
The Educational Assistance (EA) Grant is a need-based grant that provides financial assistance to eligible applicants enrolled at postsecondary institutions. A student may receive an award for up to $3,000.
Who May Apply?
An
individual who has demonstrated financial need and is eligible for in-state
tuition and planning to enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or
university as a full-time (12 credits per semester) degree-seeking
undergraduate applicant who is:
·
currently
enrolled as a high school senior; or
·
enrolled
as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
How do I
Apply?
Submit either
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) OR Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) by March 1.
The MSFAA
should only be completed by undocumented individuals who are ineligible to
receive federal financial aid.
How is Financial Need Determined?
An EA Grant is determined by
student need and is determined using the following formula:
OSFA College Cost of Attendance
- EFC + or - Regional Cost of Living Adjustment
- Certain state scholarship awards (if awarded)
- Federal Pell Grant (if eligible)
= OSFA Adjusted Financial Need
Important Deadlines
March 1: FINAL
deadline to submit the FAFSA or MSFAA
May 1: AWARDING performed (All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds)
Exceptions for Receiving Award
at an Out-of-State Institution
The EA Grant may be used at an out-of-state institution only if the award
recipient is a deaf or hearing impaired student and the institution makes
special provisions for deaf and hearing impaired students that are not
available at Maryland institutions.
Renewal
Requirements
To remain eligible for
the award, recipients must meet the following requirements:
·
Maintain satisfactory academic
progress at the institution you are attending
·
Submit the FAFSA or MSFAA no
later than March 1 each year
·
Continue to demonstrate financial
need
In addition, students who have received the award for at least two years
must:
o annually complete 30 credits in order to have their awards renewed for
the full amount or;
o annually complete 24-29 credits in order to have their awards renewed
for a prorated amount.
For an overview on the
Credit Completion Requirements click here.
Click here for more information on the renewal
requirements.