Federal and State Scholarship Resources

Higher Education is a big investment but it is also a key factor in achieving economic well-being and an improved quality of life. There are funds available to help students pay for college and higher education training including varied state and federal financial aid programs. Step # 1 for every student interested in receiving any kind of financial aid and scholarships is to complete the FAFSA!!!! (see below)

For information on various careers and their potential earnings look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor - http://www.bls.gov/oco/

For information on U.S. Military Service Academy nominations, go to the website of your Senator and/or Congressional Representative and click on Services or Constituent Services (U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination).

*It is suggested that you obtain this information during the Spring of your Junior year of high school.

To find your U.S. Senator click here.      To find your U.S. Representative click here.

Federal Financial Aid - FAFSA   

For more federal student financial aid information go to www.studentaid.ed.gov

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA opens the door to the federal aid process. You may complete this form online by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov

Prepare to do the FAFSA online by completing the "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet" first. You can download the worksheet online (at www.fafsa.ed.gov) or pick up a copy at the DEF office, your high school guidance office, college financial aid offices, or your local library. 

FAFSA applications for an upcoming school year are available ahead of time, as of January 1 of that year. After January 1 you should complete that year's FAFSA application as soon as possible. Your application must be received no later than June 30 of the end of the applicable school year.

For example, if you plan to enter college in September 2009 you should complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1, 2009 as possible.

Prepare ahead of time by filling out the "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet" and getting your PIN (personal identification number) which is necessary for both the student and parent to complete the FAFSA online with their electronic signatures.

FAFSA applications for a current school year will still be available, can be completed, and submitted until June 30 of the current school year.

State Financial Aid

States in the DEF region: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia

State Mentor sites are another online resource for higher education, providing assistance regarding planning for college, selecting a school, online applications, financial aid and loans, choosing a career, and more.

Delaware Mentor - www.delawarementor.org

Maryland Mentor - www.marylandmentor.org

Virginia Mentor - www.virginiamentor.org

For state student financial aid information contact your state

Higher Education Commission via one of the links below:

Delaware Higher Education Commission (DHEC)

Carvel State Office Bldg., 5th Fl., 820 N. French St., Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone 302-577-3240 / 800-292-7935

Fax 302-577-6765 

Email dhec@state.de.us
Website http://www.doe.state.de.us/high-ed/

The Delaware Higher Education Commission administers 17 state student financial aid programs and 9 private scholarship programs to help Delawareans continue their education after high school. Applicants for all state-funded programs must be Delaware residents.

Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400, Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone 410-260-4500 800-974-0203 Fax 410-260-3200

TTY 800-735-2258

MHEC/Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)

839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400, Annapolis, MD 21401-3013

Phone 410-260-4565 / 800-974-1024 Fax 410-260-3202

Email ssamail@mhec.state.md.us

Website http://www.mhec.state.md.us/

The state has an extensive array of financial aid programs in the form of grants, scholarships and awards for students who want to further their education beyond high school. March 1 is the mailing deadline for the FAFSA to be considered for Maryland state scholarships.

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)

James Monroe Bldg., 9 th Fl., 101 N. 14 th Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Phone 804-225-2600

TTY 804-371-8017

Fax 804-225-2604

Email bradford@schev.edu or nardo@schev.edu

Website http://www.schev.edu/

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is the Commonwealth's coordinating body for higher education. SCHEV) administers over 30 programs and regulations and coordinates a variety of applications for state and federal grant awards. SCHEV has a number of statutory responsibilities including the administering of state-funded financial aid programs, including the TAG program for students at private institutions.