Financial Aid Seminars and FAFSA Completion Workshops

To register, click on the QR code in the event flyer below!

Drop the Docs Tuesday Spring 2026.pdf

Completing the FAFSA is the single most important task 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 financial aid, so you should fill out a FAFSA application even if you do not think you qualify. FAFSA is not 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, such as college scholarships, grants, and even work-study funding.

There are private scholarships that require FAFSA as part of their application process. Completing FAFSA is so important! 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.

Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

The Maryland Hhigher Education Commission (MHEC) is the State’s higher education regulatory and coordinating board, responsible for established statewide policies for Maryland public & private colleges and universities, as well as for the for-profit career schools. MHEC also administers more than $100 million each year through financial aid programs that positively impact students as they work to achieve their higher education goals.

Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

MHEC Financial Aid Resources

Use the MHEC One-App Guides below to create your account today!

One App User Guide (English).pdf

MHEC One-App Guide

One App User Guide (Spanish).pdf

MHEC One-App Guide (Spanish)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(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.
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.

Additional Financial Aid Links and Resources

Fee Waivers
Free & Reduced Meal Application
www.finaid.com
Tax Information for Students
Sallie Mae Video Series
College Money Matters (NEW!)
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.

For students who do not qualify to complete the FAFSA

MD-CAPS *All students should open an MD-CAPS account. Specifically for students planning to attend a Maryland college and/or university.
MHEC One App for Undocumented Students FAQs *MD-CAPS account must be created.