Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need which is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program
The D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program provides funding to Washington D.C. students to attend post secondary institutions anywhere in the nation. Under this program, the federal government pays the difference between in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition. Need is not a determining factor. To be considered for this award you must be a resident of Washington D.C., and you must complete D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant application. For more information on this program please contact the D.C. Mayor’s Office by calling (202) 727-2824.
Maryland State Grants
Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant
A grant that provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible in-state students currently enrolled as high school seniors who will complete a college preparatory program or a student who has obtained a General Educational Development Diploma (GED), and is under the age of 26. The amount of the GA Grant equals 100 percent of the student’s financial need and a student may receive an award for up to $19,400.
Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance (EA) Grant
If eligible, students attending four-year institutions will be awarded an EA Grant equal to 40% of OSFA adjusted financial need. The minimum annual award amount is $400 and the maximum award is $3,000. Should you be offered and accept certain State scholarship awards, your EA Grant will be recalculated. You may hold the EA Grant with all State awards except the Guaranteed Access Grant and Part-Time Grant. The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed your cost of attendance as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $28,000, whichever is less. All financial aid received, including State aid, may not exceed your cost of attendance.
Find out more about Financial Assistance offered by the state of Maryland
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduates. Grant amounts are dependent on: the student’s expected family contribution (EFC); the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less. Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time. Financial need is determined by the U.S. Department of Education using a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the financial information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine the family EFC.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant
This program provides grants for up to $4,000 a year to students who are planning to teach. As a condition for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must sign a grant agreement in which you agree to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families for at least four years.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant Program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students finance the costs of postsecondary education. Priority for these grants goes to students with exceptional need.
Other Federal Programs
- Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship – To qualify for this scholarship, a student must have a parent/guardian who died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer. The student must be Pell-eligible and be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent or guardian’s death. Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Application
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant – You may be eligible for this scholarship if you are Pell-eligible and your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11; and at the time of death, you were under 24 years old or enrolled in college atleast part time. Iraq and Afghanistant Service Grant Information
St. Mary’s Grant
The St. Mary’s Grant is awarded based on financial need which is determined by the FAFSA. You must reapply annually for financial aid to determine eligibility. Institutional grants are limited to a maximum of eight semesters (fall and spring) and are only awarded to full-time students (12 credits or more).
St. Mary’s Financial Hardship Grant
SMCM now has a financial hardship grant for those that need additional aid to assist in covering educational costs. Students requesting funds may be required to meet with the Director of OSFA to discuss the request. Students must submit the completed Financial Hardship Grant Application, including any additional information necessary. Once all of this is completed, the review committee will make a decision based on the information provided.