Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the federal deadline to apply for the FAFSA?

A: The FAFSA must be completed by no later than June 30 of the year you enroll e.g. June 30, 2022 for the 2021-2022 school year if you wish to be eligible for federal aid.

Q: Does Maryland have a separate deadline? What about schools?

A: Each state has their own deadline to receive state aid. Maryland's deadline is March 1. Schools often have school specific deadlines as well. Make sure to check their website, so you don't miss out! 

Q: What email should I use for FAFSA?

A: We recommend using your personal email, as FAFSA needs to be completed every year you are in school (and desire aid). Using a personal email ensures you will always have access to the inbox, as many schools inactivate school emails after graduation. This is a great opportunity to create a professional personal email if you do not already have one!

Q: What if I am undocumented or not eligible for FAFSA for some reason?

A: No worries! You can apply for the MSFAA. This is Maryland's financial aid application. 

Q: How do I know if I am eligible for FAFSA?

A: Generally, a United States citizen is eligible. If you have a green card, you may want to double check to confirm you are good to go. Your intended school's Financial Aid office could likely help answer questions about eligibility, especially for school aid.

Q: I am considering trade schools. Do they offer financial aid to those who are eligible?

A: YES! You should complete the FAFSA if you are thinking of applying to college and/or trade schools!

Q: I keep receiving "Partial Match" notifications. What is going on?

A: Often, your first and last name, zip code, or other details on your FAFSA application do not match what is in Infinite Campus. More details can be found in emails from your School Counselor or CTO Advisor (to your Bard email). We give general reasons why you are not showing as "Complete". You are also encouraged to check out the video below. It's recorded by the amazing Ms. Kyttle, who is a phenomal FAFSA support!

Common Terms in Financial Aid

Loan

Borrowed money that needs to be paid back, usually with interest

Subsidized

Interest is paid by the government while the student is enrolled in study

Unsubsidized

Interest accrues from the moment the loan originates and is payable by the borrower

Private Loan

Money borrowed from private institutions, such as a bank

Public Loan

Money borrowed from a state or federal institution

State Aid

Money given or borrowed from the state in which you reside

Grant

Money that does not have to be paid back

Scholarship

Money that doesn't have to be paid back, earned through need or merit (grades, other college app items)

MHEC

Maryland Higher Education Commission- MDCAPS and other programs originate from this

Guaranteed Access Grant

Free money available to students who meet certain GPA and income requirements

EFC

Expected Family Contribution- the amount you are expected to pay after assessing income and FAFSA

COA

Cost of Attendance- includes costs like books, tuition, and mandatory fees

CSS Profile

A tool developed by College Board- used by many Private schools, asks more questions about income.