Maryland Private Universities Launch Financial Aid Program

BALTIMORE (AP) -- A group of Maryland private universities are launching a new financial aid program to match a state grant for students with financial need.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Guaranteed Access Partnership Program announced Thursday will require the universities to match students' Guaranteed Access grants. These grants are available to low-income students who complete a college preparatory program, have a 2.5 grade point average and enroll full time as undergraduate students at a Maryland institution.

The award, up to $17,500, can be renewed annually for three years.

The participating schools include Goucher College, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University Maryland, Maryland Institute College of Art, McDaniel College, Mount St. Mary's University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Stevenson University and Washington College.