State of Maryland Grants and Scholarships

The Maryland Higher Education Commission sponsors numerous grant and scholarship programs for Maryland residents. A short list of their programs include:

Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant Program
This grant is available to current high school seniors who will complete a college preparatory program with a minimum, cumulative, unweighted 2.5 high school GPA. Applicants must enroll at a Maryland college or university as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student; have demonstrated financial need; and complete the FAFSA and the Guaranteed Access Grant Application by March 1. Applications received after March 1 will be considered on a funds available basis. To renew an award, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress, submit the FAFSA by March 1, and continue to demonstrate financial need.

Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant Program
Current high school seniors and full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates may apply for this need-based grant by completing the FAFSA by March 1. Late applicants are placed on a wait list. Annual awards ranging from $400 to $3,000 may be renewed annually if the students maintains satisfactory academic progress, completes the FAFSA by March 1, and continues to show financial need.

Delegate Scholarship Program
Current high school seniors and students enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking, undergraduate or graduate program may be considered for these funds. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by March 1 and contact your delegates in February for further instructions. The Office of Student Financial Assistance can provide a list of all state legislators. Learn more.

Senatorial Scholarship Program
Current high school seniors and students enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking, undergraduate or graduate program may apply for these funds. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by March 1 and contact your senator in February for further instructions. The Office of Student Financial Assistance can provide a list of all state legislators. Learn more.


Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program 
This grant is for students who plan on working in specific career/occupational programs upon graduation.  Eligible fields include:  child care, human services, teaching, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and public service. Current high school seniors, full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution may apply for this grant.  Please refer to the State’s website to view a list of eligible majors.  To apply, you must complete the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Application online and submit official transcripts from all institutions you have ever attended.  To be considered based on need, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the application year.  The FAFSA is not required; however, it will be used to determine the order in which students will be awarded. 

Part-Time Grant
This need-based grant is available to students enrolled part-time (6 to 11 credits) in a degree-seeking, traditional undergraduate program. For consideration, applicants must file the FAFSA by February 15.

Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant
This scholarship and grant is available to eligible graduate students who are sponsored by a Maryland higher education institution to complete the graduate education necessary to become a qualified nursing faculty at a Maryland higher education institution.  The Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant application and documentation must be submitted prior to the start of the semester they wish to be considered for funding.  Students are encouraged to apply by August 1 to start in the fall semester, by December 1 to start in the spring semester, and by May 1 to start in the summer semester.

A detailed list of all State of Maryland financial aid assistance programs and applications is available at www.mhec.state.md.us.  State financial aid assistance is based on availability of funds.