Maryland Scholarships

Maryland is great for college students as it not only offers great higher educational institutions but is culturally diverse and has a mild climate which allows various opportunities for outdoor activities. In terms of education rankings, it is ranked at #23 by the U.S. News in Education overall and at #15 in Higher Education specifically.

Mary consists of around 79 colleges and universities, among which 29 are public and 50 private. There are also around 24 trade schools for those who are seeking short-term certificates and diplomas after high school. There are more than 340,000 students enrolled in higher educational institutions in the state and approximately 77% of them are undergraduates.

Most students, however, are only able to graduate using student loans. Maryland contributes around $35.9 billion to the country’s total in terms of student debt. Many students find it hard to pay back what they borrowed in time. They work extra hours to pay back the loan and end up sacrificing other things that they could have gotten using the same money like a car or house mortgage. Therefore, it is best to try and pay for college without using student loans. Some ways that students can do this is by working part-time, taking parents’ help, and applying for grants, and scholarships.

We have compiled a list of more than 20 Maryland scholarships for students to consider. The options include something for everyone in the state regardless of year level, gender, and ethnicity.

Maryland is home to around 79 higher education institutions which includes 29 public and 50 private schools. There are also around 24 trade schools in the state offering short courses and diplomas ranging from six to 24 months. The top three 4-year colleges in Maryland are Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland – College Park, and University of Maryland – Baltimore County.

Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, is one of the leading universities nationally. It is ranked #9 among the top National Universities in America by the U.S. News. This university is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of more than 6,000 students. Getting into the university is harder than many others due to the high academic requirements. Most students enrolled generally have GPAs of around 3.9 and SAT scores above 1520. The acceptance rate of Johns Hopkins University is around 7%. It is also an expensive university as the average tuition and fees cost around $63,340 and room and board costs $19,840 in the year 2023-24.

University of Maryland, College Park is a public university with a suburban setting. Being a public institution its average tuition and fees are around $11,505 for in-state students; however the cost more than triples for out-of-state and is around $40,306. The acceptance rate here is 44% and room and board is also more affordable than Johns Hopkins, being $ 15,417 for the year 2023-24.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is the next best option for students looking for top universities in the area. With tuition and fees of $12,952, this public college is a more affordable option compared to private institutions. The out-of-state students, however, have to pay higher tuition of around $30,308.

One option to make the degree costs more affordable is to apply for Maryland scholarships. A few full-ride scholarships in Maryland include Legg Mason’s Community Scholarship, Maryland Delegate Scholarship, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarships, Evans Scholars Program.

Students with average grades also have various college options to apply to. One of the universities that accept students with GPAs around 3.0 is Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. The acceptance rate of those who apply is 85%. It is a 4-year public college with accepted SAT ranges between 880 and 1060. The SATs and ACTs, however, are optional but can help in securing admission. The university has an urban setting and the tuition costs around $8,118 for in-state students.

Bowie State University is another choice for students who have a GPA of around 3.1. The acceptance rate is high, around 86%, and SATs/ACTs are optional. Only around 5% of the applicants generally submit their SAT scores here. Also, the racial diversity at Bowie State University is quite low, and around 86% of the enrolments consist of Black students.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore, or UMES, is located in Princess Anne, Maryland. It is also a public university and accepts students with average grades. SATS/ACT are optional but most students do submit them with their application as good scores increase the admission odds with a 3.0 GPA. SATs are more commonly submitted as only 5% of the students generally submit ACTs at UMES.

The University of Baltimore has an acceptance rate of almost 90% and also accepts students with GPAs around 2.89 or higher. It is a public 4-year institution. Submission of test scores like SATs is optional at this university too and only around 23% of the applicants submit them.

In Maryland, the average cost of tuition for in-state students is around $8,637 and $21,935 for those from out-of-state. Private universities and colleges charge much higher fees than public ones like Johns Hopkins University which charges around $63,340 for tuition and fees. This is also the highest tuition charged within the state of Maryland.

Studying at universities also includes other costs like housing, transportation, rent, food, and groceries. These costs are affected by the overall cost of living in a particular state and Maryland’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average which may make studying more expensive compared to some other states.

An affordable option to get a degree in Maryland is the Morgan State University located in Baltimore. It charges $8,118 for in-state tuition and $18,800 for out-of-state students for tuition. The room and board here also is cheaper than many other universities and levels at
$11,805 for the year 2023 – 2024. The graduation rate here is 22% and eventhough the university is more affordable than most others, 80% of the students who enrolled in 2021 and graduated recently have done so with the help of loans.

University of Maryland, Eastern Shore is another option for students looking for lower tuition costs. This university charges $8,898 from in-state students and around $19,728 from out-of-state. Students can also opt for scholarships funded by the University of Maryland, like the Creative and Performing Arts Scholarships, to cut down the costs further without getting into further debt.

Some other scholarships specific to Maryland students include CEMS Fund Scholarship, Legg Mason’s Community Scholarship, and the Maryland Delegate Scholarship.

Maryland has around 340,009 students enrolled in higher education institutions out of which around 264,634 are undergraduate students which makes up about 77.8% of the total enrolments. Moreover, the female population dominates the student population within the state across all levels and makes up more than 56% of the total student population overall.

The highest number of enrollments consists of the White population which which makes up almost 40% of the total of 340,009 enrolments. The next biggest student population consists of 88,345 Black/African American students. Hispanics and Asians follow after with 35,441 and 28,511 enrollments respectively. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders make up the smallest percentage of the student population which is even less than 0.05%.

Maryland has a high student debt totaling around $35.9 billion. On average, per student debt within the state equals $42,861 which is much higher than the national average of $28,950. Out of the total student borrowers, around 50% are under the age of 35 only and 20.7% owe $20,000 to $40,000. These high statistics can be lowered with scholarships and grants as they are like financial gifts that do not require repayments like student loans. The scholarship money can be used by students to pay off the high debt that they are in or avoid it in the first place altogether.

How To Apply

The following steps can help make applying for Maryland Scholarships easier:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order scholarships according to submission deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or someone from the family to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may send a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Maryland. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Maryland offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

CEMS Fund Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship available to students who are in their junior or senior year of high school or are currently pursuing, or planning to pursue, a medical-related program at an accredited tertiary institution in Maryland.

Applying to as many scholarships as you can at this level can help you accumulate enough funds to support your own college education more easily. High school seniors can apply for the following scholarships while still in school.

1. Legg Mason’s Community Scholarship
2. Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship
3. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
4. InspirASIAN Scholarships
5. Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship

College tuition in Maryland can be expensive and the higher-than-average living costs in the state make college education even harder to afford overall. Undergraduate scholarships in Maryland can help students in this regard and take some of the financial burden off of them. Following are some of the options for students across all levels of their 4-year degree including the freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior years.

1. Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship
2. ASHRAE Region III Setty Family Foundation Scholarship
3. Exelon HBCU Corporate Scholars Program
4. 2+2 Transfer Scholarship
5. Near Completer Grant
6. Creative and Performing Arts Scholarships

Graduate degrees are shorter than undergraduate and may cost less comparatively. However, many students still end up taking student loans for their graduate studies. The following scholarships can help such students avoid debt. Some of the scholarships below even offer awards close to $30,000.

1. Maryland Graduate and Professional School Scholarship Program
2. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
3. Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant
4. Maryland Delegate Scholarship

Students pursuing education degrees can apply for the following scholarships. These scholarships are not major-specific and anyone regardless of their choice of major can apply.

1. 2+2 Transfer Scholarship
2. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships
3. Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship

There are Maryland scholarships available to students aspiring to become nurses specifically. Nursing students can also apply for general non-major-specific scholarships. Following are some options specifically for those pursuing nursing and related degrees.

1. Maryland Graduate and Professional School Scholarship Program
2. CEMS Fund Scholarship

Scholarships for women specifically may be scarce in the state but women can apply for any scholarships not limited by gender. Getting through college may be sometimes more financially challenging for women, especially for those who are single mothers and have other domestic responsibilities. Following are some general scholarship options to consider.

1. Study.com November Scholarships
2. Legg Mason’s Community Scholarship

Almost all universities and colleges offer merit-based scholarships to their students. Some scholarships are more general while others are related to specific subject areas. The financial aid office at your institution can help you get the relevant information about all scholarships offered to students.

The Johns Hopkins University in Maryland also offers scholarships that are based on a student’s academic achievement. Their Hodson Scholars and Charles R. Westgate Scholarship in Engineering. The Hodson Scholars is a scholarship program that covers around two-thirds of the annual tuition costs for students with exceptional academic, leadership, and personal achievements. It is limited to a total of 20 first-year students. The Westgate Scholarship is limited to engineering students only and it provides full tuition for four years of undergraduate study in engineering.

The University of Baltimore also gives out scholarships to their first years. They have multiple scholarships based on merit, need, and talent too. For merit-based scholarships, no FAFSA is required. New undergraduate admissions with exceptional GPAs and SAT/ACT scores are automatically considered for these scholarships and depending on the funds available, full tuition costs may be covered.

Some other options for merit-based scholarships at Maryland Colleges and Universities include those offered by the University of Maryland (UMD) and the University of Maryland – Baltimore County (UMBC). Some of the most prestigious awards offered by the UMD include the Banneker/Key Scholarship offering full tuition compensation, the President’s Scholarship offering between $2,000 to $12,500, and the Dean’s Scholarship awards between $1,500 to $4,500. The UMBC also automatically considers eligible new admissions for general scholarships and offers $1,000 to $12,000 to selected students. More scholarship options can be found on the university websites.

Scholarship websites contain a plethora of scholarship options ranging from need-based to merit-based scholarships. Some are even full-ride scholarships that can help cover the full cost of tuition. You can use the filters provided on these sites to help narrow down the options best suited for you. We have provided a list of more than 20 Maryland scholarships above to assist students with tuition costs and associated expenses. Students can also contact their school’s financial aid office to ask about any financial aid that they may be eligible for upon enrolment.

Maryland Higher Education Commission, or MHEC, is a state-based body that offers many scholarships and grants to students in Maryland. They provide more than 20 options for scholarships and grants for students including Need-Based Grants/Scholarships, Career/Occupation-Based Grants & Scholarships, ​​​​Legislative Scholarships, ​​Unique Populations Scholarships, and ​​Tuition Waiver Programs.

The Baltimore Community Foundation also provides scholarship funds to Maryland students. These scholarships are primarily administered and managed by the CollegeBound Foundation. The CollegeBound Foundation has multiple opportunities divided under eight categories including Career and College Major Scholarships, High School Specific Scholarships, Merit Scholarships, Community Service Scholarships, Unique Population Scholarships, College & University Scholarships, Baltimore Community Foundation Scholarships, and Current College Students Scholarships. Their scholarships range from $500 awards to the full cost of tuition.

Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) provides many state-based Maryland student grants to those pursuing higher education within the state.

Their need-based grants include the Guaranteed Access Grant providing full tuition cost, Educational Assistance​ Grant, Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant, Part-Time Grant, and Near Completer Grant. They also have grant options for students that are not need-based but based on career selection and a unique population.