Maryland’s Senatorial Scholarship is handled through the state senator representing the student’s district. It is not a scholarship from one of Maryland’s two U.S. senators: each state legislative delegation sets its own application instructions and may set local deadlines. For 2026–27, MHEC lists a US$400 minimum and US$14,086 maximum, while warning that funds may not be available for every eligible applicant. The MHEC profile explains how to find your senator and what to ask for.
Potential applicants include high-school seniors, full- or part-time undergraduate and graduate students, and students at private career schools, provided they meet Maryland residency rules and pursue a postsecondary credential. Some undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition may use the MHEC One-App instead of FAFSA. There is no universal fixed award: the senator or the Office of Student Financial Assistance selects recipients and sets awards within the published cap.
Start by finding the state senator for your residential district in the official General Assembly directory and asking for that office’s application, instructions, documents, and deadline. If the senator assigns selection to OSFA, FAFSA must be filed by March 1; otherwise, follow the deadline set by the senator’s office. Sending an application to a U.S. senator or a legislator from another district does not replace this step.
The scholarship may be combined with other state awards, but the total state scholarship amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance determined by the college’s financial-aid office. Undergraduate and graduate recipients may renew for up to three years if they stay enrolled and make satisfactory progress; a fifth year requires a separate request and additional conditions. Out-of-state use may be allowed if a major is unavailable in Maryland and the legislator agrees, but the 2026–27 unique-major application has closed.
Prepare FAFSA—or the MHEC One-App if the exception applies—an admission letter, credit load, and documents your senator requests. The 2026–27 published minimum is US$400; the maximum is a cap, not a promised award. Ask which term and charges the scholarship would cover and confirm its effect on your full aid package before committing to expenses.
State Senatorial Scholarship — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Important Scholarship and Grant Deadlines — Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Maryland General Assembly District Finder — Maryland General Assembly.
Informational guide based on official sources checked on October 12, 2026. Deadlines, amounts, and eligibility may change; confirm the current round in the official portal before submitting documents.
Find your state senator and request that office’s application: MHEC’s cap does not guarantee your district’s amount or deadline.
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Maryland Higher Education Commission — Senatorial Scholarship
217 E Redwood Street, Suite 2100, Baltimore, MD 21202
For 2026–27, the award ranges from US$400 to US$14,086. High-school seniors, full- or part-time undergraduate/graduate students, and private career-school students may qualify. The senator selects recipients or delegates to OSFA; if OSFA administers, FAFSA is due by March 1. Awards are not guaranteed and total state scholarships cannot exceed cost of attendance.
State legislative scholarship awarded through a Maryland district senator
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 General Assembly · 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 — Senatorial 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 — Senatorial Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Maryland Higher Education Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.