The Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant is Maryland need-based aid for undergraduates pursuing a first degree and meeting strict income rules. For 2026–27, the state lists up to $18,000 per year, but each amount is calculated from need and may change with completed credits. The maximum is not guaranteed and may not cover total cost.
A first-time applicant needed Maryland in-state tuition status, a high-school diploma or GED, college entry within six years, age under 26 at first receipt, and full-time enrollment in an eligible undergraduate program. Initial family income could not exceed 130% of the applicable federal poverty guideline. MHEC says MDCAPS automatically considers students who meet the basic rules.
For 2026–27, applicants had to file FAFSA or MHEC One-App by March 1, 2026 and submit requested documents by August 1. Both deadlines have passed as of this review, so this is not an open application. Funds are awarded until exhausted, and MHEC may request additional verification. Check the next-year page once released.
If you applied this year, check MDCAPS for status, messages, and missing documents; filing FAFSA does not prove the state file is complete. If you missed the date, ask MHEC which other state programs remain available and do not assume late appeals are accepted. Keep the official decision and ask the college what other aid covers.
The program follows a defined award cycle, but eligibility depends on age at first award, diploma or GED date, in-state tuition status, family income, and full-time study. Rules differ for first-time applicants and prior recipients. If you received aid before, ask MHEC whether renewal remains available; a new-applicant page may not describe your cohort.
For 2026–27, FAFSA or MHEC One-App were due March 1 and requested documents by August 1. Both dates have passed. A late FAFSA does not automatically reopen the program or create an appeal; check MDCAPS and MHEC for current options. Do not reuse last year’s dates or caps until new guidance appears.
Need is calculated under specific household rules, and the maximum depends on cost of attendance and state appropriation. Keep income, dependency, and household records because the state may request verification. If no award arrived, ask the college to review your file alongside other Maryland aid; do not pay anyone who promises guaranteed funding.
Before deciding, request an individual estimate showing aid applied first, remaining tuition, required fees, and outside costs. Confirm residency, credits, renewal, deadlines, and documents against current official guidance, and keep submission receipts.
Read the official program profile and the FAFSA application guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
Guaranteed Access Grant — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
2026–27 Guaranteed Access Grant one-pager — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, award amounts, funding, and deadlines vary by program and can change by cycle. A grant does not necessarily cover housing, meals, books, or transportation. File FAFSA or the applicable state application, confirm your balance with the financial-aid office, and do not pay third parties to apply.
Compare net cost and excluded charges before committing; the financial-aid office confirms eligibility and the final balance.
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Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant
The Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant is Maryland need-based aid for undergraduates pursuing a first degree and meeting strict income rules. For 2026–27, the state lists up to $18,000 per year, but each amount is calculated from need and may change with completed credits. The maximum is not guaranteed and may not cover total cost. A first-time applicant needed Maryland in-state tuition status, a high-school diploma or GED, college entry within six years, age under 26
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
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 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 13, 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 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.