Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Maryland's largest need-based grant for the lowest-income students: covers up to 100% of financial need for full-time study at a Maryland college, up to $18,000 a year (2026-27).
- How much
- Up to 100% of financial need; maximum $18,000 for 2026-27 (minimum $100)
- Who qualifies
- Eligible for Maryland in-state tuition. Family income at or below 130% of federal poverty guidelines (initial) / 150% or Pell-eligible (renewal). Full-time (12+ credits). Under 26 at first award; begin college within 6 years of high school/GED; no prior EA Grant; 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); requested documents by August 1. Awarding starts in April.
- How to apply
- No separate application
- File the FAFSA (or the MHEC One-App if you are eligible for in-state tuition but can't file a FAFSA) by March 1, listing a Maryland college
- MHEC considers you automatically
- Upload any requested documents in your MDCAPS account by August 1
- 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
For students whose total family income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines (2024 tax year for 2026-27; e.g. $40,560 for a family of four). Pays up to 100% of the student's calculated adjusted financial need for the first two academic years, up to the annual maximum ($18,000 for 2026-27; minimum award $100). Must be accepted to and enroll full-time (12 credits/semester) in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Maryland two- or four-year institution; must have finished high school or a GED (145 per module), begin college within 6 years of finishing high school/GED, be under 26 when first receiving the GA (born after July 1, 2000 for 2026-27), not have previously received an Educational Assistance Grant, and not hold a bachelor's degree. Renewable for up to 3 more years: renewal income limit is 150% of poverty guidelines OR continued Pell eligibility; recipients in their third year and beyond must complete 30 credits a year for the full award (24-29 credits = prorated). Some students must upload documents (GED transcript, independent-status proof, verification) in MDCAPS by August 1.
More money from Maryland
- 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)
- Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance (EA) GrantUp to $3,000 per year (minimum $400)
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.