Maryland Maryland Higher Education Commission

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FAFSA Completion Initiative (FCI)

The goal of the FAFSA Completion Initiative is to assist Maryland students and their families in completing the FAFSA and make sure any FAFSA problems are resolved prior to the beginning of the students' college academic year.​​


WHAT IS THE FAFSA COMPLETION INITIATIVE?

The FAFSA Completion Initiative is an initiative that allows high school districts, high schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), and certain designated entities access to limited but valuable FAFSA information for Maryland students.  Participants can use the FAFSA information to determine which individual students have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and whether the FAFSA has any problems requiring follow-up with the student.

 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE FAFSA COMPLETION INIATIVE?

Those qualified to participate in the FAFSA Completion Initiative include:

  • High School Districts                        
  • High Schools
  • Designated Entities (Non-Profits) approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Designated entities approved by the U.S. Department of Education  include but are not limited to: The Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services Progra​​ms (the TRIO Programs
  • Local Education Agencies (LEAs) approved and verified by MHEC​

HOW CAN SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATE?

To participate in this initiative, a school district, high school, LEA or designated entity will need to complete the FAFSA Completion Initiative Participation Agreement.  Completion of the Participation Agreement allows organizations to have limited access to a student's FAFSA information through the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS).  

To participate in this initiative you must complete the MDCAPS User Request form,

  • A high school will need to complete the FCI Participation Agreement.   
  • ​A high school district will need to complete the FCI Participation Agreement and LEA Verification form.
  • Designated Entities (non-profits) interested in participating in the FAFSA Completion Initiative must complete both the FCI Participation Agreement and the Non-Profit Certification Form. 

If your high school, high school district, or designated entity already participates in the FAFSA Completion Initiative but needs assistance in accessing their MDCAPS account, please complete the required form for your organization.  

 

WHEN CAN I BEGIN TO ACCESS THE FAFSA DATA?

Participating high schools, high school districts, and designated entities can begin to access FAFSA data for the applicable FAFSA cycle in MDCAPS after November 1.

Participating users may review the FCI User Manual for assistance in accessing the FAFSA Data for their students. 


Additional Information