The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is the State of Maryland’s higher education coordinating board, responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland’s public and private colleges and universities. MHEC administers a variety of statewide financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, and tuition waivers, for Maryland residents attending two- or four-year public or private colleges/universities in Maryland.
NEW: Effective for the 2024-2025 Aid Year MHEC has moved the State award deadline has moved to June 1st, 2024. It is still encouraged that award recipients submit their applications by March 1st, to be notified of award eligibility by April 15th.
MHEC begins their awarding process for the next academic year in late April. Eligible students are notified via e-mail to create an online MDCAPS account to view their award offer(s). Students must accept their award(s), submit any requested documents, and confirm/update their housing status and the institution that they plan to attend. Beginning in May, MHEC sends the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships weekly rosters listing students who have accepted their state award(s). This funding is then added to the student’s Financial Aid Inquiry in myUMBC.
The annual total dollar amount of all state awards may not exceed your Cost of Attendance (COA) or $28,600, whichever is less. MHEC may adjust or cancel your award(s) at any time during the year based on receipt of updated information. Information that may impact your eligibility for state awards includes your:
- Housing status – on campus, off-campus, or with relatives
- Enrollment status – full-time or less than full-time
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing
- Verification status/outcome – changes to your FAFSA due to conflicting data
It is your responsibility to respond promptly to any and all requests for additional information from UMBC’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and/or MHEC. Failure to do so may result in the adjustment or cancellation of some or all of your state award(s).