion Requirements

You must earn your required credits during the fall, spring, and summer terms. To remain eligible for the maximum renewal amount, you must earn at least 30 credits in the academic year. If you earn fewer than 24 credits, your award will not be renewed. If you earn between 24 and 29 credits, your renewal award will be prorated.

For more information, visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission website .

Program Changes for the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance (EA) Grant and Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant Programs

Major changes to the renewal process for the Educational Assistance (EA) Grant and Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant programs were implemented due to the enactment of the College Affordability Act of 2016.

Recipients of EA or GA awards must successfully complete at least 30 credits by the end of the second academic year of enrollment and each academic year thereafter. This means students must complete at least 30 credits per academic year, beginning in their sophomore year, to maintain full eligibility.

Although these provisions became effective during the 2018–2019 academic year, it is important for students to plan accordingly. The number of credits earned in a prior year may affect eligibility for future award years.

For more information about these program changes, visit the Fast Track to Finish page or email osfamail.mhec@maryland.gov .

Federal Student Aid ID/Pin Replacement

Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) Replacement

The Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID—a username and password—has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when accessing financial aid information and electronically signing Federal Student Aid documents.

You can create an FSA ID when logging in to the FAFSA website, the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) , or the Federal Student Aid website .

You can use your FSA ID to sign a FAFSA immediately. Once the Social Security Administration verifies your information (typically within one to three days), or if you have linked your PIN to your FSA ID, you will be able to use your FSA ID to access the websites listed above.

Users visiting participating websites will be directed to register for a new FSA ID. The registration process typically takes less than seven minutes. Only the owner of the FSA ID should create their account.

Create a new FSA ID

Learn more about the FSA ID

Loan Repayment

Get help using 'Loan Repayment '

HEERF Funding Reports

Get help using 'HEERF Funding Reports'

  • HEERF REPORTING

    Name Description Status Source
    HEERF I Report Required HEERF I Report.docx Edit HEERF I Report Delete HEERF I Report
    HEERF II Report Required HEERF II Report.docx Edit HEERF II Report Delete HEERF II Report
    HEERF III Reporting Required HEERF III Report.docx Edit HEERF III Reporting Delete HEERF III Reporting
    While focused on a reorder icon, press the Enter key or spacebar to "select" the icon. While a reorder icon is selected, pressing the up and down arrows will change the order of the selected item within the list. Pressing Enter key or spacebar again will drop the selected item at that location in the list.
While focused on a reorder icon, press the Enter key or spacebar to "select" the icon. While a reorder icon is selected, pressing the up and down arrows will change the order of the selected item within the list. Pressing Enter key or spacebar again will drop the selected item at that location in the list.
Edit the following settings for all selected Resources.
Select a start and end date and time
Start: Start:
End: End:

News and Updates

Get help using 'News and Updates'

2026–2027 FAFSA Form Now Available

The 2026–2027 FAFSA is now available to complete for the 2026–2027 academic year.

You can apply for financial aid for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 semesters.

Apply for federal student aid (FAFSA)

School Code: 001436

You will need your 2024 tax information to complete the application.

Some states use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for state grants and scholarships.

Check FAFSA deadlines by state

2025–2026 FAFSA

The 2025–2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is available for all students and contributors to complete. Complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA to apply for financial aid for the Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 semesters.

Capitol Technology University School Code: 001436

Start or continue your 2025–2026 FAFSA application

Prepare to Complete the FAFSA

  • Create a StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) if you do not already have one.
  • Gather required documents, including 2023 tax returns, records of child support received, current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts, and net worth of investments, businesses, and farms.
  • Use the “Who’s My FAFSA Parent?” tool to identify which parent(s) must be listed as contributors.
  • Have contributor information ready, including full name, Social Security number (if available), date of birth, email address, and mailing address (if no Social Security number is available).

Resources

Stay Informed

Follow Federal Student Aid on social media for updates and important information:

FAFSA Simplification Act

The FAFSA Simplification Act, passed by Congress in 2020, requires significant changes to the processes and systems used to award federal student aid.

These changes include updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, revisions to the formulas used to determine federal aid eligibility, and modifications to terminology, policies, and procedures for institutions that participate in federal student aid programs.

Special Circumstance Appeal

Federal financial aid regulations allow the Financial Aid Office at Capitol Technology University to recalculate financial need in cases involving special circumstances that are not reflected on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Families who experience significant loss of income due to temporary or long-term unemployment, the death of a wage earner, or substantial medical expenses not covered by insurance may request a review of their financial aid eligibility.

In these situations, the university may use current-year income instead of prior-prior year income to determine eligibility for financial aid.

All requests must be submitted in writing and include the required supporting documentation.

Access the Special Circumstance Appeal Form

New MDCAPS Feature – Electronic File Upload Tool

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) within the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has introduced a new feature in the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) called the Electronic File Upload Tool.

Students can now securely submit required documentation for certain state grant and scholarship programs directly through their MDCAPS account.

How to Upload Documents in MDCAPS

  1. Log in using your MDCAPS username and password.
  2. Select Electronic File Upload from the homepage.
  3. Select the academic year for the documents you are uploading.
  4. Select the document type from the available options.
  5. Click Choose File to select files from your computer.
  6. Click Submit.
  7. If uploading more than one file, repeat steps 3 through 6.
  8. After uploading, the document type will appear at the bottom of the page.
  9. Click View Application Status at the top of the Electronic File Upload page to check the status of each document.

Document Status Definitions

  • Submitted: Your document was uploaded successfully.
  • Accepted: Your document has been reviewed and approved by MHEC.
  • Rejected: Your document was reviewed but is incomplete. You will receive a notification explaining what is missing.

All uploaded files must be in one of the following formats: PDF, JPG, PNG, DOC, or DOCX.

Matching Out-of-State Grant

Students who reside outside of Maryland may qualify for a Matching State Grant of up to $5,000 beginning in Fall 2021.

Most states do not have a reciprocal state grant agreement with Maryland. As a result, Capitol Technology University may match state grants or scholarships awarded by non-Maryland state agencies, up to $5,000.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
  • Apply annually to your state’s higher education agency.
  • Be awarded a state grant or scholarship.
  • Submit a copy of your state award letter to the Financial Aid Office.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Upon verification, Capitol Technology University will match the award for eligible students. This award is not automatically renewed. Students must reapply each year and meet all eligibility requirements.

Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant

Maryland residents applying for the Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant

Capitol Technology University will process all verification and required documents for both new and continuing students applying for the Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant.

Students should submit all required documents to the Financial Aid Office. The office will upload documents to MDCAPS on the student’s behalf to help ensure timely processing and to avoid duplicate document requests.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Team at finaid@captechu.edu .

Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement (New Requirement)

The Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement is an online session that allows students and parents to view how much they have borrowed, estimate potential monthly payments, and understand key concepts such as capitalization and the differences between federal and private loans.

Students and parents must complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement each year to accept a new federal student loan. This requirement is designed to help borrowers understand how loans may affect their financial future.

What Am I Acknowledging?

If this is your first time accepting a federal student loan, you are acknowledging that you understand your responsibility to repay the loan.

If you have existing federal student loans, you are acknowledging that you understand how much you currently owe and how much additional funding you may be eligible to borrow.

Who Should Complete This?

Borrowers accepting a subsidized or unsubsidized loan, a PLUS loan for graduate or professional students, or a PLUS loan for parents.

How Do I Complete This?

To complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement, visit the Federal Student Aid website and log in using your FSA ID and password.

Select Complete Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement under the "Complete Aid Process" section. Parent PLUS borrowers and graduate or professional student PLUS borrowers must also complete this requirement.

The process typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.