Top 18 Maryland Scholarships & Grants for 2027 - 2028

Maryland Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

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.