Montgomery College > Steps to Transfer

You've found a school - now how to pay for it?  This is a huge question for all students.  

Keep in mind that you've saved so much money by attending Montgomery College that spending more for the last two years will be worth it.  Think about others you know who have paid full price for all four years - you've been able to keep costs low while enjoying the atmosphere of a small college with teachers who KNOW you at bargain rates.  So even if the school where you'll earn your degree costs quite a bit more, it could even out to what you might have paid to go away to school from the very start at a public institution.

Apply for financial aid.  If you applied, using the FAFSA, and didn't get any aid from Montgomery College, that doesn't mean that you won't qualify for aid at a more expensive school.  Apply to find out - it's free.  Many scholarships that are NOT need-based at 4-year schools still require that you file a FAFSA.  Check the Financial Aid page of every school that you're applying to for details.  Bottom line:  have your parental unit go through the agony of filling out the FAFSA to see whether you may qualify for any aid.

Make yourself as attractive as possible to organizations and colleges that offer scholarships.  This is something that starts from Freshman Day One when you come to Montgomery College.  Click here for some pointers.

Use Montgomery College's Transfer Scholarship Page to search for opportunities.  There's a substantial amount of information there - click on every link to check out every possibility.  This is a weeks-long process - take the time to search thoroughly.  Even a $200 grant is money in your pocket.

Don't accept the financial aid package of a school as the final offer.  If there are unusual circumstances to your situation, you need to let the Financial Aid office of the school(s) that interest you know about them.  Even something as simple as saying "Are you sure this is all I qualify for?" is worth saying. 

If you don't qualify for aid based on financial need, check out education loans offered by local banks.  The financial aid office of the institution you want to attend should be able to help you with this process.  Here is a list of local lenders offering education loans:

• BANK ONE
• EDUCAID/First Union
• Independence Federal Savings Bank
• National Education
• Sandy Spring Bank
• Sun Trust
• U.S. Education Finance Corp.

Credit unions also often have good loan programs for students - look into them!

This is it!  The End of the Transfer Steps Process. Go forth and enjoy your college experience!  Let us know how we did in preparing your for college - we'd always like to improve our services to students.  We hope that you'll look back fondly on your days at Montgomery College - the place where Endless Possibilities begin.

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