FAFSA delays for federal financial aid may hinder Maryland students’ college plans

Delays in federal financial aid could prevent some Maryland students from attending college this fall. At the direction of Congress, the U.S. Department of Education simplified the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to help more families access federal aid. After a monthslong delayed rollout in December, many families in Maryland and across the country don’t yet know whether they qualify for federal student loans as the deadline for college decisions approaches.