Apply for Financial Aid
What Students and Families Need to Know:
The Office of Financial Aid is here to help students and families navigate the financial aid process and identify resources to help make a Hood College education affordable. To be considered for federal, state, and many institutional aid programs, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a Social Security number on file with the College.
How it Works:
File your FAFSA as early as possible. Students planning to attend Hood College in Fall 2026 may submit the FAFSA now.
The FAFSA should be completed during the year before you plan to enroll in college. When completing the FAFSA, you will report income and tax information from two years prior to the academic year for which you are applying for aid. For example, students applying for financial aid for the 2026–2027 academic year will use 2024 tax information.
Important Deadlines
Hood College Priority Deadline: February 15, 2026
Students who submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline receive first consideration for institutional grants and endowed scholarship funding.
Maryland State Aid Deadline: March 1, 2026
Maryland residents who may be eligible for state financial aid programs must submit the FAFSA by March 1, 2026, to be considered for state funding.
Hood College Federal School Code
When completing the FAFSA, be sure to include Hood College's Federal School Code:
002076
Including Hood College on your FAFSA ensures that the Office of Financial Aid receives your information electronically and can determine your eligibility for financial aid.
Why Complete the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the foundation of most financial aid opportunities. It is used to determine eligibility for:
- Federal grants
- Federal student loans
- Federal Work-Study
- State financial aid programs
- Many private scholarships
- Hood College need-based aid
Even if you do not believe you will qualify for need-based aid, completing the FAFSA may provide access to federal loans, work-study opportunities, and other sources of funding.
If you miss the February 15 priority deadline, you should still submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. Additional funding opportunities may still be available.
If you have questions about completing the FAFSA or understanding your financial aid options, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. Our staff is here to help.
When should I complete the FAFSA?
File the FAFSA as soon as possible. The federal government awards roughly $150 billion annually to college students through need-based grants, loans and work-study funds. In addition to determining your eligibility for federal student aid, many states and Hood College use the FAFSA when distributing grants. Money is limited in some instances, so do not delay. If you file your application late, you run the risk of missing out on certain funds, such as work-study awards.
How does the financial aid work in conjunction with the admission application process?
Hood College admission applications may be submitted any time after August 1, with decisions made beginning in October. When students complete their FAFSA, a financial award package can be included in the welcome packet sent to students who are offered admission.
When is the Hood College admission application deadline?
The Hood College Office of Admission reviews applications on a rolling basis beginning in October. Admission decisions will be sent within two weeks of a completed application file.
When will I learn my financial aid eligibility?
Hood College will provide financial award packages with admission packets if the FAFSA has been completed at the time of admission. If the FAFSA is completed after a student's acceptance to Hood, financial aid packets will be sent as soon as they are complete.
For more information on admissions, click here.
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