For the college bound youth, finding a way to pay for school can be stressful. Figuring out how to afford tuition makes even the arduous process of applying for college seem like an easy task. Maryland residents can make their tuition burden a little easier by applying for several Maryland State School Grants.
With requirements ranging from degree programs to GPAs, the state of Maryland offers school and college grants that suit everyone’s needs…
Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant
Students who have already filled out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form are automatically eligible for this need-based grant. They must be attending a Maryland college and be a full-time student. The Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance grants covers anywhere from $400 to $3,000. Anyone who is currently in college or just leaving high school is eligible as long as they have completed their FAFSA.
Distinguished Scholars Program
Any student who has a 3.7 to 4.0 in the first five semesters of high school may apply for the Distinguished Scholars Program. Awarded to students who have a history of academic excellence, this scholarship totals $3,000. Each student who receives the award must be attending a two-or four-year college within the state of Maryland full-time. The number of scholarships given out each year varies depending on the funds. If there are not enough funds provided, students may be placed on a wait-list.
In 2012, state and national budget cuts led to many Maryland state grants not being funded. Among these, the Distinguished Scholars Program was listed. Once funding has been resumed, the program will begin providing tuition for the state’s top students again.
Guaranteed Access Grant
Any high school senior or recent high school student can apply for this grant. Students must not be more than a year out of high school and cannot have started college at the time of the application. They must be Maryland residents and demonstrate financial need.
Each recipient must go to either a two-year or a four-year Maryland College and cannot receive the Education Assistance Grant. Other grants can still be received without the applicant becoming ineligible. Prior to being awarded on of the Maryland state grants, an applicant must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in high school.
Over the course of the year, the Guaranteed Access Grant will pay out anywhere from $300 to $13,700.
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Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program
The state of Maryland offers graduate grants in addition to undergraduate grants. In the Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program, students may receive $1,000 to $5,000. To be eligible, students must have filled out a FAFSA and told their school that they want to be considered for the program. In addition, they must attend one of the schools that are in the program. Students are awarded the scholarship based on the answers they provided on FAFSA and their projected financial need.
Montgomery College Institute Grant
Montgomery students who are currently attending Wooton or Gaithersburg High School are allowed to apply for the Montgomery College Institute Grant. The money from the award pays for academically successful juniors and seniors to attend college classes while they still pursue their high school degree.
Any credits that are earned can either be used as a part of a degree program at Montgomery College or transferred to another university.
As a part of an early-placement program, the Montgomery College Institute Grant seeks to help high school students get a head start on their post-secondary education.
After the financial needs form is filled out, students may be awarded as much as the entire cost of their tuition and textbooks. More information on this area specific scholarship can be found at www.montgomerycollege.edu.
Online Resources for Maryland State Grants for Schools and College
Maryland State Education Association
Maryland Higher Education Commission
http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_ds.asp
