Maryland’s 2+2 Transfer Scholarship is a state award for residents completing an associate degree at a Maryland community college and transferring full time to a four-year nonprofit institution in the state. The 2026–27 application and FAFSA deadline is October 15, 2026—three days away as of this guide’s October 12 review. The MHEC profile explains the application path and documents. Funding is limited, so meeting the rules does not guarantee an award.
Students in science, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or nursing may receive US$2,000 per year; students in other majors may receive US$1,000 per year. The scholarship can be renewed for up to three years or six terms, whichever is longer, if the student remains eligible. It is limited to tuition and mandatory fees at the Maryland four-year institution and depends on state funding; it is not a full-tuition guarantee or cash for housing, books, or transportation.
The current cycle requires Maryland residency, FAFSA eligibility, demonstrated financial need with a Student Aid Index of 10,000 or less, and a cumulative 2.5 GPA at the community college. Applicants must be completing an associate degree by December 2026 or have completed one during 2025–26, then transfer to a Maryland public or private nonprofit four-year school as a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate in 2026–27. Students who earned an associate or bachelor’s degree before July 2025 are excluded. Students unable to file FAFSA are not eligible for this cycle.
Apply through the MHEC One-App in MDCAPS and file the 2026–27 FAFSA by October 15. Submit a community-college transcript showing your current GPA by November 15. If conditionally awarded, provide a final transcript proving the associate degree was conferred, plus Selective Service documentation when applicable, by February 15, 2027. MHEC says a final transcript—not a diploma—is acceptable proof of the degree. A Fall 2026 graduate transferring in Spring 2027 may qualify only for spring; earlier graduates have different transfer-term rules.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and awards depend on available funds and certification by the receiving institution. Start in MDCAPS now, ask your community-college registrar for an official transcript, and confirm with the four-year campus that it will classify you as a full-time transfer student in an eligible program. MHEC lists 410-767-3301 for program questions. The deadline is close, and future-cycle terms do not replace the current 2026–27 rules; check MHEC’s page before sending personal records or making enrollment decisions.
2+2 Transfer Scholarship — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
2026–2027 2+2 Transfer Scholarship FAQs — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Contact Us — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Informational guide based on official sources checked on October 12, 2026. Eligibility, deadlines, and amounts may change; confirm the current round with the institution before submitting documents.
If you fit the cohort, complete MDCAPS and FAFSA now: the published deadline is October 15, 2026, and funding is not guaranteed.
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Maryland Higher Education Commission — 2+2 Transfer Scholarship
217 East Redwood Street, Suite 2100, Baltimore, MD 21202
Awards are up to US$2,000 yearly in science, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or nursing and US$1,000 in other majors, renewable for up to three years or six terms subject to funding. Requirements include Maryland residency, FAFSA, SAI of 10,000 or less, 2.5 GPA, an associate degree within the 2025–26/December 2026 window, and full-time transfer to an in-state public or nonprofit university; funds cover tuition and mandatory fees only.
State transfer scholarship from community college to a four-year university
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Maryland Higher Education Commission — 2+2 Transfer Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Maryland Higher Education Commission — 2+2 Transfer Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.