Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant

Maryland residents under age 26 at first award, from households at or below about 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, enrolled full-time in a degree program at an eligible Maryland institution and beginning college within six years of high school or GED completion. Undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition may apply through the MHEC One-App instead of the FAFSA.

The Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant is Maryland's most generous need-based award, designed for students from households at or below roughly 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. Students file the FAFSA - or the MHEC One-App if they are undocumented but eligible for Maryland in-state tuition - by March 1 and list a Maryland institution; there is no separate grant application, and MDCAPS considers qualifying students automatically. Awards are calculated from cost of attendance, living situation, and demonstrated need, and can reach $18,000 for the 2026-27 award year. Recipients must enroll full-time (12+ credits), begin college within six years of finishing high school or a GED, and be under age 26 when first awarded. The grant renews for up to three additional years subject to satisfactory academic progress and, from year two onward, an annual credit-completion requirement.

Renewal terms: Renewable for up to 3 additional years (4 years total for bachelor's-seeking students, 2 for associate's), contingent on income at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines or continued Pell eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, full-time enrollment, and a 24-30 credit annual completion requirement from year two onward.