At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- For 2026–27, the Educational Assistance Grant provides eligible undergraduates $400–$3,000 annually for up to four years, subject to financial need, renewal conditions and available funds.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Maryland Higher Education Commission ↗
- Income / financial rules
- MHEC calculates adjusted financial need using attendance cost/housing, a regional living-cost adjustment, SAI, specified state awards and Pell. An amount below the minimum need or fully met need does not produce an EA award.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Maryland Higher Education Commission ↗
- Who to check first
- Be eligible for Maryland in-state tuition and demonstrate financial need. Be a current high-school senior or an eligible full-time, degree-seeking Maryland undergraduate, normally at least 12 credits per semester; no bachelor’s degree may have been earned before the start of 2026–27.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Maryland Higher Education Commission ↗
- Application timing
- The published 2026–27 consideration deadline was March 1, 2026. The general document deadline was August 1, 2026, with specified instructions for some applicants. Check the official page for a new cycle.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Maryland Higher Education Commission ↗
Check the official page for the next window or renewal instructions.
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1File the correct award-year FAFSA or MHEC One-App with the Maryland college listed. There is no separate EA Grant application; MDCAPS considers qualifying applicants from those submissions.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Maryland Higher Education Commission ↗
- 2Check MDCAPS for required documentation and submit it through the account. The listed general 2026–27 documentation date was August 1, 2026; follow any specific instruction or separately listed requirement that applies to you.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Maryland Higher Education Commission ↗
- 3For renewal, keep in-state eligibility, full-time study and satisfactory progress, and file the required aid form. After two award years, 30 annual credits are needed for full renewal; 24–29 support a prorated renewal.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Maryland Higher Education Commission ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
For 2026–27, the Educational Assistance Grant provides eligible undergraduates $400–$3,000 annually for up to four years, subject to financial need, renewal conditions and available funds.
Is there an income limit?
MHEC calculates adjusted financial need using attendance cost/housing, a regional living-cost adjustment, SAI, specified state awards and Pell. An amount below the minimum need or fully met need does not produce an EA award.
When should I apply?
The published 2026–27 consideration deadline was March 1, 2026. The general document deadline was August 1, 2026, with specified instructions for some applicants. Check the official page for a new cycle.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.