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 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.

Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.

How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information