Education - High School Graduation Requirements - Financial Aid Application
Summary
SB 552 would add a new high school graduation requirement beginning with the 2026-2027 school year: each public school student must complete and submit either the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Maryland’s State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA). The bill is aimed at increasing access to postsecondary financial aid by ensuring students engage with the aid application process before graduating. It also allows a student, or a parent/guardian for a minor student, to opt out by submitting a signed declination form acknowledging the application requirement and choosing not to complete it.
The bill includes two waiver pathways. A county board must waive the requirement if a student has completed all other graduation requirements and the principal attests that the student made a good-faith effort to complete the FAFSA or MSFAA, or if a parent/guardian requests a waiver due to extenuating circumstances. The Maryland State Department of Education must adopt regulations to implement the requirement and provide guidance to ensure students receive adequate support in completing and submitting the application. County boards must also report annual data on completions, declinations, and waivers from 2027 through 2032.
Impact
SB 552 would amend Maryland Education Article § 7-205.1 by adding a statewide graduation requirement tied to financial aid applications, affecting public high school students, county boards of education, and the State Department of Education. It would require schools to build FAFSA/MSFAA completion into graduation processes, create opt-out and waiver procedures, and establish annual reporting obligations for county boards. The bill would not change higher education aid eligibility rules themselves, but it would likely increase the number of students who apply for federal and state financial aid and expand administrative responsibilities for school systems.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill’s structure, the measure appears designed as a student-support and college-access policy rather than a punitive mandate, with built-in opt-outs, waivers, and required support guidance. The overall framing suggests a generally pro-access intent, but the absence of discussion records prevents a more specific assessment of sentiment among legislators or stakeholders.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is whether making FAFSA or MSFAA completion a graduation requirement is an appropriate way to increase financial aid uptake. Supporters would likely emphasize improved access to grants, loans, and college affordability, while critics may argue that tying a financial aid form to graduation could burden students and families, especially those with privacy concerns, undocumented status, family instability, or other extenuating circumstances. The bill attempts to address these concerns through opt-outs and waivers, but the adequacy and administration of those exceptions would likely be central to any debate.