Financial Aid Checklist - Garrett College
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Your Financial Aid Checklist

Prepared by the Garrett College Financial Aid Team, the following serves as a checklist to assist you as you navigate through the financial aid process.

  • Submit applications to the school(s) of your choice

    Visit Apply Now to apply to GC

  • Begin thinking about your financial aid needs

    Know your budget and consider the cost of other items: transportation, housing (on-campus or off-campus), textbooks, food, school supplies, personal expenses, etc.

  • Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1

    If you are a Maryland resident, the FAFSA must be completed prior to March 1.

    **If you are a D.C. resident, the FAFSA must be completed and you need to apply for DC TAG using the DCOneApp at https://dconeapp.dc.gov/ prior to June 30th.

  • Complete any verification (if requested)

    The GC Financial Aid Office may contact you for additional required documentation such as tax information.

  • Research and apply for scholarship and grant opportunities

    Although you can apply for these throughout the year, it’s wise to get a head start! Contact your guidance counselor or the GC Financial Aid Office for available scholarships and/or grants, and visit www.garrettcollege.edu/scholarships

    The following require an ADDITIONAL application for GC:

    • Garrett College Foundation
    • Garrett County Scholarship Program
    • Pay it Forward Textbook Scholarship – apply by August 1
  • Compare the financial aid award packages from each school

    Don't just look at the total amount of aid, but conduct your own bottom-line analysis of the net out-of-pocket cost of attending each school.

  • Decide which school you want to attend and accept their offer

    Accept the financial aid award package for Garrett College online at np.garrettcollege.edu

  • Apply for student loans (if needed)

    For direct subsidized or unsubsidized loans, visit studentaid.gov

    • Complete Entrance Counseling
    • Complete the Master Promissory Note

    For Parent PLUS loans, visit studentaid.gov

    • Submit a Direct PLUS Loan Application
    • Complete the PLUS Master Promissory Note (If approved)
  • Don’t Forget!

    You will need to reapply for financial aid each year you are in school. Even if you did not qualify this year, you should reapply next year, since financial circumstances can change.