STATE OF MARYLAND FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:
Maryland Higher Education CommissionOffice of Student Financial Assistance
839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400
Annapolis, MD 21401-3013
410 260-4500
800 974-0203
The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Maryland.
HOWARD P. RAWLINGS GUARANTEED ACCESS (GA) GRANT
Who may apply: Current high school seniors who will complete a college preparatory program.How to apply: Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and complete and file the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant application.
When to apply: Students are encouraged to apply by March 1. Applications submitted after March 1 will be considered as long as funds remain available.
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time (12+ credits per semester; audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time status), degree-seeking, undergraduate student, and you must demonstrate financial need. All applicants must have a minimum, unweighted cumulative 2.5 high school grade point average (GPA) and meet the following income requirements:
2007-2008 Guaranteed Access Grant Family Income Requirements:
Family Size Total Family Income
1 $ 12,740
2 $ 17,160
3 $ 21,580
4 $ 26,000
5 $ 30,420
6 $ 34,840
7 $ 39,260
Each additional person add $4,420
FINANCIAL NEED
A GA Grant is determined by student need. Your need for a GA Grant is determined using the following formula:
College Cost of Attendance
- EFC + or - Regional Cost of Living Adjustment
- Certain State scholarship awards (if awarded)
- Federal Pell Grant (if eligible)
= Financial Need
AWARD AMOUNT
The amount of a GA Grant equals 100 percent of the student's financial need. The minimum annual award amount is $400 and the maximum award is $14,800. You may hold the GA Grant with all State awards, except the Educational Assistance Grant. The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed your cost of attendance, as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
To renew an award, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress at the college you are attending. Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA no later than March 1 each year. Eligible students who submit the FAFSA after March 1 will be considered as long as funds remain available. You must also continue to demonstrate financial need. You may receive a GA Grant for a total of four years of full-time, degree-seeking, undergraduate study.
HOWARD P. RAWLINGS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
(EA) GRANTWho may apply: Current high school seniors and full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates.
How to apply: Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
When to apply: January 1 through March 1, each year. Late applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time (12+ credits per semester; audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time status), degree seeking, undergraduate student. You must demonstrate financial need. All applicants are ranked by Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is based on information reported on the FAFSA. Students with the lowest EFC are awarded first.
FINANCIAL NEED
An EA Grant is determined by student need. Your need for an EA Grant is determined using the following formula:
College Cost of Attendance
- EFC + or - Regional Cost Of Living Adjustment
- Certain State scholarship awards (if awarded)
- Federal Pell Grant (if eligible)
= Financial Need
AWARD AMOUNT
Students attending 4-year schools will be awarded an EA Grant equal to 40% of OSFA adjusted need. Students attending community colleges will be awarded an EA Grant equal to 60% of OSFA adjusted need. The minimum annual award amount is $400 and the maximum award is $3,000. Should you be offered and accept certain State scholarship awards, your EA Grant will be re-calculated. You may hold the EA Grant with all State awards except the Guaranteed Access Grant. The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed your cost of attendance as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
To renew an award, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress at the college you are attending and submit the FAFSA no later than March 1 each year. You must also continue to demonstrate financial need. You may be a recipient of an EA Grant for a total of four years of full-time, degree-seeking, undergraduate study.
PART-TIME GRANT
Who may apply: Part-time, degree-seeking undergraduates.How to apply: Part-time undergraduates must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact the financial aid office of the institution you will attend and ask to be considered for the Part-Time Grant.
When to apply: File your FAFSA January 1 through March 1. Contact the financial aid office of the institution you will attend for additional deadlines.
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PART-TIME UNDERGRADUATES
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a part-time (6-11 credits per semester), degree-seeking undergraduate student. You must demonstrate financial need.
Recipients are selected by the institution.
FINANCIAL NEED
Eligibility for a Part-Time Grant is based on student need, as determined by the FAFSA.
AWARD AMOUNT
The minimum Part-Time Grant award is $200, and the maximum award is $2,000. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
To renew your award, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress at the college you attend and submit the FAFSA no later than March 1 each year, or earlier if required by your school. You must also continue to demonstrate financial need. You may be a recipient of a Part-Time Grant for a total of eight years. Your school determines renewal policies.
GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Who may apply: Degree-seeking graduate and professional students.How to apply: Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Also contact the financial aid office of the institution you will attend and ask to be considered for a Graduate and Professional Scholarship.
When to apply: Contact the financial aid office of the school you will attend for their deadlines.
Eligible majors: Graduate and professional programs in dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and veterinary medicine.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must be a Maryland resident and demonstrate financial need. You must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student, either part-time or full-time, and attend one of the following schools: University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Pharmacy, or Social Work; University of Baltimore School of Law; The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, or certain Maryland institutions offering a master’s degree in nursing or social work.
FINANCIAL NEED
Applicants are ranked on basis of the student need as demonstrated on the FAFSA.
AWARD AMOUNT
The minimum award is $1,000 per year and the maximum award is $5,000 per year. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
You may receive an award for a maximum of eight semesters if you remain enrolled in an eligible program; maintain the satisfactory academic progress standards of your institution; file a FAFSA each year, and demonstrate need. The institution determines eligibility for renewals
DELEGATE SCHOLARSHIP
Who may apply: Current high school seniors and full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. Students attending a private career school may also apply.How to apply: If your delegates make their own awards, you should call or write them for further instructions. The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) can provide a list of all State legislators. Some delegates ask OSFA to make awards for them. These awards are made on the basis of need as demonstrated on the FAFSA. Complete and file the FAFSA.
When to apply: Complete and file the FAFSA by March 1. Contact your delegates in February for further instructions.
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
You may use this scholarship at an out-of-state school if your major is not available at a Maryland school and if your delegate agrees. OSFA must verify that your major is unique. Contact OSFA for further information on unique major status.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student, or attend certain private career schools.
FINANCIAL NEED
If OSFA makes the awards for your delegates, you must demonstrate financial need.
AWARD AMOUNT
The minimum annual award is $200. You may hold the Delegate Scholarship with all State awards. The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed your cost of attendance as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
Awards are not automatically renewed. You must re-apply each year to your delegate(s). If required, you must complete and file the FAFSA by March 1.
SENATORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Who may apply: Current high school seniors and full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. Students attending a private career school may also apply.How to apply: Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If your senator makes his/her own awards, you must call or write to your legislator for further instructions. The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) can provide a list of all State legislators.
When to apply: Complete and file the FAFSA by March 1. Contact your senator in February for further instructions.
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
You may use this scholarship at an out-of-state school if your major is not available at a Maryland school, and if your senator agrees. OSFA must verify that your major is unique. Contact OSFA for further information on unique major status.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university, as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student, or attend certain private career schools. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time or part-time status. You must demonstrate financial need. You must take the SAT 1 or the ACT unless you graduated from high school five or more years ago; have earned 24 college credit hours; or are attending a community college or a private career school.
FINANCIAL NEED
Some senators ask OSFA to make awards for them. These awards are made on the basis of need as demonstrated on the FAFSA.
AWARD AMOUNT
The minimum annual award amount is $400 and the maximum award is $9,000. You may hold the Senatorial Scholarship with all State awards. The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed your cost of attendance as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
If you received a renewable award, your award will be renewed automatically as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress at the college you attend. Full-time students may receive a Senatorial Scholarship for total of four years. Part-time students may receive a Senatorial Scholarship for a total of eight years.
DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD
Who may apply: Current high school juniors may apply or may be nominated by their high schools. Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship and National Achievement Scholarship programs will automatically receive the award if they attend a Maryland institution.How to apply: Achievement applications may be obtained from the high school guidance counselor.
When to apply: Applications for the academic achievement category must be submitted to the high school guidance office in February of the applicant’s junior year. The high school guidance counselor submits talent nominations in March of the nominee’s junior year.
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university or a private career school as a full-time (12+ credits per semester), degree-seeking undergraduate student. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time status.
Academic Achievement Category: Applicants must have earned a minimum, cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale in academic subjects taken during their first five semesters of high school. The applicant’s highest SAT 1 scores from tests taken in January of the junior year or earlier are used with the GPA to determine final eligibility. PSAT or ACT scores will be considered only if the student has not taken the SAT 1.
National Merit Scholarship and National Achievement Category: An award will automatically be offered to students in these scholarship programs when they have been selected as finalists and indicate they will attend a Maryland institution.
Talent in the Arts Category: Your high school can nominate five juniors for an audition in visual art, instrumental music, vocal music, dance, or drama. Officially designated magnet schools for the arts may each nominate 10 juniors. In early June, nominated students must appear in person for an audition or portfolio review before a panel of professional judges.
FINANCIAL NEED
This award is not based on need.
AWARD AMOUNT
The award is $3,000 each year. This program is competitive. Students who are not funded initially will be placed on a waiting list. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students. The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed your cost of attendance as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less.
RENEWING AN AWARD
Your award is automatically renewed if you maintain an annual minimum 3.0 GPA, your parents remain Maryland residents, and you remain enrolled full-time at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university or private career school. The award may be renewed for an additional three years, of full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate study.
Distinguished Scholar Community College Transfer Program
Who may apply: Maryland residents who have completed 60 credit hours at a Maryland community college and are transferring to a Maryland 4-year institution of higher education.How to apply: Complete the Distinguished Scholar Community College Transfer application, and submit an official college transcript(s).
When to apply: By March 1
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible to qualify, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- have a community college transcript indicating an overall academic grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent grade point average;
- have completed at least 60 credit hours or an associate degree program at a community college in the State;
- qualify as a Maryland resident;
- apply for the scholarship within 1 year of completing the required credit hours or an associate degree program; and
- attend a Maryland 4-year institution of higher education as a full-time undergraduate student.
FINANCIAL NEED
This award is not based on need.
AWARD AMOUNT
The award is $3,000 each year. This program is competitive. Students who are not funded initially will be placed on a waiting list. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students. The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed your cost of attendance as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less.
RENEWING AN AWARD
The award is automatically renewed for one additional year if you maintain an annual minimum 3.0 grade point average, you and your parents remain Maryland residents, and you remain enrolled full-time at a Maryland 4-year institution.
CHARLES W. RILEY FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Who may apply: Active career or volunteer firefighters, ambulance or rescue squad members.How to apply: Complete and file a Charles W. Riley Fire and Emergency Medical Services Tuition Reimbursement application.
When to apply: By July 1
Eligible majors: Fire service technology and emergency medical technology.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must be an active career or volunteer firefighter, ambulance or rescue squad member. You must serve a Maryland community while you take college courses and continue to serve for another year after you complete the courses. You must attend a Maryland institution and enroll in a degree or certificate program in either fire service technology or emergency medical technology. You must be a Maryland resident to apply for this program.
AWARD AMOUNT
You will receive the actual dollar amount of tuition charges you have paid. Applicants must receive at least a grade of "C" or better in any course specifically required for program completion. The amount of the award may not exceed the equivalent annual tuition of a resident undergraduate student at the four-year public institution within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland University College and University of Maryland, Baltimore, with the highest annual expense for a full-time resident undergraduate. Room and board and mandatory or optional fees are not reimbursed. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
To renew an award, you must maintain the satisfactory academic progress standards of the institution you attend and remain enrolled in an eligible program. You may reapply for the award each year.
SERVICE OBLIGATION
You must agree to serve a Maryland community as a career or volunteer firefighter or ambulance and rescue squad member while you take college courses. You must continue to serve for one year after you complete the courses. If you hold this scholarship with any other award requiring a service obligation, you must perform your service in consecutive years.
JANET L. HOFFMAN LOAN ASSISTANCE REPAYMENT PROGRAM (LARP)
Who may apply: Maryland residents who provide public service in Maryland State or local government or nonprofit agencies in Maryland to low income or underserved residents.
How to apply: Complete and file a LARP General application. Third-year law students must file a Pre-Graduation Law Application and LARP General application.
When to apply: LARP General applications become available in June. The application deadline is September 30. Pre-Graduation Law Applications become available in September of your third year of law school.
Eligible employment fields: 2007-2008 eligible employment fields:
- Lawyers (judicial clerks in any court and policy analysts are not eligible; principle part of the position must provide legal services to low income residents in Maryland who cannot afford legal services)
- Nurses (degree- or diploma-holding registered nurses; school nurses are not eligible)
- Nurse Faculty Members
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Social Workers (either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work)
- Speech Pathologists
- Physician Assistants
- Teachers at any level or subject field who teach in schools designated as Federal Title I or Schools Identified for Improvement by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The official list of schools is available at the bottom of the LARP program description page (see below). Head Start Programs are not eligible.
- Teachers with the following areas of certification:
- technology education (secondary);
- chemistry (secondary);
- computer science (secondary);
- English for Speakers of other Languages-ESOL (elementary & secondary);
- health occupations (secondary);
- Latin (secondary);
- mathematics (secondary);
- physics (secondary);
- earth/space science (secondary);
- physical science (secondary);
- dance (elementary and secondary);
- reading specialist (elementary & secondary);
- speech language pathology (educational service area);
- Spanish (secondary); and
- special education: generic - infant to grade 3; grades 1 through 8; grades 6 to adult; hearing impaired; severely & profoundly disabled; visually impaired.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must have earned a degree from a college in Maryland, or from any law school, or a resident teacher certificate from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). You must be employed full-time (35+ hours per week) in state or local government or in a nonprofit organization in Maryland. Your employer must help low income, underserved residents or underserved areas in the state. You must have educational loans from a university, government, or commercial source that you used to pay college expenses. You may not be in default on a loan. Your annual gross salary cannot exceed $60,000. If married, your annual gross salary cannot exceed $60,000, and your combined salaries cannot exceed $130,000. If employed as a nurse faculty member, your annual gross salary cannot exceed $75,000. If married, your annual gross salary cannot exceed $75,000, and your combined salaries cannot exceed $160,000. This is a service-based program. Prior service obligations from other State of Maryland scholarships must be completed by July 1, 2007. One position cannot fulfill two service obligations simultaneously.
PRE-GRADUATION LAW STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
You must be a law student attending University of Maryland, Baltimore or University of Baltimore and in your third and final year of school. You must submit a Pre-Graduation Law Application before graduation in May, together with verification of an employment offer. You must submit a LARP General application by September 30 and meet all eligibility requirements listed above.
SELECTION
Applicants will be grouped according to eligible employment field. Within employment fields, individuals will be ranked according to graduation date, then application complete date. If individuals have identical graduation dates and application complete dates, applicants with the lowest income will be awarded first. Priority is given to individuals who have graduated from an institution of higher education in the last three years. Priority employment fields established by law are legal services and nursing. Priority for awarding will also be given to applicants who are employed as nurse faculty members or applicants who teach in schools designated as federal Title I, schools Identified for Improvement by MSDE, or who teach in designated critical shortage subject fields.
AWARD AMOUNT
Awards will be determined by an applicant’s overall reported educational debt at the time of application. Recipients will lock-in to an award level that contains set award amounts. Award funds are distributed annually over a three (3) year period as long as the recipient remains eligible and continues to submit the required annual employment, lender and tax documentation by the September 30 deadline.
|
Total Debt |
Overall Award Limit |
Yearly Payment |
|
$75,001 - Over |
$30,000 |
$10,000 |
|
$40,001 - $75,000 |
$18,000 |
$6,000 |
|
$15,001 - $40,000 |
$9,000 |
$3,000 |
|
$15,000 - Below |
$4,500* |
$1,500* |
*Payment amount cannot exceed total debt; amount will be adjusted
RENEWING AN AWARD
Recipients of lock-in awards are required to submit annual employment, lender and tax documentation by the September 30 deadline for each year that they receive funding. Failure to submit required documentation by the deadline or failure to report changes in your employment status and/or salary level through out the service/award years will make you ineligible for the award.
LOAN ASSISTANCE REPAYMENT PROGRAM PRIMARY CARE SERVICES (LARP-PCS)
Who may apply: Primary care physicians and medical residents in a residency program specializing in primary care.How to apply: Complete and file a LARP-PCS application available from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). Contact Jeanette Jenkins by calling (410) 767-5301or by email.
When to apply: Rolling deadline.
Eligible specialties: General internal medicine; family practice medicine; general pediatrics; obstetrics/gynecology; and gynecology.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must have graduated from a college in Maryland or from a medical school. If you are a physician, you must have a valid unrestricted license to practice primary care medicine in Maryland and work in an approved underserved area in Maryland. If you are a medical resident, you must have at least one year remaining in a residency program specializing in primary care. You must have outstanding eligible higher education loans. You cannot be in default on a loan or have incomplete service obligations.
FINANCIAL NEED
This award is not based on need.
AWARD AMOUNT
Physicians will receive between $25,000 and $30,000 per year, depending on the length of their service commitment. The total award to medical residents may not exceed $25,000. Funds may not be available to award all eligible applicants.
RENEWING AN AWARD
You may re-apply for this award after completion of the service obligation. Recipient’s total award amount cannot exceed $120,000.
SERVICE OBLIGATION
You must sign and return a promissory note agreeing to serve full-time as a primary care physician in an underserved area in Maryland for a period of two to four years. You must be a resident of Maryland at the time the service obligation begins. Physicians must begin their service obligation within three months of the close of the fiscal year in which the contract is executed. Medical residents must begin their service obligation within three (3) months of completion of training. If you hold this scholarship with any other award requiring a service obligation, you must perform your service in consecutive years.
MARYLAND DENT-CARE LOAN ASSISTANCE REPAYMENT PROGRAM (MDC-LARP)
Who may apply: Practicing dentists.How to apply: Complete and file an MDC-LARP application available from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). Contact DHMH by calling (410) 767-7899.
When to apply: Rolling deadline.
Eligible field of employment: Dentistry.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must be a Maryland resident. You must have graduated from an accredited US dental school. You must have a valid unrestricted license to practice dentistry in Maryland and be employed full-time as a dentist in Maryland providing care to Maryland Medical Assistance Program (MMAP) recipients in Maryland. You must have at least 30 percent of your patient population as MMAP recipients. You must have outstanding eligible higher education loans. You cannot be in default on a loan or have incomplete service obligations.
FINANCIAL NEED
This award is not based on need.
AWARD AMOUNT
Dentists will receive up to $23,000 per year of obligated service. All recipients will receive a supplemental amount equal to 39% of the annual repayment amount to help defray the associated tax liability. You may reapply for this award after completion of the service obligation. Recipients total award amount cannot exceed $99,000. Funds may not be available to award all eligible applicants.
RENEWING AN AWARD
You may renew your award up to two years.
SERVICE OBLIGATION
You must sign and return a promissory note stating that you will remain employed full-time as a dentist. You must agree to maintain at least 30 percent of your patient population as MMAP recipients. If you hold this scholarship with any other award requiring a service obligation, you must perform your service in consecutive years.
NURSE SUPPORT PROGRAM II - GRADUATE NURSING FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP AND LIVING EXPENSES GRANT
Funding for the Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant is provided by the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) through the Nurse Support Program II (NSP II) to address the issues of recruiting and retaining nurses in Maryland hospitals. Approximately $8.8 million is generated annually for NSP II through a 0.1% increase of regulated patient revenue for all hospitals beginning July 1, 2005. The goal of NSP II is ultimately to increase the number of bedside nurses in Maryland hospitals through focusing on the education of nurses.Who may apply: An eligible student who is sponsored by a Maryland higher education institution to complete the graduate education necessary to become a qualified nursing faculty at a Maryland higher education institution.
How to apply: Complete and submit the application for the Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant and all required documentation to the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). To be considered for the Living Expenses Grant, an applicant must submit their 2006 Maryland State tax return and W-2 forms.
When to apply: The Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant application and documentation must be submitted prior to the start of the semester they wish to be considered for funding. Students are encouraged to apply by August 1 to start in the fall semester, by December 1 to start in the spring semester, and by May 1 to start in the summer semester. Applications submitted after the suggested deadlines will be considered as long as funds are available.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship, an individual must be a Maryland resident and be enrolled at a Maryland college or university as a full-time (9+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-8 semester credits) graduate student in a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program or another graduate-level nursing program required to prepare individuals to become nursing faculty. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time or part-time status. The Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship is not based on need.
You must provide documentation of sponsorship by a nursing school in Maryland. The nursing school sponsoring the student must agree to provide mentors for the student and incorporate the student into its campus faculty culture and, provide career counseling and assistance with placement as a faculty member at the institution or another nursing school in the State.
To be eligible for a Living Expenses Grant, an applicant must receive and accept an offer for a Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship and must submit their 2006 Maryland State tax return and W-2 forms. Eligible applicants must have an annual gross salary that does not exceed $75,000 if single, or an annual gross salary that does not exceed $75,000 with a combined adjusted gross income that does not exceed $160,000 with their spouse, if married.
A student receiving the Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant must commit to: (1) completing the required graduate program within a maximum of two years for full-time students and (2) working as a nursing faculty at a Maryland institution upon program completion.
FINANCIAL NEED
The Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship is not based on need. The Living Expenses Grant is based on an applicant's 2006 Maryland State tax return and W-2 forms.
AWARD AMOUNT
The Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship equals the amount of tuition and mandatory fees not to exceed $13,000 per academic year ($6,500 per fall and spring semesters) and will be prorated for part-time recipients. The award is renewable for a maximum amount of $26,000. Award recipients may request summer funding, as long as the total amount of funding for the academic year does not exceed $13,000. Summer funding requests not originally noted on applications must be in writing and be received by OSFA by May 1 of each year. Summer awards are subject to the availability of funds.
Living Expenses Grant awards may not exceed the maximum of $25,000 per academic year ($12,500 per semester) for full-time (9 + credits per semester) recipients and will be prorated for part-time recipients. If a recipient is receiving any type of stipend, salary supplement and/or other form of financial assistance for living expenses, it may be deducted from the grant award total. Grant awards are subject to the availability of funds and all eligible applicants may not receive an award.
Note: If the recipient’s employment status changes as a result of accepting this award (the recipient discontinues working, or changes from full-time to part-time employment), the recipient may submit a separate appeal form to request a recalculation of the recipient’s income that is used to rank students for the Living Expenses Grant.
RENEWING AN AWARD
A Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship award may be renewed for up to three additional years until the maximum total award limit of $26,000 has been reached. A recipient’s award will be renewed automatically if the recipient remains a Maryland resident, maintains a minimum 3.0 annual GPA in graduate course work; remains enrolled in an eligible nursing program; maintains the satisfactory academic progress standards of the institution; and, if receiving the Living Expenses Grant, continues to meet program eligibility requirements determined by review of Maryland State tax returns and W-2 forms.
SERVICE OBLIGATION
A recipient must sign a promissory note affirming that he/she will serve as a nurse faculty at Maryland institutions with nursing degree programs by doing the following:
1) work two years as a full-time nurse faculty member for each year the award was received as a full-time student; or
2) work one and one-half years as a full-time nurse faculty member for each year the award was received as a part-time student.
Individuals fulfilling their service obligations as a part-time nurse faculty member must work two years for each year of their full-time employment obligation. Full-time employment is defined as 35 or more hours per week. Part-time employment is defined as 20-34 hours per week.
Service must begin within six months of graduation. A recipient must meet his/her service obligation at any Maryland institution granting nursing degrees and is not required to work at the sponsoring institution. If the service obligation is not met, the scholarship must be repaid with interest. If the Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship is held with any other award requiring a service obligation, the obligations must be performed in consecutive years.
OPTOMETRY TUITION REDUCTION PROGRAM INTERSTATE COMPACT PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY/STATE OF MARYLAND
Who may apply: Students admitted to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and certified as Maryland Residents.How to apply: Complete and file an Optometry Tuition Reduction Certification form.
When to apply: Deadline to become certified as a Maryland resident is July 7.
Eligible majors: Optometry
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must be a Maryland resident. You must have been admitted to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). You must enroll full-time in the Doctor of Optometry program leading to licensure as an optometrist in Maryland. Students in each class may participate in this tuition reduction program determined on a first come, first serve basis by the PCO. All inquires for admission to the PCO should be directed to the Office of Admissions, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027-1598, telephone: (215) 780-1300 or (800) 824-6262.
FINANCIAL NEED
This award is not based on need.
AWARD AMOUNT
The minimum annual reduction, contingent upon State funding, is $8,275. Only five (5) students are selected for tuition reduction, so funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
You may renew your award up to three years if you remain enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry program and maintain the satisfactory academic progress standards of the institution.
SERVICE OBLIGATION
You must sign and return a promissory note agreeing to serve full-time as a practicing Doctor of Optometry or professional in the field of optometry in Maryland, one year for each year you receive the tuition reimbursement, or repay the amount with interest. If you hold this scholarship with any other award requiring a service obligation, you must perform your service in consecutive years.
TUITION REDUCTION FOR NON-RESIDENT NURSING STUDENTS
Who may apply: Non-residents of Maryland who attend a two-year or four-year public institution in Maryland.How to apply: Complete and file a Tuition Reduction for Non-Resident Nursing Students application and submit it to the financial aid office at the school you attend.
When to apply: Applications become available in April.
Eligible majors: Undergraduate nursing program.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must be a resident of a state other than Maryland. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland public college or university as a full-time (12+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-11 credits per semester), degree-seeking undergraduate student. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time or part-time status. You must be accepted into a nursing program.
FINANCIAL NEED
This award is not based on need.
AWARD AMOUNT
Your college may reduce your tuition so that you pay the tuition charged to a Maryland resident.
RENEWING AN AWARD
Your award will be renewed automatically for an additional year if you attend a two-year public institution or for an additional three years if you attend a four-year public institution. You must maintain the satisfactory academic progress standards of the institution you attend and remain enrolled in an eligible program.
SERVICE OBLIGATION
You must sign and return a promissory note agreeing to serve as a full-time nurse in a hospital or related institution. Service is for four years if you attended a four-year public institution or for two years if you attended a two-year public institution, or you must repay the scholarship with interest. If you hold this scholarship with any other award requiring a service obligation, you must perform your service in consecutive years. The recipient of this Program has six months from the date of graduation to begin the service.
WORKFORCE SHORTAGE STUDENT ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
BACKGROUNDThe Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) program is for students who plan on working in specific career/occupational programs upon graduation. Eligible fields include: child care, human services, teaching, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and public service.
Who may apply: Current high school seniors, full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution.
How to apply: Complete and file the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant application and provide official transcripts from all institutions attended. To be considered based on need, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the application year. The FAFSA is not required; however, it will be used to determine the order in which students will be awarded.
Certain majors may require additional documentation, which will be noted on the application. Applicants for the William Donald Schaefer Scholarship are required to submit, in addition to the application and transcripts, a FAFSA, a 1,000 word essay on a topic determined by the Commission and Advisory Council, a resume and three (3) letters of reference.
When to apply: Complete and file the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant application by July 1.
Eligible majors: Eligible majors and employment fields will be determined by an Advisory Council biennially and will address statewide and regional workforce needs. Employment fields may be limited to certain occupational areas within a field. Eligible majors and employment fields for academic year 2008-2009 will be listed on the 2008-2009 Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant application.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time (12+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-11 credits per semester) degree seeking undergraduate student, or a full-time (9+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-8 credits per semester) degree seeking graduate student. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours for full-time or part-time status.
NOTE: Individuals who have received scholarships in prior years under MHEC's former career/occupational programs (Child Care Provider; Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Workforce Tuition Assistance Program; Distinguished Scholar Teacher Education; Sharon Christa McAuliffe Memorial Teacher Education Scholarship; State Nursing Scholarship; Physical and Occupational Therapists and Assistants Grant; and William Donald Schaefer Scholarship) will continue to receive their awards as long as they remain eligible. Students who receive one of these former awards are not eligible to also receive a WSSAG award.
MERIT AND/OR NEED-BASED CRITERIA
Both merit and need-based criteria will be used when making awards. Applicants will be ranked by Grade Point Average (GPA) and then by need within each occupational field. Those students with the greatest need within each GPA range will be awarded first.
To determine a student’s merit ranking, transcripts will be required. To determine the GPA ranking of students, a cumulative, unweighted GPA will be used. All GPAs will be recalculated to be considered on a standardized 4.0 scale.
To determine a student’s need ranking, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by the applicant by the July 1 deadline; however, it is not mandatory to be eligible to receive an award.
AWARD AMOUNT
Award amounts are set at the statutory minimum and are based on the type of institution and the student’s enrollment status. The award is $2,000 per year if attending a Maryland community college full-time (12+ credits per semester) or $1,000 per year if part-time (6-11 credits per semester). The award is $4,000 per year if attending a Maryland 4-year institution full-time (12+ credits per semester for undergraduate; 9+ credits per semester for graduate) or $2,000 per year if part-time (6-11 credits per semester for undergraduate; 6-8 credits per semester for graduate).
The total dollar amount of all State awards may not exceed a student's cost of attendance as determined by the school's financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
Your award will be automatically renewed for up to the maximum of 5 years as long as you continue to meet all the eligibility requirements and maintain the satisfactory academic progress standards of the institution.
SERVICE OBLIGATION
You must sign and return a promissory note agreeing to begin fulfillment of your service obligation in the employment field for which your award was received within one year of completing your degree. Employment fields for academic year 2008-2009 will be listed on the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant application.
If you work full-time, you must fulfill your obligation at a rate of one-year for each year that you received the scholarship, even if you were enrolled on a part-time basis for some of the semesters. If you work part-time, you must fulfill your service obligation at a rate of two-years for each year the scholarship was received, even if you were enrolled on a part-time basis. Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week and part-time is at least 20 hours per week.
The service obligation begins after completion of your degree program, and cannot be fulfilled prior to completion. If you hold this scholarship with any other award requiring a service obligation, you must perform your service in consecutive years.
JACK F. TOLBERT MEMORIAL STUDENT GRANT PROGRAM
Who may apply: Students attending or who plan to attend a private career school.How to apply: Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. Apply to the financial aid office of the private career school you will attend.
When to apply: Rolling deadline.
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at an approved Maryland private career school. You must enroll for at least 18 clock hours per week.
FINANCIAL NEED
These awards are made on the basis of need, as demonstrated by the FAFSA.
AWARD AMOUNT
The award amount of a Tolbert Grant may be up to $500. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
The award may be renewed one time.
EDWARD T. CONROY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Who may apply: Current high school seniors, full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduates and graduate students.How to apply: Complete and file an Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship application.
When to apply: By July 15.
Eligible majors: All majors are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
You must enroll at a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university, as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student or attend a private career school. You must be: the son or daughter of a member of the United States Armed Forces who died as a result of military service or who suffered a service connected 100 percent permanent disability as result of military service; a veteran who suffers a service-connected disability of 25 percent or greater, as a result of military service, and has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veterans’ educational benefits; the son, daughter, or surviving spouse of a victim of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks who died as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the attack on the Pentagon in Virginia, or the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania; a POW/MIA of the Vietnam Conflict or his/her son or daughter; the son, daughter or surviving spouse (who has not remarried) of a state or local public safety employee or volunteer who died in the line of duty or who was 100 percent disabled in the line of duty; or a state or local public safety employee or volunteer who was 100 percent disabled in the line of duty.
NOTE: The public safety employee or volunteer must have been a resident of Maryland at the time of death or when declared 100 percent disabled. A veteran applicant must have a disability of 25 percent or greater and have exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veteran’s educational benefits.
FINANCIAL NEED
This award is not based on need.
AWARD AMOUNT
The amount of your award may be equal to your tuition and fees, but the total dollar amount may not exceed $9,000, whichever is less. An applicant who is the child or spouse of a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks may not receive awards that exceed $19,000 when combined with any other scholarship received. Recipients of the Conroy Scholarship who also receive grants or scholarships from other sources as a result of September 11 events may have the Conroy adjusted to remain below the $19,000 fund limit. Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.
RENEWING AN AWARD
Awards may be held for five years of full-time study (12+ credits per semester) or eight years of part-time study (6-11 credits per semester) or a combination of both. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time or part-time status.
VETERANS OF THE AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ CONFLICTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
WHO MAY APPLYThe Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance to United States armed forces personnel who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, and their sons, daughters, or spouses who are current high school seniors, and full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution.
HOW TO APPLY
Initial applicants for the scholarship must submit the Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship application, with all required documentation, whichincludes:
- A complete Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship application form;
- A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filed by March 1 each year;
- If a son or daughter of a veteran, a birth certificate showing the names of both parents;
- If a spouse of a veteran, a marriage certificate; Documentation of military orders:
- United States Armed Forces - Active Duty: copy of current official military orders: documentation of service in Afghanistan/Iraq
- United States Armed Forces - Veteran: copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
- United States Armed Forces - Reserve Component: copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
- Maryland National Guard: copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
Note: DD214 form must include dates served and where served (Afghanistan/Iraq or contiguous waters or air space). If information is not on DD214, other official documentation must be provided with dates and places as listed above.
WHEN TO APPLY
Complete and file the Veteransof the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship application and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
ELIGIBLE MAJORS
All majors are eligible.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Uniformed Services Members of the United States who served in Afghanistan, or contiguous air space as defined in federal regulations, on or after October 24, 2001, and before a terminal date to be prescribed by the United States Secretary of Defense; or in Iraq, or contiguous waters or air space as defined in federal regulations, on or after March 19, 2003, and before a terminal date to be prescribed by the United States Secretary of Defense, may apply for a scholarship if they are:
- A veteran who served at least 60 days in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, as defined above;
- An active duty member of the Armed Forces who served at least 60 days in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, as defined above;
- A member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Maryland National Guard who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts and served at least 60 days, as defined above; or
- a son, daughter, or spouse of: a veteran or active duty member of the Armed Forces who is serving or has served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts at least 60 days, as defined above; or
- a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or Maryland National Guard who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts and served at least 60 days, as defined above.
Applicants must be residents of Maryland, must be accepted for admission or enrolled in a regular undergraduate program at an eligible Maryland institution, or accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2-year terminal certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program at an eligible Maryland institution, and must be enrolled as either a full-time (12 or more credits per semesters) or part-tim
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