Maryland scholarships and grants
Every program the state of Maryland runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Hide service scholarships (8) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG)
$4,000/yr full-time at a four-year school ($2,000 part-time); $2,000/yr full-time at a community college ($1,000 part-time)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Open now · due October 15, 2026Service scholarshipThe catch: Work in Maryland in your eligible field after graduating, or repay; the length is on the official page.
$1,000 to $4,000 a year for Maryland students in shortage fields (child care, human services, teaching shortage areas, nursing, PT/OT, law, social work, public service) who commit to work in Maryland.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- For child care / early childhood, human services, teacher education (shortage areas) students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
2+2 Transfer Scholarship
$2,000 per year for STEM, teaching or nursing; $1,000 per year for other programsMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Open now · due October 15, 2026$1,000 a year ($2,000 for STEM, teaching or nursing) for Maryland community college graduates with financial need who transfer full-time to a Maryland four-year college.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA + transcript
- For transfer students, undergrads
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (must file the FAFSA; students who can't file a FAFSA may not apply)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition Reduction for Non-Resident Nursing Students
Difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition (you pay the Maryland resident rate)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Open now · due October 15, 2026Service scholarshipThe catch: Work full time as a nurse in Maryland for 4 years (2 from a two-year school), starting within 6 months of graduating, or repay with interest.
Out-of-state nursing students at Maryland public colleges pay in-state tuition in exchange for working as a nurse in Maryland after graduating.
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- For nursing students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Graduate & Professional Scholarship Program
$1,000 to $5,000 per yearMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeNeed-based $1,000 to $5,000 a year for Maryland residents in graduate programs in dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work or veterinary medicine at specific Maryland schools.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For grad students
- For dentistry, law, medicine students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Howard P. Rawlings Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant (CBEAG)
Up to $3,000 per year (minimum $400)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeNeed-based grant up to $3,000 for Pell-eligible full-time Maryland undergraduates who filed the FAFSA after the March 1 state deadline; awarded by your college.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Part-Time Grant
$200 to $2,000 per yearMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeNeed-based grant of $200 to $2,000 a year for part-time Maryland undergraduates (3-11 credits), awarded by the college.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship
Up to $2,000 per yearMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeUp to $2,000 a year toward approved non-credit workforce training (job prep, apprenticeship, licensure or certification) at participating Maryland community colleges.
- What it takes: state application
- For trade school students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Jack F. Tolbert Memorial Student Grant
Up to $500Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeGrant of up to $500 for Maryland residents attending an approved Maryland private career school full-time.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For trade school students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Delegate Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)
$200 to $14,086 for 2026-27Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesScholarship from your Maryland state Delegates, $200 up to $14,086 for 2026-27, for Maryland residents at Maryland colleges, universities or career schools.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: Maryland resident; undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition may apply
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Senatorial Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)
$400 to $14,086 for 2026-27Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesScholarship from your Maryland state Senator, $400 up to $14,086 for 2026-27, renewable for up to three more years.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: Maryland resident; undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition may apply
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship
Up to $5,000 per year (remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other aid)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesLast-dollar scholarship up to $5,000 a year covering remaining tuition and fees at your Maryland community college, for students under the income limits.
- What it takes: FAFSA + transcript
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- Needs a 2.3+ GPA
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (FAFSA); Maryland residents eligible for in-state tuition who can't file a FAFSA (including undocumented students) file the MHEC One-App instead
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program
Amount set by MHEC; may cover tuition, mandatory fees, and room and boardMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Work full time in Maryland cybersecurity public service one year per year of award, or it becomes a loan with interest.
Tuition, fees, and room and board help for students within three years of finishing an approved Maryland cybersecurity degree or certificate who commit to cybersecurity public service in Maryland.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For undergrads, grad students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For cybersecurity (MHEC-approved programs) students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship
Up to 100% of resident tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board (public university); reduced formula at private nonprofitsMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Teach 2 years at a high-needs Maryland public school or in a shortage area, starting within a year of graduating, or repay with interest.
Full tuition, fees, room and board at a Maryland public university for future teachers who commit to teach in a high-needs Maryland public school or shortage area.
- What it takes: state application + essay + transcript
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For education (teacher certification) students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant
Up to 100% of financial need; maximum $18,000 for 2026-27 (minimum $100)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Opens laterMaryland's largest need-based grant for the lowest-income students: covers up to 100% of financial need for full-time study at a Maryland college, up to $18,000 a year (2026-27).
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (FAFSA); Maryland residents eligible for in-state tuition who can't file a FAFSA (including undocumented students) file the MHEC One-App instead
- Usual timing: Annual; FAFSA or MHEC One-App by March 1 (March 1, 2026 for 2026-27); requested documents by August 1. Awarding starts in April.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance (EA) Grant
Up to $3,000 per year (minimum $400)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Opens laterNeed-based grant of $400 to $3,000 a year for full-time undergraduates at Maryland colleges; you're considered automatically when you file the FAFSA by March 1.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (FAFSA); Maryland residents eligible for in-state tuition who can't file a FAFSA (including undocumented students) file the MHEC One-App instead
- Usual timing: Annual; FAFSA or MHEC One-App by March 1 (March 1, 2026 for 2026-27); documents by August 1.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
Douglas J.J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship (VAIC)
Up to $9,189 per year on campus; $5,756 off campus; $5,186 living with parentsMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Open now · due October 15, 2026Up to $9,189 a year (living on campus) for Afghanistan/Iraq-era veterans and service members and their children, stepchildren and spouses at Maryland colleges.
- Who it's for: Veteran, active-duty, reserve or Maryland National Guard member who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflicts, or their child, stepchild or spouse
- What it takes: state application
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Maryland Police Officers and Probation Agent Scholarship
50% of annual resident undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at the institutionMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Open now · due October 15, 2026Service scholarshipThe catch: Work as a police officer or probation agent in Maryland after your studies, or repay; the length is on the official page.
Covers 50% of resident tuition and fees at a Maryland public four-year university for current or future police officers and probation agents who commit to serve in Maryland.
- Who it's for: Current police officer or parole/probation agent in Maryland, or planning to become one
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- For law enforcement / criminal justice-related students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship
At least $1,000 per year ($500 per semester); amount set by MHECMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Open now · due October 15, 2026At least $1,000 a year for ROTC students from groups underrepresented in ROTC at Maryland's four public HBCUs (Bowie State, Coppin State, Morgan State, UMES).
- Who it's for: ROTC member
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA + membership
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: Eligible for Maryland in-state tuition; undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition may apply
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Maryland National Guard State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR)
Up to $8,500 per fiscal year (tuition and fees)Maryland Military Department, Maryland National Guard Education Office
Apply any timeService scholarshipThe catch: Have at least 2 years left on your Maryland National Guard contract after each course; repayment terms are on the STAR form.
Reimburses Maryland National Guard members for tuition and fees, up to $8,500 per fiscal year.
- Who it's for: Maryland National Guard member with at least 2 years remaining on contract
- What it takes: state application + membership + transcript
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Community College Tuition Waiver for Students with Disabilities (SSI/SSDI)
Tuition waived for up to 12 credits per semester (6 if not in an employment-focused program)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeFree community college tuition (up to 12 credits a semester) in Maryland for students receiving SSI or SSDI disability benefits.
- Who it's for: Receives SSI or SSDI benefits
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Maryland National Guard State Tuition Waiver (STW)
Up to 50% of tuition at Maryland partner schoolsMaryland Military Department, Maryland National Guard Education Office
Apply any timeService scholarshipThe catch: Serve in the Maryland National Guard; the length and repayment terms are on the waiver form, so read it before signing.
Up to 50% of tuition waived at Maryland partner colleges for Maryland National Guard members.
- Who it's for: Maryland National Guard member
- What it takes: state application + membership
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients
Full tuition and mandatory fees at Maryland public collegesMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeFree tuition and mandatory fees at any Maryland public college or university for current and former foster youth who enroll before age 25.
- Who it's for: Current or former Maryland foster youth (DHS out-of-home placement), including youth adopted or placed in guardianship after 13
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Maryland Tuition Waiver for Homeless Youth
Full tuition and mandatory fees at Maryland public collegesMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Apply any timeFree tuition and mandatory fees at Maryland public colleges for students verified as homeless youth (McKinney-Vento) within the past 24 months.
- Who it's for: Verified homeless youth (McKinney-Vento) within the 24 months before or during enrollment
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship
At least 50% of tuition and mandatory fees, up to the highest USM four-year resident tuition and feesMaryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Serve as a firefighter or EMS member in Maryland, starting within a year of graduating, or repay with interest; the length is on the official page.
Covers at least 50% of tuition and fees for active Maryland firefighters and EMS/rescue squad members studying fire service or emergency medical fields; service commitment required.
- Who it's for: Active career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance or rescue squad member in Maryland
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- For fire service technology, emergency medical technology, fire service management students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship
Up to $14,086 for 2026-27 (capped at USM's highest resident tuition and fees)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Opens laterUp to $14,086 (2026-27) for children and surviving spouses of military members, public safety workers and 9/11 victims who died or were 100% disabled, plus certain disabled veterans and public safety employees.
- Who it's for: Child/stepchild or surviving spouse of a U.S. military member, Maryland public safety employee or 9/11 victim who died or was 100% disabled; disabled veteran (25%+) with exhausted VA benefits; 100%-disabled Maryland public safety employee; Vietnam POW/MIA or child
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- Usual timing: Annual; apply to your college by July 15.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship
Up to $14,086 for 2026-27Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Opens laterUp to $14,086 (2026-27) for children and surviving spouses of Maryland school employees killed or 100% disabled by an act of violence in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Child/stepchild or surviving spouse of a school employee killed or 100% disabled by violence in the line of duty
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- Usual timing: Annual; apply to your college by July 15.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Fallen Transportation Workers Scholarship Program
2026-27 maximum not yet determined by MHEC (page references a $3,000 limit)Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Opens laterTuition help for the children, stepchildren and surviving spouses of fallen Maryland transportation workers.
- Who it's for: Child, stepchild or surviving spouse of a fallen transportation worker
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- Usual timing: Annual; apply to your college by July 15.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.