Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance (EA) Grant
Scholarship Sponsored by Maryland Higher Education Commission
Introduction
The Educational Assistance (EA) Grant is part of the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards. It is a need-based grant that helps eligible students cover education-related costs at postsecondary institutions. Recipients may receive up to $3,000 per year for a maximum of four years.
Key dates and timelines
- Application consideration deadline: To be considered for the EA Grant, students must file the 2026–2027 FAFSA or submit the State financial aid application for undocumented students through the MHEC One‑App by March 1, 2026.
- Documentation deadline: Any requested supporting documents must be provided by August 1, 2026 (not every applicant will be asked to submit additional paperwork).
- Awarding: Grants are expected to be awarded beginning Summer 2026, subject to available funds, and will continue until funds are depleted.
Who is eligible (first-time applicants)
To apply for the EA Grant as a new applicant, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be eligible for Maryland in‑state tuition.
- By March 1, 2026, file either:
- the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — available to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens; or
- the State financial aid application via the MHEC One‑App (for Maryland residents who qualify for in‑state tuition but are not eligible to file the FAFSA, e.g., undocumented students).
- In either case, a Maryland college or university must be listed on your FAFSA or MHEC One‑App by March 1, 2026.
- Demonstrate financial need (see Financial Need Calculation).
- Be either a current high school senior or a currently enrolled, degree‑seeking undergraduate at an eligible Maryland two‑ or four‑year institution, carrying full‑time enrollment (12 credits per semester).
- Not have earned a bachelor’s degree before the start of the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Submit any required documentation by August 1, 2026 (or by any other date specified in a request).
Special note on attending out‑of‑state institutions
The EA Grant may only be used at an out‑of‑state college or university in the specific case of a deaf or hard‑of‑hearing student when that institution provides services or accommodations for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing students that are not available at Maryland institutions.
If you need help with the application process or have questions about documentation or financial need calculation, contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission or your college’s financial aid office.