University of Maryland Restores College Grants After Glitch Canceled Funding

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Aug. 21, 2025) — The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has restored Guaranteed Access Grants to hundreds of college students after funds were inadvertently rescinded due to a computer glitch, authorities confirmed Thursday.

The grants, originally awarded in the spring, had been canceled just days before the fall semester began. The error stemmed from the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS), where a software malfunction falsely identified students as ineligible.

Michael Sandler, speaking for the University System of Maryland, acknowledged the disruption's impact on students. "We were stunned to learn that hundreds of students ... were notified ... that their Guaranteed Access Grants ... had been canceled. This is devastating for them and must be addressed quickly," he said. He added that campuses are coordinating with MHEC and the governor's office to reassure affected students.

Among those affected is Frostburg State freshman Andrew Farmer, who was preparing for dorm move-in when his $18,000 grant disappeared from his financial aid portal. His mother, Amy Sawyer, described the situation as "complete and utter panic" and said the family is scrambling to cover tuition amid the uncertainty.