Financial Aid Information
How to apply for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information
We understand that going to college can be an expensive investment. Most students cannot afford to attend a college, university, or trade school without the help of some type of financial aid. Financial aid can come in many forms:
Grants or Scholarships: This is aid that does not have to be repaid. Awards may be based on financial need, academic ability, athletic ability, talent, leadership or service. Internet access is a great source for scholarship searches.
Student Work Study: This aid may mean a job that the college finds for you or work that you find on your own.
Loans: Loans must be repaid, generally after you have graduated or left school. Some have low interest rates.
Unfortunately, for many students, taking out student loans is the only option to be able to afford tuition and other school-related expenses. If you are considering taking student loans, make sure you understand the different loan types and the costs before you borrow. Take a look at these helpful resources as you start doing research. Below you will also see links to other, helpful sites.
2024-25 Financial Aid Guide for Seniors
Please read through these instructions carefully. Reach out to Ms. Patterson if you have any questions.
Students planning to attend a college, university, or trade school can typically begin to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as October 1 of their senior year. This includes students applying to Montgomery College. Important note that due to a redesign, this year’s FAFSA application is not expected to be available until December of 2023. Ms. Patterson will provide details and updates as they become available. Click the following to learn more: Implementing the 2024–25 FAFSA Process.
Many colleges require the FAFSA to be completed by January 1, if not sooner. Check specific financial aid requirements & deadlines for all colleges on their admissions websites.
Note that many scholarships require a completed FAFSA for consideration. As a result, we recommend that all eligible students complete and submit the FAFSA.
Each student and contributing parent will need to create an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA.
Class of 2024 students should fill out the 2024-25 FAFSA as that will be their first year of attending college. Accidentally filling out the wrong year’s FAFSA could lead to issues or delays in receiving financial aid!
Go to studentaid.gov to access the FAFSA form.
Planning to attend a college or university in the state of Maryland? Students should also sign up for an account on MDCAPS (Maryland College Aid Processing System).
Depending on your FAFSA information, you may also qualify for aid from the state of Maryland.
You must complete this online application to receive state aid. Go to this link to create an account: MDCAPS login page. The deadline to complete the FAFSA to be considered for Maryland State aid is March 1, but many Maryland colleges and universities ask students to complete earlier.
If you qualify for aid, there will come a point in the verification process for MDCAPS when you will need to submit transcript information to verify your GPA. DO NOT try to send MHEC/MDCAPS a copy of your transcript! Counseling Services will submit Transcript release forms.
Not eligible to complete the FAFSA? You may be eligible to complete the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) if you plan to attend a college or university in the state of Maryland. The MSFAA 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. The application for the MSFAA can be found on the MDCAPS site: MDCAPS login page.
MSFAA User Guide - Instructions on how to fill out and submit.
Some schools may also require students to fill out the CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service) as well. Go to cssprofile.collegeboard.org to learn more.
Additional resources and information regarding financial aid:
Maryland Higher Education Commission State Financial Aid Programs
Making Sense of Your Financial Aid Award Letter: What do the numbers mean?
Click to Get Started: www.StudentAid.gov/FSAID https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/managing_your_account/search/FSA%20ID
Do you Need More Information on Completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA Application?
Create your FSA ID (Student/One Parent)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1Pn-shze8&t=154s
Complete the FAFSA Application
www.FAFSA.gov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUis5lityCQ&t=2s
Delegate Scholarships
https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_delegate.aspx
Senatorial Scholarships
https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/pages/financialaid/programdescriptions/prog_senatorial.aspx
Workforce Developments Scholarship
https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_workforce.aspx
Maryland Scholarship Promise
Financial Aid, FAFSA, MSFAA and Scholarships Process
FAFSA Opens for the Class of 2024: December 2023
Start your 2023-2024 FAFSA Application with the following steps:
Step One:(Student and One Parent)
Create Your FSA-ID ( This will allow you to sign the free online FAFSA application)
Find out how to get an FSA ID and what to do if you forgot your FSA ID.
Important note: If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that he or she can sign your application electronically.
How to Create a FSA ID: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irFfp-67Bv8
What to do if you forgot your FSA-ID: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvhBQH266lo
Step Two: First Day to Apply:
Apply for FAFSA:https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 2023-2024
Completing the FAFSA: Step by Step help with completing the FAFSA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8nfk5ApcQ4 (English)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKrU-iKrqmU (Spanish)
The FAFSA Process graphic—Walks through the process of preparing for, completing, and submitting a FAFSA form. Includes info on what happens after the form is submitted.
Step Three: Scholarships/Grants for Maryland Colleges
Complete Your MdCaps Account (Scholarships/Grants from the State of Maryland if you qualify)
Create MDCAPS Account and Guaranteed Access Grant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt2LwHPkFOA
Creating a MDCAPS account.
https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/MDCAPS/StudentRegisterForLogin.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00HW3UvHiu4
What does the EFC Mean? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzTTCzSb49s&t=111s
Please contact Ms. Patterson if you have any additional questions at Tammy_R_Patterson@mcpsmd.org
Aid
Do You Need Help Completing the MSFAA?
FAFSA
www.studentaid.ed.gov - Federal Student Aid website.
www.fafsa.gov - Free Application for Federal Student Aid website. This is where you sign up for financial aid. Students can begin filling out the FAFSA on October 1st of their senior year. Very Important!
El Proceso de la FAFSA (información en Español)
Video Assistance with the FAFSA
Video: FAFSA Overview
Video: How to Create an Account Username and Password (FSA ID)
Video: After the FAFSA
If you need some additional assistance or tips for filling out the FAFSA, check out Coupon Follow's 'Guide to Getting through the FAFSA'
MDCAPS
Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) - MDCAPS is MHEC's comprehensive financial aid system that allows us to process State scholarship applications and allocate funds more efficiently using today's technology.
If you qualify for MD State Aid based on your FAFSA, you must register and fill out the application on this site!
Maryland Higher Education Commission - Excellent website and will explain all of the Maryland state financial aid programs.
MSFAA
The Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) is available to applicants who are ineligible to receive federal aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The MSFAA 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. Click here for more information & FAQs.
CSS Profile
CSS Profile - This form is used in addition to the FAFSA by some colleges and universities. Students should read the schools' material to find out if they need this form. Most selective schools will require the CSS. You can go on line at www.collegeboard.com for the CSS PROFILE form. There is a cost associated with filing the CSS.
Institution Forms
Institution Forms - Some colleges and universities also require their own financial forms. Please check the schools' requirements to ascertain if this is needed. If a college requires its own form, you must contact the financial aid office at that college to obtain the necessary materials.
sign your application electronically.
Click to Get Started: www.StudentAid.gov/FSAID https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/managing_your_account/search/FSA%20ID
Additional Financial Aid Links & Resources
CollegeCovered.com - a FREE resource to help students and families plan and pay for college.
"Wells Fargo's Financial Aid Journey in 5 Steps" - this helpful tool provides both an interactive eBook and videos to help students learn about the importance of completing the FAFSA, estimating college costs, exploring financing options, and more.
MoneyGeek.com - helpful guide explaining the different types of loans available to students & guide explaining unfair student loan practices and how to protect yourself.
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)
Apply for the FSA ID number ASAP!
Apply for FAFSA on October 1, 2020 (Available)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2021 (Closes)
FAFSA, Grants, Scholarship & Loans
Please contact Ms. Patterson for additional information at Tammy_R_Patterson @mcpsmd.org
Financial Aid Information
We understand that going to college can be an expensive investment. Most students cannot afford to attend a college, university, or trade school without the help of some type of financial aid. Financial aid can come in many forms:
Grants or Scholarships: This is aid that does not have to be repaid. Awards may be based on financial need, academic ability, athletic ability, talent, leadership or service. Internet access is a great source for scholarship searches.
Student Work Study: This aid may mean a job that the college finds for you or work that you find on your own.
Loans: Loans must be repaid, generally after you have graduated or left school. Some have low interest rates.
Unfortunately, for many students, taking out student loans is the only option to be able to afford tuition and other school-related expenses. If you are considering taking student loans, make sure you understand the different loan types and the costs before you borrow. MoneyGeek.com has created a helpful guide explaining the different types of loans available to students. They have also created a guide explaining unfair student loan practices and how to protect yourself. Take a look at these helpful resources as you start doing research. Below you will see links to other, helpful sites.
Check out the Wells Fargo "Financial Aid Journey in 5 Steps" PDF. This helpful tool provides both an interactive eBook and videos to help students learn about the importance of completing the FAFSA, estimating college costs, exploring financing options, and more.
CollegeCovered.com - a FREE resource to help students and families plan and pay for college.
Important Financial Aid Links / Information
www.studentaid.ed.gov - Federal Student Aid website.
www.fafsa.gov - Free Application for Federal Student Aid website. This is where you sign up for financial aid. Students can begin filling out the FAFSA on October 1st of their senior year. Very Important!
Video: FAFSA Overview
Video: After the FAFSA
Information & Documentation Needed to Fill Out the FAFSA
If you need some additional assistance or tips for filling out the FAFSA, check out Coupon Follow's 'Guide to Getting through the FAFSA'
Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) - MDCAPS is MHEC's comprehensive financial aid system that allows us to process State scholarship applications and allocate funds more efficiently using today's technology.
If you qualify for MD State Aid based on your FAFSA, you must register and fill out the application on this site!
Maryland Higher Education Commission - Excellent website and will explain all of the Maryland state financial aid programs.
CSS Profile - This form is used in addition to the FAFSA by some colleges and universities. Students should read the schools' material to find out if they need this form. Most selective schools will require the CSS. You can go on line at www.collegeboard.com for the CSS PROFILE form. There is a cost associated with filing the CSS.
Institution Forms - Some colleges and universities also require their own financial forms. Please check the schools' requirements to ascertain if this is needed. If a college requires its own form, you must contact the financial aid office at that college to obtain the necessary materials.
Additional Financial Aid Links