Apply for Financial Aid

The most important basic step for all students who wish to apply for financial aid is to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online, and make sure you add McDaniel College to your list of schools. Only by completing and submitting the FAFSA will you be considered for additional funding from McDaniel and federal and state sources.

McDaniel’s school code is 002109 and must be added to your FAFSA for us to receive it.

Complete Your FAFSA Schedule a Virtual Financial Aid Appointment

Information About the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary source for determining your eligibility for federal financial aid. The FAFSA must be completed each academic year you are interested in receiving Federal Student Aid. You should complete the FAFSA as early as possible after October 1 at https://fafsa.ed.gov

McDaniel's school code is: 002109

The information you report on your FAFSA is used to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number according to a formula set by Congress. The EFC is used to determine the amounts and types of aid you are eligible to receive. Please note that the EFC is not the amount your family is expected to contribute. Your out-of-pocket costs could be more or less than your EFC depending on your personal financial situation.

Completing the FAFSA

While the FAFSA is not a difficult application to complete, it does take some time and effort. It will be beneficial for you and your parents to complete your tax returns as early as possible as much of the information on the FAFSA will come from these returns.

If you have specific questions on completing your FAFSA you can contact the McDaniel College Financial Aid Office or visit the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website at https://studentaid.ed.gov

FAFSA Timeline

You can apply for your FAFSA beginning on October 1 of each year. While there is no strict deadline for filing the FAFSA, McDaniel has a March 1 Priority Deadline.

It is important to remember that the financial aid process does take some time so it should be started as soon as possible. The sooner you apply the more likely the Financial Aid Office can guarantee your financial aid will be ready when school starts.

Important Reminders

The FAFSA is a FREE application
You are required to complete the FAFSA each year to continue receiving financial aid
Your financial aid may change each year depending on your FAFSA results. Items most likely to change are your federal, state or McDaniel need-based grants
You may complete your FAFSA beginning October 1 of each year
The Priority Deadline for McDaniel is March 1
The FAFSA process can be lengthy - apply early
McDaniel's school code is 002109