The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is not yet open for the 2022-2023 school year. Below are some helpful resources to support the financial aid process:
The most reliable and comprehensive website is studentaid.gov. There is an extensive amount of information, resources, guides, and videos for parents to understand the process.
Maryland Higher Education Commission is the website for financial aid for Maryland residents. MHEC has information on senatorial scholarships, the academic common market, grants, and the promise scholarship.
All college and universities are required to have a net price calculator on their websites. Net price calculators are available on a college’s or university’s website and allow prospective students to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to attend the institution in the previous year, after taking grants and scholarship aid into account.
Check out the US Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center. This website has a wealth of information including college financing templates, state spending charts, college financing plans.
As you are exploring colleges, always check out their scholarship and financial aid page. Investigate if a) the college meets 100% of need b) if you have to apply separately for scholarships or if your application serves as the scholarship application as well c) you qualify for any special or unique scholarships that the college is offering.
Learn about Jeff Selingo's Buyers and Sellers and how this idea impacts how you receive financial aid.
Know the deadlines to complete the FAFSA. For most colleges in Maryland, they require a completed submission by February 15 or March 1. Deadlines should be posted on the college website.
Ask questions!!! Financial Aid counselors at our local colleges and universities are available to help as are school counselors.