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HB 688

Education - High School Graduation Requirements - Financial Aid Application

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jared Solomon

Maryland bill mandates high school seniors complete financial aid applications (FAFSA) as graduation requirement to increase college access and reduce unmet aid opportunities.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 688

Legislative bill overview

HB 688 proposes adding completion of a financial aid application (FAFSA or Maryland state equivalent) as a requirement for high school graduation in Maryland. The bill aims to increase college financial aid awareness and application rates among graduating students by making this step a mandatory component of diploma requirements.

Why is this important

Many eligible students miss financial aid opportunities due to incomplete FAFSA submissions, and parental education levels significantly affect application rates. Mandating financial aid application completion could increase college access and reduce student debt by ensuring graduates are aware of available aid before enrolling in post-secondary education.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: Schools must verify completion and manage exemptions (opt-outs for non-college-bound students, students 18+, or those with documented barriers)
  • Privacy concerns: Requiring submission of sensitive financial information as a graduation prerequisite may face resistance from families concerned about data collection and security
  • Effectiveness questions: Unclear whether completion without informed follow-through meaningfully improves aid access or if it creates bureaucratic hurdles without desired outcomes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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