Maryland Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for Maryland students
Maryland's Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award is the state's primary need-based grant program, offering two components: the Guaranteed Access Grant for very low-income students and the Educational Assistance Grant for broader need-based aid. Maryland also offers several targeted scholarship programs.
Maryland grant programs
Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant
Need-basedUp to $19,900/year (covers up to full cost of attendance at Maryland public institutions)
Eligibility
- Maryland resident
- Family income at or below 150% of federal poverty level
- Complete the Maryland high school curriculum with at least a 2.5 GPA
- Enroll at an eligible Maryland institution within one year of high school graduation
- File the FAFSA by March 1
Deadline: March 1
Official info →Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant
Need-basedUp to $3,000/year
Eligibility
- Maryland resident
- Demonstrate financial need via FAFSA
- Enrolled at an eligible Maryland institution
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Deadline: March 1 (FAFSA priority deadline)
Official info →Tips for maximising Maryland aid
The Guaranteed Access Grant is extremely generous for very low-income families — it can cover nearly the entire cost of attendance. Make sure to file FAFSA by March 1.
Maryland requires FAFSA filing by March 1 for state aid — this is a firm priority deadline, not a suggestion.
Maryland offers several specialized grants including ones for foster youth, veterans, and students in specific fields — check MHEC's website for the full list of programs you might qualify for.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in Maryland that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.