Apply for Financial Aid

What is 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.

Completing the FAFSA

While the FAFSA is not a difficult application to complete, it does take some time and effort.  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.

March 1: Priority FAFSA Deadline

Regardless of the launch date of the FAFSA, McDaniel maintains a March 1 Priority Deadline. This not only allows sufficient time for McDaniel to process your financial aid, but it also aligns with the deadline for eligibility for many Maryland state grants. This is free money for MD residents that you don't have to pay back, so meeting this deadline is important. 

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
• The 2026-2027 FAFSA is open.
  • The 2027-2028 FAFSA wil be available on October 1.
• The Priority Deadline for McDaniel is March 1
• The FAFSA process can be lengthy - apply early
• McDaniel's school code is 002109