Financial Aid Events, Dates, and Deadlines

AUGUST

Fall Tuition Due
Check your bill and pay any balance not covered by financial aid or set up a payment plan.

Navigating Your Financial Aid Offer
One-on-one online sessions tailored to help you understand your Financial Aid Award.

SEPTEMBER

Prepare for the FAFSA®
It’s easier to complete the FAFSA® form if you gather what you need ahead of time.

Financial Literacy Event - Stuffing Away Your Savings
SEP 9  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day while stuffing away your savings! Learn fun and practical saving tips while playing Kahoot. Test your financial knowledge, learn how to save smarter, and have some fun along the way! Activity: Teddy Bear Stuffing.

OCTOBER

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

FAFSA® Opens
Opens WED, OCT 1  |  FAFSA® Form
Completing the FAFSA® is the first step to obtaining financial aid. Make sure to include Harford’s school code: 002075.  

Scholarship Applications Open
WED, OCT 1  |  O'Connell Scholarship Application  
WED, OCT 15  |  Harford Spring Scholarships  |  APPLY 

Financial Literacy Event - Sip and Save: Budgeting 101
OCT 1  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Celebrate National Coffee Day with Sip & Save: Budgeting 101! Learn fun and practical budgeting tips while playing Kahoot. Test your financial knowledge, see how your everyday spending adds up, and learn simple ways to make your money go further. Activity: Coffee Station and Snacks.

Harford County College & Career Fair
OCT 7  |  4–7 PM
Representatives from top schools, industries, and military organizations join us at the APGFCU Arena. 

Financial Literacy Event - Cover Your Assets: Identity and Theft Protection
OCT 12  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Learn how to cover your assets and protect yourself from identity theft! Learn simple ways to safeguard personal information, recognize scams, and protect your identity— all while putting your knowledge to the test with Kahoot. Giveaway: Harford Merch.

Financial Aid Night
OCT 14  |  6–8 PM  |  Chesapeake Welcome Center, Room 198
Attend this session to learn about FAFSA®, types of aid, how to apply, deadlines, updates, and tips for keeping aid. Open to all—whether you're attending Harford or another college.

NOVEMBER

High School Financial Aid Nights
NOV 2  |  6–8 PM  |  North Harford High School
NOV 5  |  6–8 PM  |  Aberdeen High School
NOV 5  |  6–8 PM  |  Joppatowne High School
Attend any session to learn about FAFSA®, types of aid, how to apply, deadlines, updates, and tips for keeping aid. Open to all—whether you're attending Harford or another college.

Financial Literacy Event - Show Me the Money: Financial Aid Edition
NOV 4  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Learn why financial aid matters and how it can help make college more affordable! Explore the basics of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study while playing Kahoot to test your financial aid knowledge.

Financial Literacy Event - Get Comfortable with Money Management
NOV 19  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Take the stress out of managing your money! Learn practical tips for managing spending, creating a budget, saving money, and making smart financial decisions. This interactive financial literacy event will help build confidence and get you more comfortable with money. Giveaway: Harford Merch.

FAFSA® Completion Assistance
Let Harford's Financial Aid team guide you thorough the process of applying for financial aid. Bring (for both student and parents): FSA ID, Social Security numbers, prior year tax returns, child support records, bank balances, and investment-business-farm values.

DECEMBER

Spring Scholarship Application Closes
Apply by DEC 15   |   Apply for Spring Scholarships

JANUARY

Spring Tuition Due
Check your bill and pay any balance not covered by financial aid or set up a payment plan.

Financial Literacy Event - Building Your Credit Brick By Brick
JAN 28  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Build your credit, one brick at a time! Learn the basics of credit, what impacts a credit score, and how to build healthy credit habits. A strong financial future starts with a solid foundation! Activity: Lego Building Competition & Giveaways.

FEBRUARY

Financial Literacy Event - Money and Relationships
FEB 11  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
What’s your relationship with money? Celebrate Valentine’s Day by exploring the connection between money and relationships. Learn about financial communication, shared expenses, spending habits, and setting healthy financial boundaries—all while discovering how money can impact relationships. Activity: Plush Stuffed Hearts.

FAFSA® Completion Assistance
FEB 21  | RSVP
Let Harford's Financial Aid team guide you thorough the process of applying for financial aid. Bring (for both student and parents): FSA ID, Social Security numbers, prior year tax returns, child support records, bank balances, and investment-business-farm values.

Financial Literacy Event - Money Matters: Know Your Financial Aid
FEB 24  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Think you know financial aid? Let’s find out! Learn the basics of grants, scholarships, loans, work study, and FAFSA® while discovering how financial aid can help make college more affordable. Make informed decisions about paying for college.

MARCH

Priority Filing Date for Maryland Financial Aid
MAR 1
A completed FAFSA® must be submitted by this date to be considered for most Maryland State financial aid programs (excluding the College Promise Scholarship).

Fall Scholarship Application Opens
MAR 15  |  Explore Scholarships  |  APPLY

Financial Literacy Event - Stitching Together Your Financial Future
MAR 2  |  12:30–1:30 PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Stitch together the pieces of your financial future! Explore options for building a stable financial future while putting your knowledge to the test with a fun Kahoot game. Learn, play, and discover smart financial choices that can help you build a stronger tomorrow. Activity: Embroidery Kits.

APRIL

Financial Literacy Event - Fishing for Trouble: Can You Catch the Scam?
APR 7  |  12:30–1:30PM  |  Owl's Nest 
Grab a pole and get ready to fish! Cast your lines and reel them in. Once you catch a fish, make a decision: Is it a scam or is it safe? Learn the red flags, avoid taking the bait, and see if you can become a Phishing Pro!

MAY

Check your Financial Aid Application Status
The Financial Aid Office may request additional documents via your Harford OwlMail. To avoid delays:

• Confirm your FAFSA® has been processed.
• Check your status on OwlNet.

JUNE

TBD

JULY

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act . . .
And How It Impacts Your Financial Aid
JUL 21  | 1–2 PM  |  Online via MS Teams
As of July 1, 2026, changes to Federal Direct Loan eligibility, Parent PLUS Loan borrowing limits, Pell Grant eligibility, and federal student loan repayment options may affect your financial aid package. This event reviews key updates, discusses potential impact to your aid, and provides the latest information available from federal guidance.

College Promise Application Day
JUL 23  | 12:30–4 PM  |  Student Center, Room 243
This event focuses on the application and award process for credit students interested in  the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship. Eligible students may apply for the scholarship on-the-spot.