Financial Aid

Paying for college is a big step for you and your family, and we’re here to help! At Chesapeake College, we want to make sure you have the money you need to get your degree.

Our Financial Aid Office is here for you. We care about your financial concerns and are ready to give you all the help and information you need. We’re excited to be your go-to resource for financial aid and help you reach your educational goals.

Read on for everything you need to know to navigate the financial aid process successfully.

Financial Aid is money to help you pay for your college education. There are different ways you can get help with your college costs, like grants, work-study, and scholarships. These awards can be based on how much money you need or how well you do in school.

Navigating financial aid can seem overwhelming, but understanding the basics can make it easier. At Chesapeake College, we offer several types of financial aid to help you fund your education:

The amounts and types of financial aid that students receive are determined through federal, state and local guidelines, and are offered to students in combinations or “packages” designed to fit applicants’ financial needs. This aid can come from various sources, including federal, state, local, and private organizations. We also have our own Chesapeake College Foundation that raises funds to support our students.

NOTE: We take great pride in keeping our tuition costs low, so we do NOT participate in any Federal Student Loan program, including the Direct loan program.

The first step to securing financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is essential for determining your eligibility for most types of financial aid.

• Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st for the upcoming academic year.
• Meet Deadlines: For Maryland State Scholarships, ensure your FAFSA is completed by March 1st each year.
• Renew Annually: Remember to submit your FAFSA each academic year to be considered for financial aid.
• Our School Code: When filling out the FAFSA, you’ll need our federal school code to ensure your information is sent to Chesapeake College. Our code is 004650.

Many students find that their full cost of attendance may not be met using federal aid alone. That’s where our institutional scholarships come into play. Start by completing the FAFSA to show us your financial situation. Then, head to our scholarship portal, create an account and apply for hundreds scholarships with a single application—making it easier to find the extra funds you might need.

Our scholarships look at academic merit, financial need, and other factors, so there is something for everyone! Our annual application is available online each January with a posted deadline date, generally the April before the Fall semester you plan to attend.

NOTE: Do not complete the Institutional Scholarship Application if you are a Dual Enrollment or noncredit/continuing education student. If you will be attending Chesapeake College as a Dual Enrollment student, please contact [email protected] for funding resources. If you will be attending Chesapeake College for a noncredit or continuing education program (CDL, CNA/GNA, Dental Assistant, etc…check the Program Finder to be sure), please refer to our noncredit funding opportunities.