Welcome to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) site!

MHEC is a Maryland state government agency and the State of Maryland's higher education coordinating board. It is responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges and universities, as well as for-profit career schools. MHEC also administers State financial aid programs that impact students on a statewide basis. For more information about the various scholarship, grant, and loan repayment programs available through MHEC, click to the following link: https://mhec.state.md.us/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx

Important: Please READ!

Applying for Financial Aid for 2027–2028?
Starting with the 2027–2028 school year, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is moving from the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) to the new Maryland Student Information System (MDSIS).

Applying for Maryland State Financial Aid for the First Time?
If you are applying for Maryland State financial aid for the first time for the 2027–2028 school year, do not create an MDCAPS account. Instead, you will create an account in MDSIS, MHEC’s new system. New MDSIS accounts will be available beginning in January 2027. More information about how to create your account and apply for financial aid will be shared before registration opens.

Already Have an MDCAPS Account?
If you already have an MDCAPS account, you do not need to take any action right now. Continue to use MDCAPS for the 2026–2027 school year and earlier years to:

1. View your financial aid awards
2. Submit requested documents
3. Check the status of your financial aid

When it is time to move to MDSIS, current MDCAPS users will receive instructions explaining how to create their new MDSIS account.

Remember
MDCAPS: Continue using it for 2026–2027 and earlier financial aid.
MDSIS: Beginning with 2027–2028, Maryland State financial aid applications and awards will move to MDSIS.
If you are applying for Maryland State financial aid for the first time for 2027–2028, do not create an MDCAPS account. Wait for MDSIS registration to open in January 2027.

MDCAPS is MHEC's comprehensive financial aid system that allows us to process State scholarship applications. To use MDCAPS, you must first create a student login profile by:

1. Creating a MDCAPS student log-in. This will create your student account.
2. Click the link in the new activation email you will receive after creating your account
3. Check your spam filter if you do not see the activation email in your inbox

Important: To prevent MHEC emails from going to your spam folder, simply update your email settings to accept emails from the following email address: "[email protected]"

Once you have completed steps 1, 2, and 3, you are ready for your first login.
If you have already created an account, simply enter your User Name and Password to access your account.