Contact your School Counselor if you have any questions!

Financial Aide

Financial Aid is money that helps pay for college.

We encourage all of our families to fill out the FAFSA so that they can get money for college/university. In doing so, families may get access to more than $150 billion in college grants, work-study funds, and federal student loans, as well as certain state-based aid.

Most students receive some type of financial aid, so you should fill out a FAFSA application even if you don't think you qualify. The FAFSA isn’t just for people who want or need federal student loans. The purpose of the FAFSA is also to determine aid you won't have to pay back, like college scholarships, grants, and even work-study funding.

Some colleges will not offer merit scholarships if you have not filed your FAFSA. Colleges can also provide aid, either Merit-based aid or Need-based aid. Merit-based aid is money given to students with special talents, skills, or academic abilities. Need-based aid is available to those students who demonstrate financial need

Attention Seniors: The FAFSA Window for the Class of 2024 will open on December 1, 2023 and will remain open until March 1, 2024

Important Link

Federal Student Aid
(Both parent and students need to create an account)
FAFSA
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Maryland Financial Aid Assistance & Applications
Financial Literacy Information
College Preparation Checklist - It Starts Early!!
The EFC Formula 2021-22
Am I an Independent or Dependent Student?

Financial Aid Information Session
By Ms. Cynthia Hammond-Davis (Former wheaton hS ccic)

FAFSA Assistance Nights

Wheaton Opportunity - Date - TBD

Montgomery College normally hosts FAFSA Fever. You do not have to apply to MC to receive this free assistance. This event will take place December - February. Dates - TBD

What is the FAFSA?

It's The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which you need to complete to receive federal student aid.

What is federal student aid?

It’s financial aid from the federal government to help you pay for eligible expenses at an eligible college, technical school, vocational school, or graduate school. There are three categories of federal student aid: grants, work-study, and loans

Who gets federal student aid?

Every student, who meets certain eligibility requirements, can get some type of financial aid regardless of age or family income.

How do I apply for aid?

Complete the FAFSA, online or in print. The simplified online application is available at: studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa

When do I complete the FAFSA?

Between December 1st - March 1st. March 1st is the deadline to be considered for Maryland state student aid.

How much aid is available?

More than $150 billion of aid is available every year to students to help cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other education-related expenses.

What is the Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant?

The Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant is a grant that provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible in-state students currently enrolled as high school seniors who will complete a college preparatory program or a student who has obtained a General Educational Development Diploma (GED), and is under the age of 26. The amount of the GA Grant equals 100 percent of the student’s financial need and a student may receive an award for up to $19,400.