Focusing On FAFSA

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the official and FREE application used to apply for financial aid from the federal government. It is valuable because it determines your eligibility for federal aid, as well as many state and institutional scholarships within the state of Maryland.

Completing the FAFSA can make higher education and career school more affordable by unlocking financial assistance from the federal government and the state of Maryland. MHEC (Maryland Higher Education Commission) is the state's higher education agency that awards financial aid to all Maryland public and private colleges and for-profit career schools. Students eligible to complete the FAFSA should list a Maryland institution of higher education as the first school on their FAFSA, regardless of whether they plan to attend. For more information on FAFSA eligibility requirements, please navigate to the Federal Student Aid Eligibility Requirements.

All students should create a Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) account. Students ineligible to complete a FAFSA should complete the MHEC One-App through MDCAPS. The FAFSA or MHEC One-App should be completed and submitted to receive the maximum amount of financial aid available for Maryland's college and career opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time applicant, a returning student, or a parent looking for guidance, this site provides the resources to understand, apply for, and maximize your financial aid opportunities for college and career-bound students.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)