Bill > SB552

This bill requires all public high school students in Maryland, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, to complete and submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) as a graduation requirement. Students or their parents can opt out by submitting a form to their county board of education acknowledging they understand the application but choose not to complete it. Additionally, county boards can waive the requirement if a student has made a good faith effort to complete the application or if a parent requests a waiver due to extenuating circumstances. The bill mandates that the state education department develop regulations to support students in completing these financial aid applications. Each county board must also submit annual reports from 2027 to 2032 to legislative committees, detailing the number of students who completed the applications, declined to do so, and received waivers. The purpose of this bill appears to be increasing student awareness of financial aid opportunities and encouraging more students to explore college funding options by making the application process a standard part of high school graduation.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0552?ys=2025RS