Financial Support for Maryland Students

Yes, some Maryland state aid programs require additional steps beyond the FAFSA and MDCAPS account. Depending on the program, you may need to:

• Submit required documentation (such as transcripts or proof of residency) through your MDCAPS portal.
• Review and accept any awards in your MDCAPS account by the stated deadlines.
• Meet specific program requirements, such as essays, service obligations, or enrollment in an eligible major.
• Respond promptly to any requests from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) for additional information.

It’s best to check your MDCAPS account regularly and review the details for each state program to make sure all requirements are met.

State aid is reviewed annually and can change based on enrollment, academic progress, or financial need. If your aid is reduced or lost, check notifications from MHEC, contact the McDaniel College Financial Aid team, and see if you can regain eligibility by meeting requirements or exploring other resources. State aid is not guaranteed and depends on funding and eligibility each year.

Need-based state grants typically cover costs up to the standard double room and the standard meal plan. Additional expenses for upgraded housing options or enhanced meal plans are generally the student’s responsibility. However, some non-need-based state aid, such as legislative scholarships (including Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships), may be applied toward additional expenses like upgraded housing or meal plans if they bring a student beyond direct charges. Students should review the terms of their specific awards and budget accordingly for any costs beyond what need-based grants cover.

Need-based state grants usually cover tuition, fees, and standard housing and meals, but not books. Some non-need-based aid, like legislative scholarships (Senatorial and Delegate), may cover books and other expenses beyond tuition and fees. Check your award details for specific allowances.

The GA Grant is applied toward direct costs, tuition, housing, food, and mandatory fees, and for many students, it covers their remaining balance. However, if a student incurs expenses beyond these standard costs, such as upgraded housing or meal plans, they may need to consider borrowing loans to cover the difference.

Most Maryland state grants are applied toward direct costs like tuition, housing, food, and mandatory fees. For many students, these awards can cover their remaining balance. However, if McDaniel’s costs increase or if you have additional expenses, state aid amounts typically do not increase. In those cases, borrowing loans may help cover the difference.

March 1 is the firm priority deadline for most Maryland state aid programs. Missing it usually means you won’t be considered for many awards due to limited funding. Submit your FAFSA and create your MDCAPS account by March 1 to maximize your chances. Contact the McDaniel College Financial Aid Office or MHEC if you miss the deadline, but funding may be very limited.

Your state aid award may be reduced or canceled if you don’t meet renewal requirements, such as filing your FAFSA or MHEC One-App by the deadline, maintaining full-time enrollment, or making satisfactory academic progress.

State aid programs depend on available funding, so eligible students aren’t guaranteed awards if funds run out.

If you miss a deadline due to extenuating circumstances, you may have the option to file an appeal. Check with your financial aid specialist and MHEC for details.

Yes. Maryland state aid awards are often based on your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI), which reflects your financial need. If your SAI changes due to updates in your FAFSA information or corrections, your state aid eligibility and award amounts may also change.

Be sure to keep your FAFSA information accurate and up to date and check your MDCAPS account regularly for any updates to your awards.

You can use the MDCAPS portal to review your aid status. Additionally, contact your financial aid specialist. They can help answer your questions or assist you in communicating with MHEC. Try reaching out to MHEC during off-peak hours for a better chance of speaking with a representative.

State aid awards are reviewed and renewed for each academic year based on eligibility requirements, available funding, your continued enrollment, and academic progress. Because funding is limited and requirements must be met annually, state aid is not guaranteed for all four years.

Your dedicated financial aid specialist is your best point of contact for any questions about your state aid. They are familiar with your individual situation and can provide personalized assistance. Of course, the broader Financial Aid team is also available to support you whenever needed.

Your dedicated financial aid specialist is the best person to assist you with this. They understand your individual situation and can help determine if any additional steps are needed on your end. If necessary, they can also guide you on contacting MHEC to resolve the issue.

Yes. We generally do not recommend submitting the paper FAFSA because it can significantly prolong processing times. This delay may increase the risk of missing important deadlines, which could affect your eligibility for state funding. Filing your FAFSA online is faster and helps ensure timely processing.

Outside scholarships are considered when calculating your financial aid. However, non-need-based state aid is only reduced as a last resort, and only if your total aid exceeds your direct charges (such as tuition, fees, standard housing, and standard food). In most cases, outside scholarships won’t reduce your state aid, and if there is a surplus beyond those direct costs, the McDaniel aid would be reduced first.