Guaranteed Access Grant
Up to $18,000 in 2026–27, subject to need and funding; aid may cover adjusted need and requires full-time enrollment, credit progress, and renewal checks.
About Guaranteed Access Grant
The Guaranteed Access Grant is need-based aid for Maryland students starting college who meet residency, income, age, and enrollment requirements.
For a first 2026–27 application, students had to qualify for Maryland in-state tuition, file the FAFSA or MHEC One-App by March 1, 2026 listing a Maryland institution, meet need and the initial income ceiling of 130% of the federal poverty guideline, be under 26 at first award, and enroll full time in an eligible degree program. Diploma/GED, age, and start-time rules also apply.
For the next cycle, prepare the FAFSA or One-App when it opens, list a Maryland college, and create an MDCAPS account. Check document requests: MHEC may ask for GED records, dependency verification, household information, or other proof. The state page publishes income ceilings by household size and distinguishes initial from renewal eligibility; check the new award year rather than carrying 2024 tax figures forward automatically.
Who it serves and what it can cover: Up to $18,000 in 2026–27, subject to need and funding; aid may cover adjusted need and requires full-time enrollment, credit progress, and renewal checks.
How to apply or get help: For the next cycle, prepare the FAFSA or One-App when it opens, list a Maryland college, and create an MDCAPS account. Check document requests: MHEC may ask for GED records, dependency verification, household information, or other proof. The state page publishes income ceilings by household size and distinguishes initial from renewal eligibility; check the new award year rather than carrying 2024 tax figures forward automatically. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
State student financial-aid program