Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
At 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).
- How much
- At least $1,000 per year ($500 per semester); amount set by MHEC
- Who qualifies
- ROTC member
- Full-time at Bowie State, Coppin State, Morgan State or UMES. Need-based priority.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- Eligible for Maryland in-state tuition; undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition may apply
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; application opens January 15, closes October 15 (2026-27: Jan 15 - Oct 15, 2026); FAFSA/One-App by July 15.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (or MHEC One-App) by July 15, then apply through the MHEC One-App in MDCAPS by October 15 and upload ROTC membership proof and the Institutional Certification Form
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA + membership
- Last checked
- October 19, 2026, against the official page (mhec.maryland.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
For students eligible for Maryland in-state tuition (undocumented students included), enrolled full-time at Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University or the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, who are members of an ROTC program and identified by the institution as a minority student or member of another group historically underrepresented in ROTC. Award amount set by MHEC, not exceeding education expenses; minimum $500 per semester / $1,000 per year; students with financial need are prioritized. Renewable for up to three years with FAFSA/One-App by July 15 and satisfactory progress.
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.