Complete the FAFSA Today by clicking here!

1. Student Must Create an FSA ID 

2. Student must invite parent to complete FAFSA 

3.  Parent/Guardian must Complete FAFSA

Families can schedule individual appointments with the Montgomery College Education Opportunity Center by clicking on the like here

Creating an FSA ID 

The first step in the FAFSA process is for the student and one parent to create an FSA ID.  This will allow the student to access their Student Aid account (including FAFSA) and for the parent to be able to sign the FAFSA.

-Create and FSA ID
-How to Create and FSA ID

Completing the FAFSA

-Start and Complete your FAFSA
-Completing your FAFSA Video

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• This is the application for financial aid from the Federal Government.  Based on your family's financial situation, you may qualify for aid in the form of a Pell Grant.  All eligible seniors should fill out and submit this form, regardless of family income, if they have applied to a college, university, or trade school.  This includes Montgomery College.  

• Even if you feel you would not qualify for aid, some scholarships opportunities require proof of filling out the FAFSA.  Some colleges also review your FAFSA if you decide to appeal to a school requesting any additional financial assistance.  This aid can be used at any eligible college, university, or trade school in or outside the state of Maryland. 

• Video: How to Create an Account Username and Password (FSA ID)

• Video Assistance with the FAFSA - Federal Student Aid's YouTube Channel (how-to videos, info, & more!)

studentaid.gov/ - Have questions or looking for more resources? This is the Federal Student Aid main page. 

Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS)

• This is the application for financial aid from the State of Maryland.  If you plan on attending a college or university in the state of Maryland, you should fill out this application.  

• MDCAPS uses your financial information from the FAFSA to determine if you qualify for aid.  If you qualify for a Pell Grant on the FAFSA, you may also be eligible for state aid.  

• Depending on financial need, the maximum amount of aid a student may qualify for:  up to $20,000 

Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) - MDCAPS is Maryland Higher Education Commission's comprehensive financial aid system that allows MHEC to process State scholarship applications and allocate funds more efficiently using today's technology. 

• MDCAPS Login Page

Notable State Scholarships awarded through MDCAPS:

• Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant

• Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant

• Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant​

• Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship​ - Flyer

• State Delegate Scholarship

MHEC One App for Undocumented Students (Formerly called MSFAA)

• This is the application for financial aid from the State of Maryland for students who are not eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The MHEC One App allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants, who qualify for in-state tuition, to apply and be considered for certain types of State need-based financial aid.  

• If you plan on attending a college or university in the state of Maryland, and are not eligible to fill out the FAFSA, you should fill out this application.  The MHEC One App is filled out through the MDCAPS application website.

• Click here for more information