Maryland Higher Education Commission

February 2009 Press Release

 

 

For immediate release: February 10, 2009                                         Media Contact: Christopher Falkenhagen
                                                                                                                     Communications: (410) 260-4511

 

 

Time is Running Out for Students to File FAFSA Form

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 10, 2009) – Students planning on going to college or private career schools for the 2009-2010 academic year and who are interested in receiving any type of federal or State financial assistance won’t be eligible for many scholarships and grants if they do not file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms by March 1.

The FAFSA form determines whether a student qualifies for need-based, federal aid – such as the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and Stafford Loans -- and for Maryland’s numerous scholarship programs.

Filing the FAFSA is not difficult. A prospective college student only needs to go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to fill out the form on-line.

Maryland’s highly efficient and friendly Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) staff will offer nearly $110 million in financial aid provided by Governor O’Malley’s FY 2010 budget.

“Governor O’Malley recognizes the need for financial aid to our students, especially in these difficult economic times,” Secretary of Higher Education James E. Lyons, Sr., said. “I am pleased he has been so generous in providing funding for OSFA this year. I strongly encourage students and parents to take advantage of the possibility of receiving financial aid by filing the FAFSA on time. I don’t want any students to miss out on this opportunity because they miss the deadline.”

For information regarding State financial aid programs, students should go to www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/descriptions.asp. At that link, they will find a description of each program and will be able to gain access to that particular scholarship’s application.

Students are also encouraged to e-mail OSFA at osfamail@mhec.state.md.us or call 1-(800) 974-1024 or (410) 260-4565 if they have any questions regarding State financial aid.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is a 12-member coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and independent colleges and universities and private career schools. It serves as an advocate for more than 326,000 college students in Maryland, for the State and its needs, and for business and industry in Maryland.

 

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