The Maryland Higher Education Commission is the coordinating body for MD Post-Secondary Education, and State financial aid.
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ALT Stay eligible for federal student aid with these steps! Maintain the basic eligibility requirements such as showing financial need and being enrolled or accepted in an eligible degree or certification program. Maintain satisfactory academic progress by keeping up a minimum GPA, staying under the maximum number of incomplete classes, and tracking properly toward degree completion. These guidelines are set by each school. Complete the FAFSA form each year.
ALT Live webinar! Understanding FAFSA Submission Summary and Financial Aid Offer Letters: April 24, 2025, from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern time. This webinar will break down the FAFSA Submission Summary and financial aid offers. We will walk through the different sections, explain what is included, and provide guidance for students on what they should do with each of their FAFSA Submission Summary and financial aid offers.
ALT Information Required for the 2025–26 FAFSA Form: Your Social Security number Federal income tax returns; records of child support received; and your current balance of cash, savings, and checking accounts Records of net worth of investments, businesses, and farms StudentAid.gov account (students and contributors each need their own) Records of untaxed income (if applicable) Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
ALT 12TH GRADE COLLEGE PREP CHECKLIST
ALT IN THE SPRING: Complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form if you haven’t already. Review and compare financial aid offers. Contact schools for additional aid options and deadlines. Inform chosen school of intention to attend and submit deposits by May 1.
ALT IN THE FALL: Complete the FAFSA form for upcoming school year. Take required standardized tests. Apply to chosen school(s) and request required documents (e.g., transcripts) to be sent.
ALT ALL YEAR: Maintain strong academic performance. Stay involved in after-school activities and seek leadership roles.
ALT Graphic featuring the state of Maryland with text that reads: "Hey, Maryland! The deadline to submit the FAFSA form is March 1, 2025." The background is red.
ALT Informative graphic stating "Did you know? FAFSA funds are available to those interested in a career in these fields:" followed by icons and text for Law Enforcement, Military, Firefighters, EMTs, and Career & Technical Programs.
ALT Budgeting Tips for School Key Budgeting Principles: Overestimate expenses and underestimate income to create a financial buffer. Involve family in financial planning and discuss income sources. Build an emergency fund to prepare for unexpected situations.
ALT Needs vs. Wants Strategy: Create a list of items you want to save for, and then categorize each as a need or want. Ask yourself if you’ll still value the purchase in a month. Prioritize items (1 = must have, 2 = really want, 3 = would be nice).
ALT Additional Best Practices: Track all your spending regularly to help you understand where your money goes and make better choices. “Pay yourself” by putting money into savings first, before spending on anything else. Only use credit cards for things you can fully pay off each month.
ALT Key Budgeting Scenarios: Moving off-campus: Save for rent deposits and furniture. Starting an internship: Budget for work clothes and transportation. Job searching after graduation: Plan for interview expenses and potential income gaps.