Temporary Closure: The Schooner Cove area at the Havre de Grace Library will be closed on Friday, May 9, for a refresh. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents Day.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Sunday, April 20, in observance of Easter.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Library Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Monday, October 13, for Staff In-Service Day.
Library Closure: Abingdon Library will be closed
Friday, October 31, for a Private Event.
Library Closure: Abingdon Library will be closed
Saturday, November 1, for a Private Event.
Library Closure: Abingdon Library will be closed
Sunday, November 2, for a Private Event.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Early Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will close early at 5 PM
Wednesday, November 26.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Thursday, November 27, in observance of Thanksgiving.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Wednesday, December 24, in observance of Christmas Eve.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Thursday, December 25, in observance of Christmas Day.
Library Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Sunday, December 28.
Early Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will close early at 5 PM
Wednesday, December 31.
Holiday Closure: All Harford County Public Library locations will be closed
Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of New Year’s Day.
System Upgrades: On Thursday, June 19, HCPL will be conducting system maintenance. Access to public computers, library databases, e-resources, and account access will be unavailable during this time.
Branch Closure: The Havre de Grace library will be closed Tuesday, June 10, due to mechanical issues.
Sign in to my account Stay Connected! Sign up for our eNews Newsletter

Contact Us Locations & Hours Library Careers Printing Services Grab-N-Go Su Biblioteca

Search:

Financial Aid for College Resource Guide

Am I eligible for financial aid?
To qualify for federal financial aid you must:

  • be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen,
  • have a valid Social Security number,
  • register (if you haven't already) with the Selective Service, if you're a male between the ages of 18 and 25,
  • maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school, and
  • show you're qualified to obtain a postsecondary education


What are the types of financial aid?

  • Grants and  Scholarships - Do not have to be repaid
  • Loans - Have to be repaid
  • Work-study - College aid in exchange for work, often campus employment.

Where can I find money for college?
Federal Student Aid programs include the following:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity (FSEOG)
  • Federal Work Study
  • Federal Perkins Loan
  • Stafford Loans
  • Plus Loans (Loans to Parents)

FAFSA
The FAFSA is a form you have to fill out to get financial aid. This is the first step in applying for financial aid. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Colleges and Universities also use the FAFSA to award state and college aid. The process is free. Never pay to apply for federal financial aid.
To fill out the FAFSA you will need:

  • income tax returns (yours and most likely your parents), W-2 forms, and other records of income.
  • Identification documents (social security cards, driver’s licenses).

Complete the FAFSA each year, starting on October 1. Be sure you meet application deadlines.

Scholarships
Ask people in your community about scholarships that may be available to you.

  • Financial aid office of colleges or career schools you are applying to
  • Foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups
  • Organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest
  • Ethnicity-based organizations
  • Your employer or your parents' employers

Web Sites

  • BigFuture  This free resource, created by the College Board, offers information on financing one’s education.
  • Money for College.  United States Department of Education Web site. Use keywords to search for scholarships. Example: music, art, biology.
  • Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Programs and application forms for scholarships and grants available to Maryland students and veterans. 
  • https://www.hcps.org/departments/studentservices/schoolcounseling.aspx Harford County Public School's Office of School Counseling gives links to several free sources of scholarship and financial aid sites. 
  • Maryland529
    Information on the Maryland Prepaid College Trust and Maryland College Investment Plan. Begin to save now for your child's education at nearly any college in the nation.

Books
Contact us at the Harford County Public Library for current materials.  Scholarship books for minorities, veterans, women, and more.