Best Scholarships in Maryland 2026: State Grants, Awards &
Maryland scholarships 2026: Rawlings grants up to $19,100, Community College Promise, UMD Banneker/Key full ride, Johns Hopkins full-need aid, and legislat
Best Scholarships in Maryland 2026
Maryland provides competitive financial aid through the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards — the state's primary scholarship program — along with a strong network of institutional scholarships from schools like Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland, and the US Naval Academy (tuition-free). The state's proximity to DC also opens federal scholarship opportunities.
State-Funded Scholarships & Grants
| Program | Award | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant | $400-$3,000/year | MD resident, financial need, at MD institution |
| Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant | Up to $19,100/year | MD resident, family income under $30K, 2.5+ GPA |
| MD Community College Promise Scholarship | Covers remaining tuition after other aid | MD resident, household income under $100K, at MD CC |
| Senatorial & Delegate Scholarships | $400-$11,250/year | MD resident, apply through your state senator/delegate |
University Scholarships
Johns Hopkins meets 100% of demonstrated need (no loans for families under $150K income). University of Maryland offers the Banneker/Key Scholarship (full cost of attendance for about 150 students annually) — the most prestigious merit award at UMD. Towson University provides the Presidential Scholarship (full tuition). US Naval Academy in Annapolis covers full tuition, room, and board for all admitted students. UMBC's Meyerhoff Scholars Program is nationally recognized for supporting underrepresented STEM students.
Application Strategy
- File FAFSA by March 1 for Maryland state grants
- Apply to your state senator and delegate for Senatorial/Delegate scholarships separately
- UMD Banneker/Key deadline is November 1 — requires separate application
- MD Community College Promise Scholarship fills tuition gap after all other aid applied
- Check MHEC.maryland.gov for the state scholarship search portal
Related: Best State Scholarships & Grants Guide | Fully Funded Scholarships | Complete Scholarships Guide
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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