Scholarship Opportunity

Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship

Offered by Maryland Higher Education Commission

The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar state scholarship that helps eligible students attending Maryland community colleges cover remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other federal and state financial aid has been applied. The program supports eligible degree, certificate, vocational, licensure, certification, and registered apprenticeship pathways.

Minimum GPA2.3+
EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior, College Freshman, College Sophomore, Adult Learner

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2025–2026 Award Year

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineApril 1, 2026

Eligibility

  • Be a Maryland high school graduate or GED recipient eligible for in-state tuition.
  • Plan to enroll or currently be enrolled at a Maryland community college.
  • Enroll in an eligible credit-bearing vocational certificate, certificate, or associate degree program; a sequence of credit or non-credit courses leading to licensure or certification; or a registered apprenticeship program.
  • High school applicants must have at least a 2.3 unweighted cumulative GPA at the end of the first semester of senior year or by high school graduation.
  • Current community college students must have at least a 2.5 cumulative community college GPA.
  • Applicants who earned a GED must provide documentation of their GED examination.
  • Meet the applicable adjusted gross income limits.
  • Attend the community college serving the applicant's county or region unless the required program is unavailable there.
  • Credit-bearing students must generally enroll in at least 6 credits per semester.

Requirements

  • Submit the FAFSA or MHEC One-App by the applicable annual deadline.
  • Contact the Maryland community college you attend or plan to attend to complete the institution's application process.
  • Submit required documentation directly to the community college.
  • Meet the applicable GPA or GED requirements.
  • Meet the program's adjusted gross income limits.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress for renewal.
  • Renewal students in credit-bearing programs must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative community college GPA.
  • Continue meeting applicable enrollment requirements for renewal.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the FAFSA or MHEC One-App for the applicable academic year.
  2. 2Contact the Maryland community college you attend or plan to attend for its Promise Scholarship application process.
  3. 3Submit required academic, income, and eligibility documentation directly to the community college.
  4. 4Students pursuing eligible non-credit continuing education programs must complete the Promise Non-Credit Application through the MHEC One-App in MDCAPS.
  5. 5Monitor communications from your community college and MDCAPS for eligibility updates or additional requirements.
  6. 6Complete all required enrollment and academic progress requirements to maintain eligibility.