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.
The Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant is for current high school seniors and full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates may apply for this need-based grant by completing the FAFSA by March 1. Students and their parents (if you are dependent) must be Maryland residents. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time status. Late applicants are placed on a wait list. Annual awards ranging from $400 to $3,000 may be renewed annually if the student maintains satisfactory academic progress, completes the FAFSA by March 1, continues to show financial need, and successfully completes 24 - 30 credits. The Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant is 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. To renew an award, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress, submit the FAFSA by March 1, continue to demonstrate financial need, and successfully completes 30 credits.
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."