Maryland’s Educational Assistance (EA) Grant is a need-based state grant for undergraduates. MHEC lists annual awards from $400 to $3,000 and potential eligibility for up to four years, subject to qualifications and funding. It is not a loan, but students should not count on an amount until they receive an official award notice.
Apply through FAFSA or, for students who cannot use it, Maryland One-App when applicable. Applicants must be Maryland residents, undergraduates, and meet need and enrollment criteria. Additional documents may be required; check MHEC One-App and ask the college whether the file is complete.
For 2026–27, MHEC listed March 1 as the consideration date for FAFSA/One-App and August 1 for any required documents; both have passed. Awards depend on available funding, and the agency says awarding can continue until funds are exhausted. If you already applied, check MDCAPS for requests such as family-size verification or a parent signature.
If you already applied, check your portal status. If not, contact campus financial aid promptly to ask about institutional alternatives. Prepare tax, identity, and residency records for 2027–28 and monitor MHEC. The EA Grant profile and MHEC profile link to official requirements.
Before budgeting, request a written offer separating tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, and transportation. State grants often reduce only eligible charges and may change after Pell or other scholarships are applied. Do not commit money based on a chart maximum.
Your campus office should confirm missing documents, institutional eligibility, and disbursement timing. The program profile expands on the criteria; the public-agency profile links to applications, deadlines, and official help.
Educational Assistance Grant — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
MHEC One-App — MHEC.
Research checked on October 12, 2026 against official or institutional sources. Past deadlines are identified, and eligibility is distinguished from an actual award. Confirm the cycle, your file, and available funds with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The general 2026–27 EA Grant deadlines have passed; check any applicable exception and prepare for the next cycle.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Maryland Educational Assistance Grant (EA Grant)
$400–$3,000 per year, potentially up to four years; 2026–27 deadlines closed.
State need-based grant for undergraduate students
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)
Publishes state grants, Maryland One-App, and program requirements.
State higher-education and financial-aid commission
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
MHEC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
MHEC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) ↗
Primary source
MHEC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.