Maryland Scholarships for College Students

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✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

Did you know that Maryland is considered one of the wealthiest states in the nation? Having the highest median household income doesn't mean that paying for college is any easier though. That's why scholarships for Maryland residents and students are a great addition to help pay for educational expenses.

If you don't currently live in Maryland, but you plan to attend one of its colleges or universities, such as Johns Hopkins University, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA),the United States Naval Academy (Anapolis), or the University of Maryland (UM), you may also be qualified for these state-specific scholarships. From Baltimore to Cumberland, Annapolis to Salisbury, if you are a resident or plan to attend school in Maryland, you could add some free college dollars to your savings, too.

List of Maryland Scholarships in 2024

Check out our list of 3,010 Maryland Scholarships in 2024 worth $12M.

Network 2000 Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 2 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Maryland women who are pursuing graduate studies at an accredited university in the U.S. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be considered competitive during award selection.

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Phyllis Honey Jolson Memorial Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 2 Deadline

This scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Baltimore City College high school who have participating in visual and/or performing art. Appliants must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher and must enroll in an accredited undergraduate program in the U.S.

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Vera Yip Memorial Scholarship Award

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for young adult survivors of cancer who were 15 years or older during treatment, or 15 years or older during the treatment of their parent or sibling.

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JCS Amy Harris Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Jewish residents of Maryland who come from a single-family home and have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in the U.S.

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Lee August Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Jewish residents of Maryland who have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited undergraduate program in the U.S.

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Rhona's Place Foundation Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for financially needy Maryland undergraduate sophomores who are pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. The scholarship is renewable throughout the student's undergraduate career provided criteria continue to be met. GPA of 2.8 or higher to be competitive.

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Richard Louis Caplan Memorial Scholarship for Mental Health Practitioners

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for graduate students who are majoring in psychology. Applicants must be a resident of Maryland and must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher.

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Richard Louis Caplan Memorial Scholarship for Music Performance

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available college juniors and seniors from Maryland who are pursuing a degree in music performance. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher.

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Rising Star Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for residents of Baltimore City Public Housing who are graduating high school seniors planning to pursue an undergraduate degree at an accredited U.S. institution. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher.

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Sheiala Ratner Moskow Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Jewish women in Maryland who have a record of public involvement and community service. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher.

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Stanley L. and Dorothy Lobe Cahn Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for residents of Maryland who are currently enrolled as a college sophomore, junior, or senior. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Straus Foundation Scholars Grant

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in Maryland who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Jacob and Daisy Lee Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for African American residents of Maryland who have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional education program in the U.S.

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Lessans Family Scholarship

$2,250 Award Amount

5 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

This award is available to Jewish students who are are enrolled as an undergraduate in an accredited college, university or vocational school and whose family income is less than $90,000 per year. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and have already applied for a Central Scholarship interest-free loan for the current year.

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Shoe City Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

4 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors who are residents of Maryland or Washington, D.C. The student must attend an accredited college or university full-time in the fall and must demonstrate financial need.

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Harry Shapiro Chartiable Foundation Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students from Maryland who have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher.

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Ada Gitomer Bloom Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students in Maryland who have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher.

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PFLAG Maryland Chapter Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 16 Deadline

This scholarship is available for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, as well as straight allies. Applicants must reside in Maryland or attend an institution of higher education in Maryland.

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SWE Baltimore-Washington Section - Freshman Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

May 1 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. female incoming and current college freshmen who are majoring in engineering or computer science and have grade point averages of 3.5 or higher. Students must reside in the following zip code areas: District of Columbia, 200 or 202-205; Maryland, 206-212, 214, 216-217; Virginia, 201, 220-223.

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Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellowship Program

$8,000 Award Amount

15 Awards

May 3 Deadline

Graduate students who show an interest in pursuing a career in advocacy through public affairs, lobbying or government relations and are attending or planning to attend one of the foundation's participating universities (or attend a non-participating university and receive special permission from the foundation) are eligible to apply for this award. Students must work on a full-time (40 hours per week) basis. The average recipient of this award has a 3.67 grade point average.

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MSK Youth Building Trades Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jun 1 Deadline

The MSK Youth Building Trades Scholarship Fund is available for Maryland students between the ages of 16 and 20 who wish to pursue training in the skilled trades.

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Horatio Alger District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Scholarship Program

$10,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors who reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia and have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and unmet financial need.

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Evelyn Hider A & B HBCU Scholarship Awards

$2,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Jan 23 Deadline

The HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church offers the Evelyn Hider A & B HBCU Scholarship Awards to two incoming freshmen at an HBCU with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and financial need.

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Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith HBCU Scholarship Award

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 23 Deadline

Established in 2003, the HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church offers the Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith HBCU Scholarship Award of $2,000 to an incoming freshman at an HBCU with a minimum GPA of 3.5.

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Carolyn M. Harris HBCU Scholarship Award

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 23 Deadline

The HBCU Council of Shiloh Baptist Church offers the Carolyn M. Harris HBCU Scholarship Award of $1,000 to an incoming freshman at an HBCU with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who is a member of a musical group or (music) education major.

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Maryland is a popular place to attend college, experiencing nearly 3% growth between 2023 and 2024. That’s nearly double the national growth rate in college enrollment! Over 327,000 students attended one of Maryland’s 55 colleges and universities in 2024.

Understanding Scholarships In Maryland

Baltimore Inner Harbor at sunset, with vibrant reflections and city skyline.

Before we consider the various grants and scholarships available for going to school in Maryland, it is crucial to understand how much going to college in Maryland will cost you.

If you are a Maryland resident attending the University of Maryland, College Park as an undergraduate, you will pay tuition and fees of $ 11,809 for the 2024-25 school year. Out of state students will pay $ 41,186 to attend College Park. In-state tuition and fees to attend Towson University are nearly identical at $ 11,728. If you are a Maryland student attending University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), you’ll pay tuition and fees of $ 13,256. Out of state tuition at UMBC is considerably less than College Park at $ 31,225 in 2024-25.

If you are considering attending one of Maryland’s private colleges and universities, full tuition at John Hopkins University will set you back $ 64,730, $ 57,150 at Loyola University Maryland, or $ 58,196 at Stevenson University.

Most Maryland students are eligible for federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships that can make the cost of college much affordable. Even with generous financial aid opportunities, students often find they will still incur out of pocket costs associated with pursuing their education in Maryland. For this reason, private scholarships can play an important role for many students in keeping college costs low!

This is why applying for private scholarships like the ones on unigo.com can play a critical part in keeping college affordable!

Maryland Scholarships for College

There are many opportunities for scholarships if you are or plan to attend school in Maryland! Here are some to consider.

Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant

The Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant is a need-based grant awarded by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). It provides up to $ 22,100 for Maryland undergraduate residents attending a qualified college or university. To be eligible, you must be under the age of 26 at the time of your first award.

Educational Assistance Grant

The Educational Assistance (EA) Grant is also a need-based grant awarded by MHEC. It provides qualified Maryland residents with up to $ 3,000 per year, for up to four years to cover educational expenses. You must currently be enrolled as a senior in high school or an eligible Maryland college or university to be eligible.

2+2 Transfer Scholarship

The 2+2 Transfer Scholarship provides Maryland community college students who intend to transfer or have transferred to an eligible 4 year college or university in Maryland, with awards of up to $ 1,000 per year, which recipients can use towards tuition and fees.

Near Completer Grant

If you are an adult learner who previously earned at least 45 credits at a community college of 90 credits at a 4 year college or university and are looking to return to school to complete your degree, you may qualify for MHEC’s Near Completer Grant. This grant is available to Maryland residents, is not need-based and will provide awards of up to 33% of your tuition at a Maryland community college or public 4 year university.

Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program

If you are interested in pursuing a professional degree in law, medicine, dentistry, social work, or pharmacy, you may be eligible to apply for the MHEC Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program. Awards between $ 1,000 and $ 5,000 per year are available to eligible students that demonstrate financial need. This scholarship can be used at eligible institutions as determined by MHEC.

Maryland Tuition Waiver Programs

Maryland offers various programs that can completely waive tuition and fees at eligible Maryland community colleges and public universities. Waivers are available for eligible students who were in foster care, experienced homelessness, have certain disabilities, or are members of the Maryland National Guard.

Institutional Grants and Scholarships for Maryland’s Colleges and Universities

Classic red brick university hall with a clock tower, surrounded by lush greenery.

Most colleges and universities in Maryland offer students scholarships and institutional grants to supplement federal and state financial aid programs. Institutional awards vary in size They can be need-based, merit-based, or a combination thereof. These types of grants and scholarships are designed to attract students by making the complete cost of education including tuition and fees, books, room and board, and other educational-related expenses more affordable for students.

Federal Grants

Students in Maryland who come from lower income households may qualify for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, with a maximum award for 2024-25 of $ 7,395. Pell and other federal grants are need-based and do not require repayment so they can make a big difference in keeping education costs low!

Private Scholarships in Maryland

Maryland has many generous state-based financial aid programs. These programs along with federal financial aid programs and institutional aid can make a big difference in making college more affordable. At the same time, eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships is not guaranteed. While many students do qualify for government and institutional aid programs, many students will still experience a gap between the aid packages they receive and the cost of attendance. This is where private scholarships can be a big source of support and why all students should consider applying for private scholarships. Here are some of the most popular Maryland private scholarship programs to consider:

Maryland BOOST Scholarship Coalition

The College Bound Scholarship

Generation Hope Scholarship

Kids’ Chance of Maryland

Maryland Space Grant Consortium

Polish Heritage Foundation

SECU Members Scholarship

Central Scholarship Bureau

Private scholarships vary in criteria and eligibility, offering opportunities for students pursuing a college education at colleges and universities in Maryland and across the United States. You should plan to apply broadly for as many private scholarships as you may qualify. Websites like unigo.com provide comprehensive listings and application details for many private scholarships.

Scholarships for Adult and Graduate Students

Annapolis waterfront at dusk, featuring historic buildings and vibrant lights.

Several of Maryland’s state financial aid programs including the Near Completer Grant are designed to support adult learners or the Graduate and Professional Scholarship, which provides awards for certain professional students in graduate school. If you are a graduate student in Maryland, both private and public colleges and universities may offer institutional grants and scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities that can make earning a graduate degree possible.

Tips for Maryland Students for Applying for Scholarships and Grants

There is a lot of money available for Maryland students to help make college more affordable, Since a good number of Maryland students rely heavily on grants and scholarships to attend school, scholarships and grants can be competitive. By strategically applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible, you will increase your chances of being awarded scholarships and grants that can make your college dreams within reach! The right strategy also makes all the difference. Here are some tips to live by!

Start Early: Many scholarships and grants have deadlines well before the academic year starts. Some scholarships can be applied for even before your senior year in high school! It’s never too soon to begin your search and apply for scholarships.

Be Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and application requirements. Using a spreadsheet or calendar can help you manage your scholarship and grant applications like a pro!

Personalized Approach: Make sure and personalize your essays and applications to align with the specific criteria and mission of each scholarship or grant you are applying for.

Get Recommendations: Ask your teachers, counselors, church leaders, or community leaders for letters of recommendation.These letters can really help you standout from other scholarship applicants. It is important to ask for these letters as early as possible as other students may also be asking for letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, etc.

Showcase Achievements: Make sure to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, missions, community service, and future plans.

Complete the FAFSA: The majority of Maryland’s state financial aid programs offered by MHEC as well as grants awarded by colleges and universities will require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in order to be considered for funding. Since you will also need to complete the FAFSA in order to be considered for any federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, you should plan to submit your FAFSA as soon as you can. We strongly recommend you complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible.

Should I take out student loans?

Baltimore's cityscape at sunset, featuring the historic Washington Monument.

Taking out student loans to cover your educational expenses is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Loans must be repaid and accrue interest until they are paid. That’s why scholarships and grants that do not need to be repaid are always preferable! Student loans are available through the federal government as well as private student loan providers. Loans you receive from the federal government will typically have more favorable terms as it relates to repayment and the amount of interest you will pay to borrow.

While they require repayment, student loans when used responsibly can provide an important lifeline for covering the cost of college for Maryland’s students. Even if you receive scholarships and grants, you may find you still have out of pocket costs associated with your education. Student loans are one way to address these costs.

Getting a college degree in Maryland is within every student’s reach! Applying for all available scholarships and grants can make a big difference in you being able to achieve your educational goals without breaking the bank!