Financial Aid Information

We understand that going to college can be an expensive investment.  Most students cannot afford to attend a college, university, or trade school without the help of some type of financial aid.  Financial aid can come in many forms:

Unfortunately, for many students, taking out student loans is the only option to be able to afford tuition and other school-related expenses.  If you are considering taking student loans, make sure you understand the different loan types and the costs before you borrow.  Take a look at these helpful resources as you start doing research.  Below you will also see links to other, helpful sites.


2023-24 SVHS Financial Aid Guide for Seniors


MCPS Virtual Financial Aid Webinar Recording & Presentation

Below you will find a recording from the MCPS Virtual Financial Aid Webinar, which occurred on the evening of August 26, 2022.


Financial Aid Breakdown & How to Apply

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

FAFSA Information - Click Here

FSA ID Login Page - The first step in the FAFSA process is for the student and one parent to create an FSA ID.  This will allow the student to access their Student Aid account (including FAFSA) and for the parent to be able to sign the FAFSA.

Click Here for the FAFSA Form - Free Application for Federal Student Aid's (FAFSA) website. This is where you sign up for financial aid by completing the FAFSA Form. Students can typically begin filling out the FAFSA on October 1st of their senior year.  Very Important!  The deadline for the state of Maryland to submit the FAFSA is March 1st.

studentaid.gov/ - Have questions or looking for more resources? This is the Federal Student Aid main page. 

Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS)

MDCAPS Information - Click Here

Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) - MDCAPS is Maryland Higher Education Commission's comprehensive financial aid system that allows MHEC to process State scholarship applications and allocate funds more efficiently using today's technology. 

Notable State Scholarships awarded through MDCAPS:

Maryland Higher Education Commission - official site with ALL of the Maryland state financial aid programs and scholarships.

Notes about MDCAPS Registration

MHEC One App for Undocumented Students (Formerly called MSFAA)

MHEC One App Information - Click Here

CSS Profile

CSS Profile - This form is used in addition to the FAFSA by some colleges and universities. Students should read the schools' material to find out if they need this form. Most selective schools will require the CSS. You can go on line at www.collegeboard.com for the CSS PROFILE form. There is a cost associated with filing the CSS, but some may qualify for a fee waiver.




Institution Forms

Institution Forms - Some colleges and universities also require their own financial forms. Please check the schools' requirements to ascertain if this is needed. If a college requires its own form, you must contact the financial aid office at that college to obtain the necessary materials.


Net Price Calculator

What does Net Price mean?

Net Price is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student receives. Scholarships and grants are forms of financial aid that a student does not have to pay back.

What is a Net Price Calculator?

Net price calculators are available on a college’s or university’s website and allow prospective students to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to attend the institution in the previous year, after taking grants and scholarship aid into account.

Links



Financial Aid Workshops on Video



Additional Financial Aid Links & Resources

MPT’s annual Ways to Pay for College - Maryland Public Television (MPT) continues its tradition of providing viewers valuable insights into successfully navigating the college selection and financial aid process with Ways to Pay for College.  Click here for the website to stream this program.