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Financial Aid

At Harford Community College, we want to make sure you incur as little debt as possible while pursuing your academic goals.

That means doing everything we can to help you secure scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid—no matter what your income—as well as providing assistance and counseling while considering aid options. We strongly encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) early in the college admissions process, apply for scholarships through organizations outside of the College, and learn all you can about the financial aid process and options.

SOURCES of Financial Aid
Financial aid can come from many sources. These are the most common for Harford Community College students:

  • U.S. Federal Government/Department of Education
  • State Programs: Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)
  • Harford Community College Foundation,Inc./ Scholarships & Grants
  • Private or Nonprofit Groups

 

To be eligible for federal student aid, you must:

  • Hold a high school diploma or GED®
  • Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Have a valid Social Security Number
  • Not be in default on a federal student loan
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

EXPLORE ALL AID OPTIONS
Even if you think you are not eligible for aid, apply anyway. You could be missing out on valuable resources without even knowing it.


 

Financial aid events, dates, and deadlines

SEPTEMBER
Prepare for the FAFSA®
It’s easier to complete the FAFSA® form if you gather what you need ahead of time. Take a look and get ready. 

OCTOBER
Apply to Harford
If you haven't already applied to the College, now is the time. Financial aid cannot be awarded unless you have applied.

O'Connell Scholarship Application Opens
OCT 1  |  Apply

Scholarship Application Opens for spring semester.
OCT 15  |  Explore Scholarships   |  Apply on AwardSpring 

Financial Aid Info Nights in High Schools 
Attend one of the sessions below for a review of financial aid for the 2025-26 academic year. Event covers:  FAFSA®, types of financial aid, how to apply, key deadlines and updates, tips on maintaining aid and more. Sessions are open to all—whether you plan to attend Harford or any other college or university.

NOVEMBER
Financial Aid Info Nights in High Schools 
Attend one of the sessions below for a review of financial aid for the 2025-26 academic year. Event covers:  FAFSA®, types of financial aid, how to apply, key deadlines and updates, tips on maintaining aid and more. Sessions are open to all—whether you plan to attend Harford or any other college or university.

Joppatowne/ Edgewood High School 
NOV 12 |  6:30-8:30 PM  |  Joppatowne High School  |  RSVP

The John Carroll High School
NOV 13  |  6:30-8:30 PM  | The John Carroll High School  |  RSVP

North Harford High School 
NOV 18
  |  6:30-8:30 PM  |  North Harford High School  | RSVP

DECEMBER
FSA ID Assistance Labs 
Don't let the Most Wonderful Time of the Year be clouded by FSA IDs and the FAFSA®!
If you're overwhelmed, unsure who needs to complete the forms, or just afraid of making a mistake, let the financial aid elves at Harford take away your stress. FSA ID Assistance Labs provide time and guidance to help you successfully navigate the entire process so your Most Wonderful Time of the Year can be truly Wonderful!

DEC 2 |  12–2 PM  |  Student Center, Rm 243  | RSVP
DEC 10 |  12–2 PM  |  Student Center, Rm 243  | RSVP

DON'T FORGET!
Apply for Spring Scholarships
December is the deadline to apply so get your application in now!

Complete the FAFSA® 
You must have a completed FAFSA® on file to be eligible for financial aid. Be sure to indicate that Harford Community College can receive your information. Harford's code: 002075

JANUARY
TBD  |  Payment due for spring classes.
Students should check their bill through OwlNet and make sure the portion not covered by financial aid is paid by the due date or set up a monthly payment plan.

FEBRUARY
FAFSA® Completion Assistance
SAT, FEB 22  |  9 AM–1 PM  | RSVP
Let our Financial Aid team help you complete the FAFSA®. To successfully complete the form, bring the following items for both student and parents: FSA ID, Social Security numbers, 2023 Federal Income Tax returns, 2023 W-2 statements, and 2023 Untaxed Income records. For information, contact Kathy Vest at 443.412.2257 or finaid@harford.edu.

College Promise Scholarship Info Event
FEB 6
  |  6–7:30 PM  |  Edgewood Hall  |  RSVP
Harford's financial aid staff will review the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship which provides tuition assistance for eligible applicants to attend community college in their county for FREE. Topics include eligibility  requirements, application details and deadlines, and award details. There will be a Q&A session plus shared resources.

MARCH
Scholarship Application Opens for fall semester.
MAR 15  |  Explore Scholarships   |  Apply on AwardSpring 

APRIL
FAFSA® Fridays
TBD |  1–4 PM  |  Student Center, Rm 243 
Get your questions answered and get one-one-one help completing the FAFSA®. All sessions are 1-4 PM in the Student Center, Rm 243.

MAY
Check your Financial Aid Application Status.
The Financial Aid office may notify you to request additional information or documentation to process your financial aid package. NOTE: All notifications, including aid offers and requests for missing information, will be sent to your Harford OwlMail.  

  • To ensure a timely review of your FAFSA®, sign into studentaid.gov . Confirm your FAFSA® has been processed and that no further action is required.  
  • Verify you have completed FAFSA® 2024-2025 for the fall 2024 semester.
  • Check your financial aid application status by logging into your OwlNet account. All About Me tab > Financial Aid Requirements and Offer> Financial Aid Awards> on the HOME tab under Student Requirements.
  • Offer letters may include: Annual Cost of Attendance (COA), Grant/Scholarship Awards, Loan Information

FAFSA® Fridays
TBD |  1–4 PM  |  Student Center, Rm 243 
Get your questions answered and get one-one-one help completing the FAFSA®. All sessions are 1-4 PM in the Student Center, Rm 243.

JUNE
Deadline for Maryland State Financial Aid
JUN 1 | Final deadline
Completed FAFSA® must be on file by the due date to be considered for most Maryland State aid (excluding College Promise Scholarship).

Financial Aid Award Information Sessions
TBD
One-on-one online sessions tailored to help you understand your Financial Aid Award and plan your educational path. 

FAFSA® Assistance Labs
Get one-on-one help completing the FAFSA®.
Multiple dates are offered.

JULY
Financial Aid Award Information Sessions
TBD
One-on-one online sessions tailored to help you understand your Financial Aid Award and plan your educational path.

AUGUST
TBD |  Payment due for fall classes.
Students should check their bill through OwlNet and make sure the portion not covered by financial aid is paid by the due date or set up a monthly payment plan.

Financial Aid Award Information Sessions
TBD
One-on-one online sessions tailored to help you understand your Financial Aid Award and plan your educational path. 

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Financial Aid Office at Harford Community College offers free financial aid counseling services to all persons who request such help. All students attending the College are awarded all of the student financial aid for which they are eligible. Students have the right to cancel/decline some or all of any student financial aid award. Harford’s Financial Aid Office does not discriminate on the basis of curriculum, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status (except in those circumstances permitted or mandated by Federal law), or any other status protected by law or regulation when awarding or disbursing student financial assistance.