Maryland Higher Education Commission — Senatorial Scholarship
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.
About Maryland Higher Education Commission — Senatorial Scholarship
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) administers the state framework, but the Senatorial Scholarship is decided through the student’s legislative district. MHEC explicitly distinguishes a state senator from a U.S. senator: contact the Maryland elected official representing your home address. Because the process is local, instructions, records, and deadlines may vary by district.
For 2026–27, MHEC lists an award minimum of US$400 and maximum of US$14,086. A senator may award funds directly or ask OSFA to identify applicants using FAFSA need. Potential applicants include high-school seniors, full- or part-time undergraduates and graduate students, and students at certain career schools. Undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition may use MHEC One-App instead of FAFSA.
There is no single application that replaces local contact: find your district in the Maryland General Assembly directory, write to the senator’s office, and ask how to submit documents and which date applies. If OSFA handles awards, the published FAFSA/MHEC One-App deadline is generally March 1; if the senator administers the scholarship, follow the district’s instructions. Some records must go directly to that office.
The scholarship may be combined with other state aid, but total state scholarships are capped at the college’s cost of attendance. Recipients must remain enrolled and make satisfactory progress; renewal may last up to three years, with special rules for requesting a fifth year. Out-of-state use is limited to exceptions, such as a unique major unavailable at Maryland institutions and legislative approval.
Before relying on the award, ask your college for a breakdown of tuition, housing, and fees and whether the scholarship first pays institutional charges. The published range does not mean every applicant receives an amount near the maximum: the senator determines recipients and amounts under the local process and available funding. MHEC is based in Baltimore and lists 410-767-3300, but the first step is finding and contacting your state senator.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: Contact your district state senator first; each office may set its own deadline. MHEC lists 410-767-3300 and general hours 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 legislative scholarship awarded through a Maryland district senator