Financial Aid Information
Filing a FAFSA is the single most important thing you can do to get money for college. It’s the gateway 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 private scholarships require a FAFSA as part of their application process. That's why completing a FAFSA is so important! Some colleges will not offer merit scholarships if you have not filed your FAFSA.
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
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 $6,895 (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.
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
Click below for more information.
MDCAPS 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.
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
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.
Once you have created an MDCAPS login, send Ms. Mejia 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!
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.
Once you have created an MDCAPS login, send Ms. Mejia your MHEC ID in order for her 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.
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.
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.
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.