Maryland Higher Education Commission — 2+2 Transfer Scholarship
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.
About Maryland Higher Education Commission — 2+2 Transfer Scholarship
The Maryland Higher Education Commission administers 2+2 for residents who complete an associate degree at a Maryland community college and transfer to a four-year institution in the state. The program aims to ease the transition and reduce part of the cost, but it is not a full scholarship. The current page defines which graduation cohorts and transfer terms qualify for 2026–27.
The annual award depends on the major: up to US$2,000 for science, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and nursing, and up to US$1,000 for other majors. It may be renewed for up to three years or six terms, subject to funding, GPA, and enrollment. Funds apply to tuition and mandatory fees; any cost above the award remains the student’s responsibility. College admission and financial-aid certification are separate processes.
For 2026–27, applicants must be Maryland residents, able to file FAFSA, have an SAI of 10,000 or less, and a cumulative community-college GPA of at least 2.5. They must complete an associate degree during 2025–26 or by December 2026 and enroll full time at a Maryland public or private nonprofit four-year institution in the relevant academic year. A degree earned before July 2025 excludes an applicant under the published rules.
Apply through the MHEC One-App inside MDCAPS. Both that application and the 2026–27 FAFSA are due by October 15, 2026. The community-college transcript showing GPA is due by November 15. A conditional award then requires a final transcript proving the degree was conferred and, when applicable, Selective Service evidence by February 15, 2027. MHEC does not accept a diploma in place of the final transcript.
Complete applications are reviewed as they arrive, and awards depend on the budget, so request your transcript now and confirm that the receiving university will certify you. Timing also matters: some Fall 2026 graduates transferring in spring may receive only the spring term. MHEC lists 410-767-3301, with general office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET. Confirm everything in MDCAPS before the deadline.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: The 2026–27 initial application and FAFSA deadline is October 15, 2026. MHEC lists 410-767-3301; its general office is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
State transfer scholarship from community college to a four-year university