Grants

Federal and State Grants

To be eligible for federal and state grants, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet satisfactory academic progress standards.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant 
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have financial need. For many students, a Pell Grant provides a foundation of financial aid to which other aid is added.

Pell Grant Eligibility Limits and Disbursements:

• A Student who received their first Pell Grant on or after July 1, 2008 may receive Pell Grants for as many as 18 semesters (or the equivalent).
• Effective July 1, 2009 students enrolled in a certificate, associate, or baccalaureate program may receive up to two Pell Grants in one award year to accelerate their program.

If Eligible, a student will be able to receive all or a portion of a second scheduled Pell Grant within an award year.

For the First Scheduled Pell Grant Award, a student must:

• Be Pell Grant eligible;
• Be enrolled at any enrollment status (full-time, 3/4 time, 1/2 time or less than 1/2 time);
• The amounts received will count toward the aggregate lifetime limit.

To Qualify to receive a Second Scheduled Award within the same award year, a student must:

• Continue to be Pell Grant eligible (remember, we check for "Satisfactory Academic Progress" at the end of every semester);
• Have received 100% of the First Scheduled Pell Grant Award;
• Be enrolled on at least a half-time basis;
• The amounts received will count toward the aggregate lifetime limit.

Pell Grant Eligibility for Transfer Students:

• If a student received 100% of the first Scheduled Award at their prior school, we will assume that the student completed an academic year.
• If a student received less than 100% of their first Scheduled award, we will assume that the student completed the same ratio of the academic year (24 credit hours) as the percentage of the first Scheduled Award utilized at the prior school.  Example: Prior school disbursed $2,007 of a $5,350 Scheduled Award.  $2,007 x 24/$5.350=9 credits assumed earned at the prior school.

Note:  This is new legislation.  We continue to receive additional clarification and implementation guidance  from the Department of Education, so please continue to check this page for the latest updates BEFORE you make any academic decisions.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant 
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. FSEOG does not have to be paid back. There is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive FSEOG; awards are based on the availability of funds. Students wanting to receive FSEOG need to have a complete file with the Student Financial Aid Office as early in the year as possible.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is for students who are not Pell Grant eligible; whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11; and who, at the time of the parent's or guardian's death, were less than 24 years old or were enrolled at least part-time at a college or university.  The maximum is the same a the Pell Grant maximum.  Payment will be adjusted for less than full time study.

 Maryland Need-based Aid Programs

Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant
Current high school seniors who will complete a college preparatory program or a student who graduated prior to the current academic year who provides written documentation explaining why they were unable to attend college within one year of graduating from high school may apply for this grant. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and also the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant application.  Eligible applicants must be full-time, degree seeking students.

Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant
Students attending community colleges will be awarded an Educational Assistance Grant equal to 60% of Maryland Office of Student Financial Aid adjusted need. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students. Eligible applicants must be full-time, degree seeking students. To renew an award, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress and submit the FAFSA no later than March 1 each year.

Maryland Part-Time Grant
Eligibility for this grant is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA and availability of funds provided by Maryland Office of Student Financial Aid. It is suggested that the FAFSA be completed as soon as possible after January 1 each year. Recipients are selected by HCC. To be eligible the student must be attending part-time and be enrolled in a degree seeking program of study.

Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant
Workforce Shortage Assistance Grant funds is established based on critical shortages in the workforce in Maryland.  Eligible majors and employment fields are determined bi-annually.  Both merit and need-based criteria are used when selecting recipients.  Students must complete a Maryland Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant application. 

MHEC scholarship applications are available on-line at http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/descriptions.asp.

Please note: The Student Financial Aid Office communicates with you mainly via e-mail, so please provide us with an e-mail address that you check frequently.