Campus News

November 10th, 2026

GC hosts ‘The Buck Starts Here’ financial aid event

Workshop provided tips on being engaged, college-seeking consumers

McHenry, MD – “The Buck Starts Here” – an interactive presentation by Garrett College’s Office of Financial Aid on paying for college – took place last Wednesday night in the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College.

The presentation – co-sponsored by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and Garrett County Public Schools – started with an activity that illustrated the need for planning on the part of parents and students. The College Budget Challenge asked participants to allocate 15 check marks to cover “college essentials” as well as “other costs to consider,” with three options for each category ranging from economical to high-end choices that were “purchased” with between one and three check marks.

As soon as everyone had completed that task, Garrett College Director of Financial Aid Andrew Harvey advanced his presentation to a slide that threw a monkey wrench into everyone’s planning.

“20 percent increase in prices!” read Harvey. “Costs have risen more than anticipated. You must eliminate seven check marks!”

Once that grueling elimination process was complete, a happier surprise surfaced.

“Scholarship score!” read Harvey as photos of Benjamin Franklin 100-dollar bills filled the screen. “You have been awarded a massive scholarship – you can add three additional check marks.”

Harvey said the budget challenge was illustrative of a key financial aid principle.

“Life is full of ups and downs,” observed Harvey. “You have to be ready for whatever it throws at you.”

The remainder of the presentation focused on getting the edge in the financial aid competition, identifying sources of financial aid, evaluating colleges’ financial aid offers, and developing a personal “action roadmap” to paying for college – which, Harvey noted, now costs an average of $34,019 per year per student.

Harvey said “getting the edge” involves developing a strong academic record in high school – including High School Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement coursework, and a high grade-point average – as well as building a “participation resume”. That resume, he noted, should list all school activities, clubs, and community involvement.

In discussing financial aid opportunities, Harvey emphasized that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) “is the gateway” and the Federal Student Aid website (https://studentaid.gov) is “the home for all things student aid.”

Harvey also noted that the previously gut-wrenching experience of completing the FAFSA is a distant memory.

“No more spending hours on the FAFSA – they really have simplified the application,” said Harvey.

Pamela Warnick, GC’s assistant director of financial aid, distinguished among the various types of aid available to students, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and highlighting in particular those offered by the state of Maryland.

“Grants and scholarships are called ‘free money’ because you do not have to pay them back like you do student loans,” said Warnick. Warnick noted that in addition to federal aid, the state offers assistance through the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

For students considering Garrett College, Warnick noted “the Garrett College Foundation has over 140 different scholarships with just one application.”

“Don’t leave any free money on the table,” cautioned Harvey. “And don’t ever pay for scholarship or financial aid assistance.”

Financial Aid Counselor and Veteran Certifying Official Erica Hook noted that’s why the word free was added to the title of the FAFSA.

“If someone wants you to pay them to help you figure out how to pay for college, that’s a red flag,” Hook advised.

GC’s financial aid staff also discussed the various types of loans for which students may qualify, including Federal Direct Loans (which can be subsidized or unsubsidized), Parent PLUS loans, and private student loans. Harvey noted there are trusted online comparison tools – such as Credible (https://credible.com/) – that can help families research loan options.

Harvey indicated families should concentrate on “wise borrowing”.

“You should look to minimize debt and borrowing,” Harvey counseled while acknowledging “borrowing may be one of the necessary evils to attend college.”

Harvey also said students and their families must read the fine print when considering aid offers from various colleges.

“You have to ensure you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison,” said Harvey, adding, “Calculate net direct costs, watch for front-loaded grants or scholarships, review terms and durations of the aid, and review scholarship retention requirements.”

GC’s staff emphasized they are anxious to help students answer their financial aid questions whether they plan to attend Garrett College or go elsewhere.

“Financial aid people love to talk about financial aid,” said Warnick. “If you have questions about financial aid, just call us.”

Students or parents who have questions about the financial aid process may contact the Garrett College Office of Financial Aid at 301.387.3080 or financialaid@garrettcollege.edu.