MD SB552

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, Maryland public high school students must complete and submit either the FAFSA or the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) as a graduation requirement

Students or parents/guardians may opt out by signing a form stating they understand the FAFSA/MSFAA and decline to complete it

County boards must waive the requirement if a student completes all other graduation requirements and the principal attests the student made a good faith effort, or if a parent/guardian requests a waiver due to extenuating circumstances

County boards must report annually to the legislature from 2027 through 2032 on the number of students who completed, declined, or received waivers from the requirement

The act takes effect October 1, 2025