Maryland Senatorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Maryland Higher Education Commission

Description

The Maryland Senatorial Scholarship is a state-funded award for Maryland residents pursuing postsecondary education at Maryland public or private institutions, including two-year and four-year colleges and private career schools. Awards may support full-time or part-time enrollment and are distributed through the student’s local state senator (state legislative delegation), not through federal offices or U.S. Senators. The scholarship can be used for degree programs, certificate/licensure tracks at community colleges, and for qualifying private career-school programs. Availability and award administration can vary by senator and by academic year.

Key takeaways
- For Maryland residents attending Maryland colleges, universities, or private career schools.
- Administered and awarded by the student’s state senator, not federal officials.
- Supports degree, certificate, and licensure programs.
- Annual availability and administration are determined by each senator.

Eligibility

**Who qualifies**
You must meet at least one eligibility condition to be considered: current high school seniors; current or prospective undergraduate students (full- or part-time); current or prospective graduate students (full- or part-time); current or prospective private career school enrollees; undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition; or students who were enrolled within the last two years in community college certificate or licensure programs and need reimbursement for educational expenses.

**Enrollment status**
Full‑time and part‑time definitions apply: undergraduate full-time is typically 12+ credits per semester and part-time 6–11 credits; graduate full-time is typically 9+ credits per semester and part-time 6–8 credits. All in‑state majors are eligible.

Key takeaways
- Multiple routes to eligibility: HS seniors, undergraduates, graduates, career-school enrollees, undocumented residents, and recent certificate/licensure participants.
- Both full-time and part-time students may qualify.
- All in-state academic majors are acceptable.

Application Process & Timeline

**How to apply**
Students must contact their local state senator’s office for application instructions and any senator-specific forms or procedures. Each senator’s office determines how and when they accept applications and may set additional local deadlines or requirements.

**Timing**
Follow the timeline provided by your senator. If the senator delegates awards to the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), a FAFSA deadline of March 1 may apply — otherwise the senator will provide the applicable deadline.

Key takeaways
- Start by contacting your local state senator for specific application steps and deadlines.
- Application procedures vary by senator; read local instructions carefully.
- If OSFA administers awards, a March 1 FAFSA filing deadline may apply.

FAFSA Exception

**When FAFSA is not required**
If you are eligible for Maryland in‑state tuition but ineligible for federal financial aid (for example, certain undocumented students), you should file the Maryland Higher Education Commission One‑Application (MHEC One‑App) instead of the FAFSA. The MHEC One‑App allows those ineligible for federal aid to document need for state-administered awards.

**How to proceed**
Follow the MHEC One‑App instructions online and check with your senator’s office to confirm whether the MHEC One‑App satisfies their documentation requirements.

Key takeaways
- File the MHEC One‑App if you are ineligible for federal aid but qualify for in‑state tuition.
- The MHEC One‑App replaces the FAFSA for this scholarship only when a student cannot file the FAFSA.
- Confirm with your senator that the MHEC One‑App is acceptable for their awards process.

Required Documentation

**Submission process**
All supporting documents required for consideration must be submitted directly to the senator’s office as instructed in their application materials. Required items may include completed FAFSA or MHEC One‑App results, transcripts, proof of Maryland residency, and any additional senator-specific forms.

**Verify requirements**
Because documentation needs vary by senator, verify the exact list of required materials and submission method (mail, email, portal) with the senator’s office before the deadline.

Key takeaways
- Submit required documents directly to the senator’s office per their instructions.
- Common items include FAFSA/MHEC One‑App results, transcripts, and residency proof.
- Confirm the exact documentation list and submission method with your senator.

Award Amount

**2026–2027 funding snapshot**
The minimum award for 2026–2027 is $400; the full 2026–2027 award amounts have not yet been finalized. Award sizes vary by senator and by available funds each year.

**Limits and coordination with other aid**
Students may hold the Senatorial Scholarship alongside other state awards, but the combined total of state scholarship dollars cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance as determined by their institution. Funds are limited and not all eligible students may receive awards.

Key takeaways
- 2026–2027 award minimum: $400; full amounts pending.
- Award amounts vary by senator and available funds.
- Total state awards cannot exceed the institution‑determined cost of attendance.

Renewal Requirements

**Standard renewal**
Recipients may receive renewal awards for up to three additional years provided they continue as full‑time or part‑time undergraduate or graduate students and maintain satisfactory academic progress and institutional standards. Renewal is contingent on continued enrollment and performance.

**Fifth-year or post-fourth-semester exceptions**
A recipient may request a scholarship for a fifth undergraduate academic year or a semester after the fourth year if they: request the additional award from their senator, are enrolled full-time, remain a Maryland resident, continue taking degree‑leading courses, and have exhausted Senatorial Scholarship funds.

Key takeaways
- Renewals available up to three years with continued enrollment and satisfactory progress.
- Special approval may allow a fifth undergraduate year or an extra semester after year four.
- Renewal and extension require senator approval and evidence of continued eligibility.

Contact & Resources

**Where to find your senator**
Locate your state senator and contact details through the Maryland General Assembly members directory (mgaleg.maryland.gov/MGAwebsite/Members/District) or the Maryland State Board of Elections website. The senator’s office is your primary point of contact for applications and document submission.

**Other helpful offices**
For need assessment and award administration handled by the state, check the Maryland Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). For students who cannot file the FAFSA, use the MHEC One‑App via the Maryland Higher Education Commission website.

Key takeaways
- Start with your local state senator’s office for application instructions.
- Use the Maryland General Assembly directory or State Board of Elections to find contact information.
- Consult OSFA or MHEC for financial‑aid filing and exceptions as needed.