Maryland State Delegate Scholarship

Name: Maryland State Delegate Scholarship

Award Amount: Varies (up to $12,600 per year)

Information And Eligibility:
The Maryland State Delegate Scholarship is a state-funded financial aid program administered through the Maryland General Assembly and coordinated by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). This scholarship is designed to help Maryland residents afford the cost of higher education by providing financial support for tuition, mandatory fees, and, in some cases, additional educational expenses. Unlike many centralized scholarship programs, this award is unique because it is administered individually by each Maryland State Delegate, giving applicants multiple opportunities to qualify based on their legislative district.

The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are legal residents of Maryland. Students must be accepted into or currently enrolled at an accredited Maryland college or university. In limited circumstances, students attending out-of-state institutions may still qualify if their academic program is not offered at any Maryland institution. This makes the scholarship especially valuable for students pursuing specialized or highly specific fields of study.

One of the defining features of the Maryland State Delegate Scholarship is its flexibility. Each delegate has the authority to set their own eligibility criteria and selection process. While most delegates prioritize students with demonstrated financial need, others may also consider academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, or a combination of these factors. Because of this, requirements such as minimum GPA, essays, interviews, or letters of recommendation can vary significantly depending on the delegate.

Students are strongly encouraged to apply to both their State Delegate and State Senator, as these are separate scholarship programs and applying to both can increase the total amount of aid received. Many students are unaware that they can receive awards from more than one legislator, making this an important strategy for maximizing funding.

The scholarship is renewable, provided students continue to meet eligibility requirements and funding remains available. Renewal criteria may include maintaining satisfactory academic progress, remaining enrolled at an eligible institution, and continuing to demonstrate financial need. Award amounts vary widely based on legislative funding allocations, the number of applicants, and individual delegate decisions. Some students may receive modest awards, while others may qualify for substantial funding approaching the program’s maximum limits.

Funds from the Maryland State Delegate Scholarship are typically sent directly to the student’s institution and applied toward the student’s account. This can help reduce out-of-pocket costs, student loan borrowing, and financial stress throughout the academic year. Because the scholarship is tied to legislative districts, students should ensure their permanent address is accurate when applying, as eligibility is based on residency within a delegate’s district.

To apply, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA), as financial need is often a key consideration. After that, students must submit a separate application directly to their State Delegate’s office. Application instructions, deadlines, and required materials are typically posted on each delegate’s official website.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Maryland resident.
• Must be accepted into or enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• May attend an out-of-state institution if the program is not offered in Maryland.
• Must demonstrate financial need and/or academic merit (criteria vary by delegate).
• Must complete the FAFSA or MSFAA.

Application Requirements:

• Complete the FAFSA or MSFAA.
• Submit a separate application to your Maryland State Delegate.
• Provide essays, transcripts, or letters of recommendation if required by the delegate.

Deadline: March

Apply Now

View Scholarship Data

Scholarship Categorization