Tools Supported by USA Funds Help Maryland Students Prepare for Postsecondary Education

To help students and their parents better understand the process of applying for and attending a postsecondary education institution, the Maryland Higher Education Commission has created a new booklet titled “Questions About  College?” USA Funds^® provided a $50,000 grant to help support the publication.

MHEC is committed to ensuring that every Maryland citizen has access to higher education and that families know both that postsecondary education is important and that financial assistance is available to them. “Questions About College?” includes a list of more than 40 Web sites students can access to gain information about topics such as financial aid, accreditation, athletics, college searches and how to train for a craft or trade.
 
The following are among the issues the booklet addresses:

• Interviewing for college.
• What to expect in college life.
• How to choose the best college for the student.
• Pursuing financial assistance.
• Federal financial aid.

“I suggest every student and parent read through this very informative booklet,” says James Lyons Sr., Maryland higher education secretary. “It is a thorough, easy-to-read resource that will no doubt make pursuing the higher education experience much easier because it is so user-friendly.”

MHEC distributed the booklet to more than 75,000 11th graders in Maryland’s public and private high schools.

“Questions About College?” complements MHEC’s “College 411: The Student Guide to Higher Education and Financial Aid in Maryland,” which is distributed in English and Spanish each year to high school seniors. These brochures also help high school guidance counselors and college admissions and financial aid administrators assist students and their families.

USA Funds also supports the College Aid Calculator. This tool, available through the MHEC Web site, helps students see how education loans and college financial aid work. It helps students estimate if they qualify, and what an education might cost.

“MHEC is taking invaluable steps to ensure Maryland citizens have the information needed to pursue postsecondary education,” says Kyle Malone, USA Funds manager, access and outreach. “The planning guide and calculator are excellent tools in helping students and their parents plan for college and learn about financial assistance, and we are pleased to partner with MHEC on these initiatives.”