Community College Tuition Waiver for Students with Disabilities (SSI/SSDI)
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Free community college tuition (up to 12 credits a semester) in Maryland for students receiving SSI or SSDI disability benefits.
- How much
- Tuition waived for up to 12 credits per semester (6 if not in an employment-focused program)
- Who qualifies
- Receives SSI or SSDI benefits
- Maryland community colleges only. Proof of SSI/SSDI from the SSA. Class must have at least 10 enrolled students.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time Request every term; FAFSA by March 1 for state aid consideration (MHEC deadline table lists June 1).
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (by March 1 for state aid consideration) and ask your community college's financial aid office to activate the waiver, with proof of SSI/SSDI from the Social Security Administration
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mhec.maryland.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Students receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance are exempt from tuition at Maryland community colleges for up to 12 credits per semester in degree or certificate programs (or continuing education, including life skills) designed to lead to employment; limited to 6 credits for courses taken for other reasons. The class must have at least 10 students. Applies to tuition left after grants and scholarships; you still pay books and other costs. Request it each time you enroll and file an annual FAFSA.
More money from Maryland
- Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) GrantUp to 100% of financial need; maximum $18,000 for 2026-27 (minimum $100)
- Delegate Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)$200 to $14,086 for 2026-27
- Senatorial Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)$400 to $14,086 for 2026-27
- Graduate & Professional Scholarship Program$1,000 to $5,000 per year
- Maryland Community College Promise ScholarshipUp to $5,000 per year (remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other aid)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.