Top 12 Maryland Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Maryland Scholarship & Financial Aid Snapshot

This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Maryland, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.

We currently have 112 scholarships in our database tagged for Maryland. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.

Across our Top 12 Maryland Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $24,500. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.

Maryland students should begin with the Guaranteed Access and Educational Assistance Grants, which provide strong need-based support to residents attending in-state colleges. The state’s 2+2 Transfer Scholarship supports community college graduates moving into four-year institutions. Numerous additional scholarships exist for STEM, cybersecurity, education, and nursing pathways—reflecting Maryland’s workforce needs. Many counties and community colleges provide supplemental scholarships funded by local partnerships. Maryland students should file the FAFSA early, consider starting at a Maryland community college, and take advantage of major-specific grants that add significant value.

Top 12 Maryland Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Maryland scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

Maryland Construction Industry Education Foundation Scholarship

The Maryland Construction Industry Education Foundation scholarship supports students pursuing education or training in construction-trades, construction management, or related built-environment fields. Applicants may be heading into apprenticeship programs, certificate programs, associate or bachelor degrees oriented toward the construction industry. Eligibility

Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
2

Maryland Hospital Association Health Career Scholarship

The Maryland Hospital Association Health-Career Scholarship supports individuals pursuing education or training in health-care careers, particularly to help fill workforce shortages in Maryland hospitals and health systems. Eligibility criteria include: Residency/Region: Applicants must be Maryland residents or enrolled in an

Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
3

VMDAEC Scholarship Foundation

The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Scholarship Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors whose primary residence receives power from one of the 16 electric cooperatives served by VMDAEC. The foundation's mission is to

Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: High (~98 min)
4

Isabelle V. Curtiss Education Fund Scholarship

The Isabelle V. Curtiss Education Fund Scholarship is a one-time award for graduating seniors of Oxford High School or prior graduates of OHS who demonstrate academic excellence and are well-rounded individuals. Financial need is considered but not required. Eligibility Requirements:

Award: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
5

Maryland Part-Time Grant

The Part-Time Grant provides financial assistance to Maryland residents who are enrolled on a part-time basis at a Maryland institution. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Maryland resident. Must enroll as a part-time (6-11 credits per semester), degree-seeking undergraduate student at

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
6

Maryland 2+2 Transfer Scholarship

The 2+2 Transfer Scholarship is designed to assist and encourage Maryland community college students to transfer to a four-year institution within the state. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Maryland resident. Must have earned an associate degree from a Maryland community

Award: $1,000 Deadline: August Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
7

Maryland Educational Assistance (EA) Grant

The Educational Assistance Grant is a need-based program designed to provide financial assistance to Maryland residents who are enrolled as full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates at eligible institutions within the state. Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Maryland resident. Must demonstrate financial need.

Award: $3,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
8

Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant

The Guaranteed Access Grant is a need-based program that provides financial assistance to eligible Maryland high school seniors who have demonstrated financial need and meet specific academic criteria. This grant covers up to 100% of the student's financial need when

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
9

Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program

The Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Maryland residents pursuing advanced education in select graduate and professional fields. This need-based scholarship is designed to support students enrolled in eligible programs, helping reduce the financial barriers associated with

Award: $5,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
10

Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship Program

The Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship supports high school seniors planning to attend a U.S.-accredited college or university in the upcoming Fall semester. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with a household income at or below the Low Income Level, and provide

Award: $2,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~60 min)
11

Maryland State Delegate Scholarship

The Maryland State Delegate Scholarship provides financial assistance to Maryland residents pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at an accredited Maryland college or university. The scholarship is funded by the Maryland General Assembly and is designed to support students with demonstrated

Award: $12,600 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
12

Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship

The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship is a renewable award designed to assist students from New England who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement and strong character. This scholarship provides significant annual funding—generally ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per year—to support undergraduate

Award: $3,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~58 min)

Maryland Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

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What Scholarships and Grants Are Available in Maryland?

Maryland offers an extensive range of scholarships and grants designed to help residents reduce college costs and access high-quality higher education. The state’s financial aid system is administered primarily through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), which oversees dozens of programs tailored to academic achievement, financial need, workforce demand, and community service. Two of the most widely used programs are the Educational Assistance Grant (EAG) and the Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant. The EAG helps low- and moderate-income students afford tuition at two- and four-year institutions, while the GA Grant offers full tuition coverage for the state’s most financially vulnerable students who meet specific income guidelines.

Maryland also invests heavily in workforce development and technical training. Programs such as the 2+2 Transfer Scholarship, which supports community college graduates transferring to in-state universities, and the Workforce Development Sequence Scholarships, which fund short-term training in high-demand fields, help strengthen Maryland’s economy by providing affordable career preparation. Additional aid is available for students pursuing teaching, nursing, cybersecurity, social work, and other critical professions through MHEC’s specialized and targeted grant programs.

Are There Scholarships in Maryland for High School Students?

Yes. Maryland high school students have access to a strong pipeline of scholarships aimed at supporting their transition to college. Among the most notable are the Maryland Delegate Scholarship and the Maryland Senatorial Scholarship, both funded through Maryland’s General Assembly. These awards are distributed by individual legislators, with selection criteria that may include academic excellence, financial need, extracurricular involvement, or community leadership. Because eligibility requirements vary by district, students are encouraged to reach out directly to their state senator and delegate early in their senior year.

Many high schools also partner with local foundations, nonprofits, and community organizations that provide additional scholarships for Maryland seniors. For example, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, headquartered in nearby Virginia, offers highly competitive awards to high-performing students with financial need. Local civic groups, county education foundations, and Maryland-based corporations also contribute annual scholarship funding. Combined with state programs, these opportunities help Maryland seniors enter college with reduced financial burden.

What Are Full-Ride Scholarships in Maryland?

Several full-ride or near full-ride scholarship programs in Maryland cover tuition, fees, and, in some cases, housing and living expenses. Two of the most prestigious and competitive are the Banneker/Key Scholarship at the University of Maryland, College Park, and the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC.

  • Banneker/Key Scholarship: Awarded to top academic performers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement. Recipients receive full tuition, on-campus housing, and additional enrichment opportunities.
  • Meyerhoff Scholars Program: Designed for high-achieving STEM students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. This program includes full tuition support, mentoring, research placements, summer bridge programming, and opportunities to pursue PhD-level STEM careers.

Other universities in Maryland, such as Towson University, Morgan State University, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland, also offer full-tuition or full-ride merit awards for exceptional students, making Maryland a strong environment for highly competitive scholarships.

What Scholarships Are Available for Undergraduate Students in Maryland?

Maryland undergraduates can apply for a wide range of scholarships through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) as well as individual institutions. The state’s core undergraduate programs include the Educational Assistance Grant, Guaranteed Access Grant, and the 2+2 Transfer Scholarship, which helps community college graduates continue their education at Maryland’s public universities.

Students pursuing in-demand fields such as cybersecurity, education, and nursing may be eligible for highly targeted programs that provide both financial support and career placement. For example, the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship offers full tuition in exchange for post-graduation service in a Maryland government cybersecurity position. Many colleges—including the University System of Maryland campuses, community colleges, and private institutions—also offer institutional scholarships based on merit, need, major, and leadership.

Are There Private High School Scholarships in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland’s BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship Program expands access to private and faith-based K–12 schools for low-income families. Administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, BOOST awards are based on household income and financial need, allowing qualifying families to enroll their children in schools that best meet their educational goals.

In addition to BOOST, many private schools across Maryland—particularly Catholic and independent schools—offer their own merit- and need-based scholarships. Community organizations, local nonprofits, and religious institutions also provide private school tuition assistance. Together, these resources help families access alternative educational pathways outside the public school system.

What Is the Maryland Educational Assistance Grant?

The Maryland Educational Assistance Grant (EAG) is a primary need-based award designed to make college more affordable for low- and moderate-income Maryland residents. The program provides up to $3,000 per year for full-time undergraduate students enrolled in eligible public and private colleges throughout Maryland. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA by the state’s priority deadline of March 1.

The EAG is renewable for up to four years as long as students maintain satisfactory academic progress and continue to demonstrate financial need. Because funds are limited, students are strongly encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible each year to maximize their chances of receiving the grant. The EAG plays a crucial role in helping Maryland families avoid excessive student loan debt.

What Are MHEC Scholarships?

MHEC scholarships include all financial aid programs administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. These programs support thousands of Maryland students each year and cover a diverse range of eligibility categories, including income, academic achievement, major, county of residence, and intended career path. Major MHEC programs include:

  • Guaranteed Access Grant: Full-tuition, need-based assistance for the state’s lowest-income students.
  • 2+2 Transfer Scholarship: Supports community college graduates transferring into four-year degree programs.
  • Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship: Covers tuition for students pursuing short-term certificate and training programs in high-demand fields.
  • Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship: Provides substantial tuition assistance for students who agree to teach in Maryland public schools after graduation.
  • Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship: A last-dollar scholarship covering the remaining cost of community college tuition after other aid is applied.

These scholarships allow Maryland residents to pursue higher education at every level—from certificate programs to bachelor’s degrees—at lower cost.

Are There Scholarships for STEM Students in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland is one of the strongest states in the U.S. for STEM-focused financial aid, thanks to its workforce priorities in cybersecurity, biotechnology, engineering, and government technology. The Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship is one of the most notable programs, offering full tuition and required fees for students who pursue cybersecurity degrees and agree to work for Maryland government agencies after graduation.

Beyond cybersecurity, Maryland supports STEM education through programs like the Maryland Technology Internship Program, which helps place students in paid internships with tech companies across the state. Universities including the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, and UMBC also offer robust institutional scholarships for students pursuing majors in engineering, biology, physics, computer science, and other STEM disciplines.

What Is the Maryland Senatorial Scholarship?

The Maryland Senatorial Scholarship is a legislator-awarded scholarship available to students residing in each Maryland state senate district. Award amounts range from $400 to $11,800 per year, with many scholarships renewable for up to four years. Because each senator manages their own application process, requirements may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, or interviews.

To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA by the state deadline and contact their state senator’s office for specific application instructions. The scholarship may be used at Maryland’s public universities, community colleges, and many private institutions within the state. For students who demonstrate financial need or strong academic potential, the Senatorial Scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of a college education.

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