Washington County Public Schools College and Career Readiness
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Maryland Higher Ed
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Maryland Higher Education Commission

How does the State determine how much aid I’m eligible for? When you file the FAFSA, your information is processed using a formula from the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and the result is your EFC. The Maryland Higher Education Commission uses your EFC to calculate your eligibility for Maryland financial aid. Schools will award a Federal Pell Grant to students whose EFC falls below a certain level. The amount of a Pell Grant is determined by EFC and enrollment status (full-time, part-time)
Your financial need for State awards is the difference between:
  • Cost of Attendance
  • EFC
  • Federal Pell Grant (if any)
  • Certain other State awards (if awarded)
You must apply to a Maryland college, include Maryland colleges on your FAFSA, and create an MD CAPS account to be considered for Maryland Commission of Higher Education dollars. 

Maryland Financial Aid Videos
Comprehensive information about FAFSA and Maryland deadlines for ensuring that you have access to financial aid and scholarship programs.

Maryland Scholarship Guide
  • College 411 Brochure
  • FAQ

Maryland Financial Aid and Scholarship Applications - What do you qualify for? 
Instructions and deadlines for applying for State Financial Assistance Programs:
  • Need-Based Grants
  • Legislative Scholarships
  • Merit-Based Scholarships
  • Career-Based Scholarships
  • Service Obligation
  • Unique Populations
For more College and Career Information check out the WCPS Counseling and WCPS Career Technology websites.