Scholarships in Maryland: Top Opportunities for Students

Learn about Maryland scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, and financial aid! Includes tips, costs, and resources from MHEC to support students.

From the sailboats of Annapolis to the Port of Baltimore, Maryland is a state known for its close ties to the ocean and history as one of the first founding states of the US. Today, it continues its legacy as a major port, attracting not just immigrants but also students from all over the country to attend its institutions.

In this article, we’ll explore the best scholarships in Maryland that you can apply for today! We’ll cover other forms of financial aid, including grants and tuition waivers, and end with top tips for you to maximize each application. Whether Maryland is your backyard or you’re an out-of-state student, there’s a scholarship to help you pay for those soaring college costs!

Check out the rest of Scholarship Institute’s lists of the best scholarships according to demographics, academic year, and state!

Features of Scholarships in Maryland

Variety of Scholarships

Maryland offers diverse funding opportunities, such as the prestigious Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program, which supports dependents of military and public safety personnel, and the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant, targeted at low-to-moderate-income students.

These scholarships are available for students attending a wide range of educational institutions, including:

• community colleges within Maryland
• private career schools offering specialized programs
• four-year colleges and universities throughout the state

Accessible Funding

Maryland residents who meet specific eligibility criteria can apply for these scholarships to receive financial assistance for tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses. Scholarships can range from covering the cost of textbooks to full-rides with room and board.

Best Financial Aid Resources According to Residency

Eligible Maryland Residents

Your best resource is the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) which provides state grants, scholarships, and loan assistance repayment programs. The MHEC provides financial assistance for high school seniors, college students, and graduate students.

Out-of-State Students

Your best resource will be university-specific scholarships that are made to support students like you who have traveled from different states and attended their courses. In addition, private scholarships typically have fewer residency requirements than scholarships offered by public Maryland organizations.

Federal Student Aid and the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial tool for students seeking financial assistance for higher education. Completing the FAFSA is a necessary step to access both federal and state-supported financial aid programs, providing opportunities to make college more affordable.

• Purpose of the FAFSA: The FAFSA collects information about a student’s financial situation to determine eligibility for aid. After submission, it generates a Student Aid Report (SAR), summarizing the applicant’s data and outlining the level of financial aid they qualify for. Many need-based scholarship opportunities use the FAFSA to determine financial need.
• Federal and State Aid: For Maryland residents, the FAFSA serves as a gateway to both federal student aid programs, like the Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans, and state-funded scholarships.
• Maximizing Opportunities: Submitting the FAFSA earlier is critical, as some programs have limited funds or specific deadlines.

Career-Specific Scholarships and Grants

Maryland’s Higher Education Committee (MHEC) offers career-specific scholarships and grants for students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields. These scholarships are extremely valuable and often cover tuition at your chosen institution.

Cybersecurity Public Scholarship Program

This program supports students studying cyber security or related fields, as deemed by the Secretary of Higher Education. As a full-ride scholarship, this award is highly competitive but also has a niche applicant pool, so if you qualify, make sure to give this scholarship program a shot!

All opportunities can be applied for through the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS).

Award Amount: tuition and fees, room and board

Requirements:

• minimum GPA of 3.0
• be enrolled full-time or part-time in an eligible institution
• must be studying an eligible field of study
• have completed at least 25% of your credits for your degree

Tuition Reduction for Non-Resident Nursing Students

Attending a nursing program in Maryland but facing high out-of-state tuition costs? This scholarship program is tailored precisely for students like you! It only covers the tuition differential so that you pay what in-state students pay in tuition and fees.

Award Amount: tuition differential (difference in tuition paid by out-of-state student vs in-state student)

Requirements:

• non-resident of Maryland
• attending an institution in Maryland
• enrolled in a nursing program
• must agree to serve as a full-time nurse in a hospital or institution

Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship

This teaching fellows scholarship helps students who have committed to a career teaching in public schools in Maryland. There is a strict service requirement, so only apply to this scholarship if you’re absolutely certain you want to go into teaching. If it’s your dream job, this scholarship is perfect for you!

Award Amount: tuition and fees, room and board

Requirements:

• enrolled at an eligible institution
• must work at a public school in Maryland post-graduation
• working towards a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate

Going into the education field? Supplement the Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship with some of these private scholarships for teachers!

Need-Based Grants and Scholarships

Need-based grants and scholarships are designed to support students with demonstrated financial need, providing funding that does not have to be repaid. These programs play a vital role in making higher education accessible to students who might otherwise struggle to afford college costs.

• Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant: This program provides substantial financial aid to Maryland students enrolled in postsecondary institutions. Eligible applicants must demonstrate significant financial need and meet specific criteria, such as income limits and academic requirements, to qualify.
• Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant (CBEAG): The CBEAG program offers need-based financial assistance to students who were not selected for the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant. This ensures additional opportunities for students to access financial aid tailored to their needs.

Tuition Waiver Programs in Maryland

Maryland offers tuition waiver programs to help students attend public institutions within the state, significantly reducing the financial burden of higher education. These waivers are designed for eligible individuals, including certain groups such as foster care recipients, veterans, and students with disabilities.

• Service Obligations: Recipients of tuition waivers must fulfill specific requirements, including starting employment in Maryland within one year after completing their degree. This ensures that the program not only benefits students but also contributes to the state’s workforce development.
• Special Circumstances: Recognizing that life’s challenges can sometimes interfere with meeting program requirements, the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has established an appeal process. This allows students facing special circumstances to request reconsideration for state awards or waivers.

Child Care Scholarship Program

The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program supports eligible Maryland families by helping cover the costs of high-quality child care and early education programs. This initiative enables parents to balance work, training, or education while ensuring their children receive proper care.

• Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be Maryland residents who are working, enrolled in school, or participating in an approved training program.
• Income Categories: Families may qualify under the Initial Income Scale (earning up to $43,000) or the Continuation Income Scale (earning up to $54,000).

The CCS program is an essential resource for families striving to provide both financial stability and quality education for their children.

Maryland Higher Education Commission: Your Resource for Financial Assistance

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is a vital resource for students seeking a Maryland scholarship to pursue higher education. Through the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), MHEC provides comprehensive information on various financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and loans tailored to Maryland residents.

• Resources for College Students: College students can reach out to the OSFA for guidance on the application process, eligibility requirements, and deadlines for financial aid programs. The office ensures students have access to the support they need to fund their education.
• Support for High School Seniors: Graduating high school seniors are encouraged to contact their school counselors or MHEC directly for details about available scholarships. Early engagement helps students identify suitable opportunities and prepare strong applications.

MHEC serves as a bridge between students and financial aid programs, empowering Maryland residents to achieve their educational aspirations.

Another great financial resource is a scholarship search engine. Many scholarship platforms offer these to tailor your scholarship search. Read our reviews of the best platforms to make informed choices!

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start Early and Research Thoroughly

Begin your scholarship search as early as possible. Explore Maryland-specific opportunities like the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant, which supports students with financial need, or the Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant, designed for low-income students meeting academic criteria.

2. Understand Eligibility and Requirements

Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship. For instance, the Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program supports dependents of public safety or military personnel, requiring specific documentation for eligibility.

3. Apply to Multiple Scholarships

Broaden your chances by applying to several programs. In addition to Maryland state-funded scholarships, look for community-based or private scholarships that align with your interests. For example, if you’re interested in politics, apply to the Maryland Delegate Scholarship, which is awarded by state legislators.

4. Prepare a Complete Application

Ensure all required materials, like transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters, are submitted on time. Incomplete applications are often disqualified.

Tip: We highly encourage transfer students to apply for scholarships as well! Just because they are transitioning between institutions does not mean they can’t receive the same financial aid that current students receive!

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in Maryland

1. If I Attend a Private Career School or Private University, Can I Still Apply for Maryland Scholarships?

Yes, many Maryland scholarships are open to students attending private career schools or universities as long as the institution is accredited and located within the state. Programs like the Delegate Scholarship and Senatorial Scholarship often include private schools in their eligibility criteria.

2. How Much Does a College Education in Maryland Cost?

College costs in the state vary widely. Maryland community colleges, like Montgomery College, typically charge around $4,500 per year for in-state tuition, while prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University can exceed $60,000 annually. Costs also include fees, housing, and other expenses for full-time college attendance.

3. Which University in Maryland Offers the Best Financial Aid?

Johns Hopkins University is renowned for its generous financial aid, often meeting 100% of the demonstrated need for eligible students. Additionally, the University of Maryland, College Park, offers competitive scholarships and grants, making it an excellent option for financial support.

Don’t forget to check out our scholarship blog, where we write on everything education-related, including standardized tests, financial resources, and prep books!