Students must apply each year for financial aid. There are two ways of submitting the information:

1. The electronic FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
2. The paper Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by mail.

Generally, the electronic version takes five to seven days while the paper application takes three to four weeks to process. When filing the electronic version, processing can be expedited by signing your FAFSA electronically with a Federal Student Aid PIN. If you do not have a PIN, you can apply for one at www.pin.ed.gov Regardless of the method of application, students will receive a Student Aid Report from the U.S. Department of Education that summarizes the FAFSA information and lists the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

The following are a few basic guidelines to ensure that students receive comprehensive consideration for all types of financial assistance:

1. Apply as early as you can to be considered for all types: federal, state, and college aid.
2. Know the deadline: March 1st is the priority deadline for most Maryland State Scholarships and May 1st is the deadline for Cecil College Foundation Scholarships.
3. Promptly provide all documents that are requested by the Financial Aid Office.
4. When in doubt, ask questions. You may schedule an appointment with a financial aid advisor by
   calling 410-287-1000.

Cecil College Federal School Code: 008308