The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship creates opportunities for students to attend one of Maryland’s 16 community colleges through tuition assistance for any student eligible for in-state tuition up to $5,000. As a “last dollar” scholarship, the Maryland Promise Scholarship covers any remaining tuition and mandatory fees, after the College applies other grants and scholarships to the student’s tuition.

During the 2020 legislative session, legislators made changes to the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program. The service obligation and age requirement were eliminated in an effort to offer more students the opportunity to meet eligibility requirements for the Maryland Promise Scholarship.

These changes were effective July 1, 2020.

Important Deadlines

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or MHEC One App (formerly MSFAA) must be completed by May 15, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible for the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program if you:

  • Graduated from a Maryland high school, received a GED in Maryland, or are currently enrolled at a community college

  • Have a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 2.3 or higher, or a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 if you are currently enrolled at community college

  • Are eligible for in-state tuition, as determined by the College

  • Are enrolled in at a community college and are seeking a credit certificate, associate degree, a sequence of non-credit courses that leads to licensure or certification*

  • Enroll full-time (12 or more credits each semester at the college) if seeking a credit certificate or an associate degree

  • Have not received an educational grant or scholarship that covers your full cost of attendance at the College

  • Have an annual adjusted gross income not more than:

    • Single household - $100,000 or less– or -

    • Married/Two parent household -- $150,000 or less (based on the 2021-2022 FAFSA)

  • Have not already earned a bachelor’s or associate degree

*Enrolling in a sequence of non-credit courses for licensure or certification full-time is slightly different. You must enroll in the next available courses for your sequence offered at the College.

How to Apply

You must:

  • Submit your FAFSA at fafsa.gov. If you are not eligible to receive federal aid, but are eligible for in-state tuition, submit the MSFAA application at MDCAPS.

  • Check your email after the March 1 deadline. Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) will notify applicants who completed and listed PGCC on their FAFSA or MSFAA with the required documentation to submit for further consideration of the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship. You can also log in to MDCAPS and check your "To Do List" for a complete listing of all required documentation.

  • Submit all required documentation to MHEC at documents.mhec@maryland.gov by June 30. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Non-Credit Students

Students who plan to enroll as a non-credit "Continuing Education" student in a sequence of non-credit courses that leads to licensure or certification must complete the Promise Non-Credit Application at MDCAPS. Students must meet all other requirements for consideration of the Promise Award.

Renewing an Award

The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship is renewable for up to three years. Students must submit the FAFSA, or MSFAA for students ineligible to receive federal aid but eligible for in-state tuition, by March 1. You remain qualified if you:

  • Are still eligible for in-state tuition
  • Complete at least 12 credits per semester
  • Maintain a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.5
  • Make satisfactory academic progress toward a certificate or associate degree
  • Meet the income requirements

IMPORTANT: The information on this website is for informational purposes only. Please visit the MHEC website for additional information and updates regarding regulations and deadlines.