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: Most types of grants, unlike loans, are sources of free money that generally do not have to be repaid. Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, your college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization.
1. - Certain scenarios may require that a portion or all of the grant funds be repaid: for example, if you withdraw from school before finishing an enrollment period such as a semester, or if you do not complete a required service obligation.
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.
Federal Work Study: Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
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.

SVHS Financial Aid Guide for Seniors

Seniors and families can click here for more information and instructions for applying for financial aid.
In-class presentation

MCPS Virtual Financial Aid Webinar Recording & Presentation

Below you will find a recording from the MCPS Virtual Financial Aid Webinar, which occurred on the evening of August 26, 2022.

Financial Aid Breakdown & How to Apply

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.
Depending on financial need, the maximum amount of aid a student may qualify for: up to $7,395 (Pell Grant)
Students should fill out the FAFSA every year they attend a college, university, or trade school.
Click below for more information.

FAFSA Information - Click Here

FSA ID Login Page - 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.

Steps to Obtain an FSA ID - the student and one parent must create an FSA ID! You need this ID to sign the FAFSA.
Video: How to Create an Account Username and Password (FSA ID)

Click Here for the FAFSA Form - Free Application for Federal Student Aid's (FAFSA) website. This is where you sign up for financial aid by completing the FAFSA Form. Students can typically begin filling out the FAFSA on October 1st of their senior year. Very Important! The deadline for the state of Maryland to submit the FAFSA is March 1st.

Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Financial Aid and Undocumented Students - Questions and Answers
Information & Documentation Needed to Fill Out the FAFSA
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 $22,100 (GA Grant)
Click below for more information.

MDCAPS & MHEC One App Information - Click Here

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:

Maryland Higher Education Commission - official site with ALL of the Maryland state financial aid programs and scholarships.

Notes about MDCAPS Registration & the MHEC One App

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.
The MHEC One-App allows students to apply for State Scholarships, Grants, and Loan Assistance Repayment Programs.

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.
The MHEC One-App application from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC):
- Alternative Financial Aid Application: Provides an alternative financial aid application process for Maryland undocumented students who are ineligible to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to be considered for select Maryland State financial aid programs.
Click below for more information.

MHEC One App Information - Click Here

Eligibility requirements:
- Undocumented
- Your parent/legal guardian filed a Maryland income tax return each year, for 3 consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023 for Class of 2025 Seniors)
- Meet the non-resident exemption as described under §15–106.8. of the MD Education Article
Click here for more information & FAQs.
Click here to fill out the MHEC One App
Once you have created an MDCAPS login, send Mr. Nalda your MHEC ID in order for him to upload your transcript/GPA Information
- DO NOT submit or request to submit your transcript as an attachment!

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, but some may qualify for a fee waiver.

Undergraduate students living in the U.S. may submit CSS Profile for free if:

Family adjusted gross income is up to $100,000
The student qualified for an SAT fee waiver
The student is an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24

Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC)

- Not all students will submit documentation for the CSS Profile through IDOC. If you need to submit documents, College Board will email you and you can log in at that time.
- Special note that students must submit their CSS Profile before they will be able to login and access IDOC.

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.

Net Price Calculator

What does Net Price mean?

Net Price is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student receives. Scholarships and grants are forms of financial aid that a student does not have to pay back.

What is a Net Price Calculator?

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.

Financial Aid Workshops on Video

Scholarships and Financial Aid - From NAVAC and its members.
Financial Aid Presented in Spanish/ Ayuda financiera presentada en español - MCPS Summer Workshop

Additional Financial Aid Links & Resources

Fee Waivers
Free & Reduced Meal Application
TuitionCents 2024: New FAFSA Walkthrough + Aid Maximization Tactics
www.finaid.com
Tax Information for Students
Sallie Mae Video Series
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.

MPT’s annual Ways to Pay for College - Maryland Public Television (MPT) continues its tradition of providing viewers valuable insights into successfully navigating the college selection and financial aid process with Ways to Pay for College. Click here for the website to stream this program.

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