Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance (EA) Grant
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Need-based grant of $400 to $3,000 a year for full-time undergraduates at Maryland colleges; you're considered automatically when you file the FAFSA by March 1.
- How much
- Up to $3,000 per year (minimum $400)
- Who qualifies
- Eligible for Maryland in-state tuition. High school senior or full-time (12+ credits) degree-seeking undergraduate at an eligible Maryland two- or four-year institution. No bachelor's degree.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (FAFSA); Maryland residents eligible for in-state tuition who can't file a FAFSA (including undocumented students) file the MHEC One-App instead
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; FAFSA or MHEC One-App by March 1 (March 1, 2026 for 2026-27); documents by August 1.
- How to apply
- No separate application
- File the FAFSA (or MHEC One-App if you are eligible for in-state tuition but can't file a FAFSA) by March 1 with a Maryland college listed
- Upload any requested documents in MDCAPS
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mhec.maryland.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Part of the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards. Award = OSFA-calculated cost of attendance (+/- regional cost-of-living adjustment) minus Student Aid Index, Pell Grant and certain state awards. Maximum $3,000 per year, minimum $400; renewable for up to 3 more years (4 total) with continued need, full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. From the third year on, recipients must complete 30 credits a year for the full award (24-29 credits = prorated). Usable out of state only by deaf or hearing-impaired students at institutions with special provisions not available in Maryland. Awards contingent on funds; awarding begins in summer and continues until funds run out.
More money from Maryland
- Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) GrantUp to 100% of financial need; maximum $18,000 for 2026-27 (minimum $100)
- Delegate Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)$200 to $14,086 for 2026-27
- Senatorial Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)$400 to $14,086 for 2026-27
- Graduate & Professional Scholarship Program$1,000 to $5,000 per year
- Maryland Community College Promise ScholarshipUp to $5,000 per year (remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other aid)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.