FAFSA filing season now underway, financial aid experts provide useful tips

MARYLAND – If you’re looking for a way to pay for the growing cost of a higher education,  the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open.

The funds can be awarded in the form of grants to scholarships.

Financial Aid specialists we spoke with urge students and families to complete this early, which they say is even more critical for Maryland residents as the state deadline is March 1st.

We’re told you should complete it even if you don’t believe you’ll receive aid, as you may still qualify for federal student loans.

Here’s some helpful tips you should keep in mind. “They think that they have to wait for their parents to complete their income tax return. Keep in mind the federal government uses the tax return from two years prior to the current year,” UMES Financial Aid Counselor Vera Miles said.

“These applications are processed through a secured website by the federal government, so if there’s any discrepancies in your personal data a lot of times that will prevent the FAFSA from being downloaded by the school.”

There were also several changes made to the FAFSA for the 2023-2024 filling season which include students no longer needing to register for the Selective Service before age 26 and students with drug-related convictions are now eligible to receive financial aid.

We’re told to make sure you keep up with deadlines as they vary from each state and school.

You can also visit the FAFSA website for helpful resources and programs offered by local high schools.