The state of Maryland has a wealth of educational options, ranging from research universities like Johns Hopkins University to the U.S. Naval Academy to the state flagship university the University of Maryland. Maryland scholarships exist to help support in-state Maryland residents, as well as other students who hope to attend college in the “Old Line State”. Let’s take a look at what scholarships are available!
How to win Maryland scholarships
Maryland has rich historical significance, as it was one of the original 13 colonies and played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Additionally, Maryland is home to large vibrant cities such as Baltimore, several prestigious research universities, and a very unique geography with its charming Eastern Shore. Therefore, it is no surprise you’re looking to win Maryland scholarships!
In order to win Maryland scholarships, you need to be yourself! This means searching for scholarships that align with your passions and career goals. Once you find these scholarships, you should then respond to scholarship essay questions by highlighting how Maryland helped you reach your goals and determine your future.
For example, if you grew up fascinated with the history of Maryland, it may come as no surprise that you want to pursue a career teaching history. Therefore, make it known in your scholarship application that your firsthand experiences growing up in Maryland allowed you to realize your history passion. Make sure to emphasize that you wouldn’t be who you are without Maryland! Connecting your uniqueness to the uniqueness of Maryland will make you stand out in Maryland scholarship applications.
Writing resources for writing Maryland scholarship essays
In order to win Maryland scholarships, you may have to write an essay about yourself. Be sure to check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to start a scholarship essay (with examples), how to write a 500 word essay, and how to end a scholarship essay. Additionally, be sure to read over the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to win Maryland scholarships.
Maryland student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, Maryland residents owe $35.9 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $42,861 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 50.5% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Merit scholarships at Maryland colleges and universities
University of Maryland
- Eligibility: Academically talented incoming students who have strong past academic performance and potential to excel at the university
- Amount: $1,500 up to full tuition
- Deadline: April 1
Towson University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who have strong academic credentials
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: November 15
Salisbury University
- Eligibility: Freshmen based on high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to Salisbury University
Johns Hopkins University
- Eligibility: Incoming first year students who have strong academic and personal achievement
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to Johns Hopkins University
The University of Baltimore
- Eligibility: First time undergraduates based on high school GPA and ACT or SAT scores
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to the University of Baltimore
Loyola University Maryland
- Eligibility: Freshman who have a high GPA and ACT or SAT scores
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to Loyola University Maryland
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known Maryland universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
- In-state tuition: $9,889
- Out-of-state tuition: $38,690
- In-state tuition: $11,306
- Out-of-state tuition: $28,326
How do you get in-state tuition in Maryland?
Having Maryland residency significantly reduces the cost of tuition for Maryland colleges and universities. In order to become a Maryland resident for tuition purposes you will have to meet the following nine criteria:
- Owning or renting while continuously occupying living quarters in Maryland
- Having substantial personal property in Maryland
- Paying Maryland income tax
- Registering all vehicles in Maryland
- Possessing a valid Maryland driver’s license
- Receiving no public assistance from a state other than Maryland
- Having the legal ability under law to live permanently and without interruption in Maryland
- Rebutting the presumption that you are to live in Maryland primarily to attend an educational institution
Does Maryland offer tuition reciprocity?
Maryland is a member of the Academic Common Market, which is a tuition reciprocity agreement among select Southern states. If a public institution in Maryland does not offer a degree program major (undergraduate or graduate) that you intend on pursuing, you can then attend at a participating ACM out-of-state tuition at in-state tuition rates.
Maryland scholarship spotlight
Perlita Liwanag Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: must reside in the Washington, DC metro area (Maryland, Northern Virginia and DC) and be seeking higher education within the U.S.
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: Mid-February
AFCEA Washington, DC Chapter Scholarship
- Eligibility: Must be a resident within the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Acceptable majors: Computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, cybersecurity, and management information systems; and command, control, communications, computers and Intelligence (C4I)-related fields of study including electrical, computer, chemical, aerospace or systems engineering or electronics
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Mid-February
Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant
- Eligibility: Must be accepted for admission as a full-time student (minimum 12 credits per semester) in one of the eligible, degree-granting institutions in the State of Maryland
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: March 1
Maryland Delegate Scholarship
- Eligibility: Available to resident students who can demonstrate the requisite level of financial need and plan to attend a Maryland university
- Amount: Up to $29,600
- Deadline: July 31
Maryland Senatorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Available to resident students who can demonstrate the requisite level of financial need
- Amount: $400 up to $12,617
- Deadline: March 1
Letitia B. Carter Scholarship
- Eligibility: Maryland residents interested in pursuing hospitality-related coursework
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: Mid-March
Frederick Douglass Scholarship
- Eligibility: Admitted UMD student and Maryland resident who has a 3.5+ GPA
- Amount: Partial or full tuition coverage
- Deadline: March 1
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Essay Contest
- Eligibility: High school seniors who submit a 300 essay
- Amount: $1,812
- Deadline: Mid-March
Educational Leadership Scholarship
- Eligibility: Be a high school senior and resident of Prince George’s County in Maryland. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Must enter University in the following year after graduation from high school
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: End of April
Leslie A. Ebert Legacy of Life Scholarship
- Eligibility: High School Seniors who write a persuasive essay and/or produce a video that educates, then motivates, an audience to become registered organ, eye and tissue donors
- Amount: $1000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: April 14
100 Black Men of Prince George’s County, Inc. Scholarship
- Eligibility: 100 Black Men mentees, Collegiate 100 or affiliates who are graduating high school seniors or college undergraduates enrolled full-time in an accredited college
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: Mid-June
Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: You must be a Maryland resident at the time of application and enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college/university, as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student or attend a private career school. Applicants must be related to U.S. Service members, veterans, POW/MIA from the Vietnam War, a victim of 9/11, a state, local or public employee or school employee who either died in the line of duty or suffered a disabling injury.
- Amount: Up to full tuition
- Deadline: July 15
Horatio Alger District Of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: 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
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: Varies
Frequently asked questions about Maryland scholarships
Does the University of Maryland offer scholarships?
How do I get a full ride to UMD?
How do I apply for the Maryland Delegate Scholarship?
How do I apply for the Maryland Senatorial Scholarship?
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