Maryland State Programs
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) sponsors numerous grant and scholarship programs for Maryland residents. The state of Maryland offers an on-line inquiry system that allows students to view the status of their financial aid application and/or award information. This can be accessed at mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/OSFAmdcapslive.asp. A short list of programs include:
The Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant is for current high school seniors and full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates. Students and their parents (if student is dependent) must be Maryland residents. The grant awards a maximum of $3,000 per year to full-time undergraduates enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. All recipients must complete the FAFSA by March 1, continue to show financial need, and maintain satisfactory academic progress to have the award renewed. Awards are made by the Maryland Office of Student Financial Assistance. Students must file the FAFSA by March 1 to apply for this program.
The Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant is a grant available to current high school seniors who will complete a college preparatory program with a minimum, cumulative, unweighted 2.5 high school GPA. Applicants must enroll at a Maryland college or university as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student, meet certain income requirements, which change yearly and are posted on MHEC's webpage, and complete the FAFSA and the grant application by March 1. Applications received after March 1 will be considered on a funds available basis. To renew an award, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, submit the FAFSA by March 1, and continue to demonstrate financial need. Students should contact the Maryland Office of Student Financial Assistance or their high school guidance counselor for more information.
The Senatorial Scholarship Program is awarded to current high school seniors and students enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking, undergraduate or graduate program. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by March 1 and contact their senator in February for further instructions.
The Delegate Scholarship Program is awarded to current high school seniors and students enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking, undergraduate or graduate program. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by March 1 and contact their delegates in February for further instructions.
A detailed list of all State of Maryland financial aid assistance programs and applications is available on the web site of the Maryland Higher Education Commission at mhec.state.md.us. State financial aid assistance is based on the availability of funds. Information about grants and other financial aid programs for residents of other states can be found at finaid.org and select the link for "US State Government Aid."