Finding money for college shouldn't feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you're a Maryland or Washington, D.C. student planning for higher education, you're in luck. I've compiled this comprehensive guide to help your family navigate the scholarship landscape with confidence and clarity.
Scholarships for Maryland students and scholarships for D.C. students range from small $500 awards to full-tuition packages worth tens of thousands of dollars. With over 80 opportunities in this guide alone, the key is knowing where to look and when to apply.
Quick Answer: Maryland and Washington, D.C. students have access to 80+ scholarships ranging from $500 to full tuition. Many deadlines fall between January and May, with applications requiring essays, transcripts, and GPA minimums typically between 2.0 and 3.75. Use the filters below to find scholarships for Maryland students or D.C. students by deadline month and award amount.
How to Use This Guide
I've organized all scholarships for Maryland students and D.C. students below with interactive filters. You can search by deadline month, award amount, or both simultaneously. This helps you find opportunities that match your student's timeline and financial needs.
Click on any "Apply" button to visit the official scholarship website. Many deadlines repeat annually. If a deadline has passed, the sponsor will likely update it for the current school year. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
Filter Scholarships for Maryland and D.C. Students by Deadline and Amount
81 scholarships match your filters
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Deadline | Eligibility | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship | $10,000 | January (date varies) | Offering 10 scholarships for students pursuing agricultural careers. This includes various roles in agriculture and is open to high school seniors and current higher education students. Eligibility requires residency in Horizon Farm Credit's territory. | Apply |
| The Carson Scholars Program | $1,000 | January 11th | Targeted toward younger children. Students from 4th through 11th grade can be nominated by their teachers to be considered for this Washington, DC scholarship. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.75 GPA and be involved in community service. One scholar is chosen from each school that has nominated students for the honor. | Apply |
| YouthCon Scholarship | Up to $3,000 | January 12th | Offers support for innovative high school and middle school students in the D.C. area, supporting philanthropic projects and skill development. Applicants must be from Maryland, Virginia, or D.C., maintain a 2.75 GPA, and plan to attend college full-time. | Apply |
| Notre Dame of Maryland University Art Scholarship Competition | Up to $20,000 | January 15th | Available in various majors and minors, including art-related fields. High school seniors and transfer students pursuing undergraduate studies are eligible, and an application for admission to the university is required. Award is up to $5,000 per year. | Apply |
| Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) | $1,000 | January 31st | Recognizes and rewards high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities. Recipients are invited to participate in a Symposium on Race. | Apply |
| Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships | Varies | January 31st | Offers various scholarships for students studying in the fields of history, economics, government, and political science; for students studying in the fields of medical, nursing, and occupational/physical therapy; for students studying in the fields of elementary and secondary teacher education; and for American Indian students. Must have a grade point average based on a 4.0 scale. | Apply |
| Alumnae Panhellenic Association of Washington, DC Scholarship | Varies | January 31st | Offered to young women who embody NPC's core values. Applicants must be in a participating sorority, a rising sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student in the upcoming fall, and have connections to the D.C. metro area. | Apply |
| Rising Star Scholarship | $5,000 | January (program open date varies) | Offers one award annually to high school seniors. In order to qualify, students must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, a resident of Baltimore, MD, and in public housing. | Apply |
| Roothbert Fund Scholarships | Up to $7,000 | February 1st | Open to U.S. individuals with spiritual values. They favor graduate and high-achieving undergraduate students, especially those interested in education careers. Requirements include transcripts, three recommendations, and three essays. International students can apply in the United States. | Apply |
| The Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship | $3,000–$20,000 | February 1st | Awarded depending on financial need to immigrant students in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, to attend public colleges and universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status. Applicants must also have a family income of less than $100,000. | Apply |
| Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship | Varies | February 6th | Eligible to be considered if you are enrolled as a full-time high school senior and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. All applicants must reside in one of several listed states, including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia. | Apply |
| Simon Youth Greg Saunders Legacy Scholarship Program | $3,000 | February 14th | Supports dependent sons or daughters of a full- or part-time employee of Simon Property Group through one-time scholarships. Must be a child of an employee who has been employed for at least one year, be under 23, and be a high school senior or current college student. | Apply |
| Maryland Ready Mixed Concrete Association Scholarship | Varies | February 25th | Aimed at supporting the next generation of professionals in the concrete industry. This scholarship fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing degrees related to the concrete industry or other relevant studies. Only owners, employees, and family members of companies with active Membership in the Maryland Ready Mix Concrete Association, Inc. (MRMCA) may apply. Applicants must attach an essay of 300–500 words describing scholastic or professional accomplishments, goals, leadership positions, and volunteer work. Applicants should be interested in pursuing a career in concrete construction, concrete technology, civil engineering, materials science, or a related field; otherwise, they must provide an explanation of how the scholarship supports their goals. A current transcript and a letter of recommendation are required. | Apply |
| Meg Graham Scholarship | $10,000 | February 28th | Awarded to a high school senior in Washington, D.C., who will attend a four-year postsecondary institution in the fall. Eligible applicants must have a strong volunteer service record, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate potential for future success. The scholarship is disbursed over four years. | Apply |
| PAVE Essay Contest and Scholarship Program | $2,500 | February 28th | High school essay contest where students imagine a world with autonomous vehicles and submit 1,000-word essays. | Apply |
| Colonial Agricultural Educational Foundation Scholarship | $2,000–$6,500 | March 1st | Offers 85 scholarships to students in specific territory. Not all scholarships are agriculture-related; high school seniors and current college students are encouraged to apply. Recipients must reside in one of the counties served by Colonial Farm Credit. | Apply |
| Maryland Part-Time Grant Program | $200–$2,000 | March 1st | To be eligible, you must be a part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and a student dually enrolled in a Maryland high school and an institution of higher education. | Apply |
| The Dwight P. Jacobus Scholarships | $1,000 | March 1st | Assists citizens of the State of Maryland and/or the District of Columbia who require financial assistance to secure a college education. Applicants must be Maryland residents for at least one year before the award date, accepted as full-time students at a Maryland school, with a demonstrated financial need and a minimum 3.0 GPA. | Apply |
| Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship | Varies | March 1st | Offered to graduating seniors in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Metro Area dedicated to safeguarding children from cyberbullying and related threats. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan for higher education. | Apply |
| Maryland State Delegate Scholarship | $200 | March 1st | Offered by local State Delegates to Maryland residents who plan to pursue a post-secondary credential full-time or part-time at a two-year or four-year Maryland college, university, or private career school. | Apply |
| Marcia S. Harris Legacy Fund Scholarship | $500 | March 15th | Awarded to Maryland residents pursuing hospitality-related coursework. Available to high school seniors, college students, and instructors who teach culinary arts or hospitality management courses. | Apply |
| Aero Club Foundation of Washington Scholarship | $5,000 | March 15th | For high school students in the D.C. metropolitan area with a passion for aviation and plans for an aviation or aerospace education and career. Open to students in specific regions of D.C., Virginia, and Maryland with financial need. | Apply |
| The Zaching Against Cancer Foundation (ZACF) Spirit Award Scholarships | $2,500 | March 15th | Presented to Maryland high school seniors who have excelled while overcoming personal hardships relating to cancer. Available to students planning to attend a two or four-year college. | Apply |
| 100 Black Men of Prince George's County, Inc. Scholarship | $5,000 | March 22nd | Offered to students pursuing higher education. Students must be either graduating high school seniors or matriculating undergraduate students who are residents of Prince George's County, Maryland. Awarded exclusively to STEM majors, with preference for Computer Science. | Apply |
| Pearl Elegance Foundation Inc. Scholarship | $1,000–$1,500 | March 23rd | Applicant must be a high school senior in Maryland, have a 2.7 GPA, and be enrolled as a full-time student in a two or four-year institution. | Apply |
| JLB Young Women Leadership Scholarship | $2,000 | March (date varies) | Awarded to a Maryland female graduating senior who has performed outstanding volunteer service during her high school years. Applicants must be Maryland residents attending high school in specific Maryland counties and plan to enroll in a college or university. | Apply |
| WCREPA Aspiring Teacher Scholarship | $1,000 | March 31st | Supports Washington County Maryland Public Schools graduates aspiring to become teachers. Eligible applicants must be in or entering higher education with a 2.5 GPA. | Apply |
| Hearthstone Housing Foundation Scholarship | $5,000 | March 31st | For U.S. residents aged 15–25 with financial need, residing in Hearthstone properties or surrounding counties. Eligibility requires full-time high school or undergraduate enrollment with specific GPA requirements. | Apply |
| Polish-American Arts Association Scholarship | $3,000 | March 31st | Applicants should be U.S. citizens or 10-year green card permanent residents with Polish or Polish-American heritage. Must be legal residents of Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, or full-time students in these areas, and demonstrate involvement with the Polish community. | Apply |
| The Bernie Scholarship Awards Program | Varies | April 1st | Applicants must meet HUD income limits, hold a 2.0 GPA, and be "Dreamers" from Montgomery County high schools. Open to graduating seniors, GED/diploma holders, with or without prior college/workforce training. | Apply |
| Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program | $1,000–$4,000 | April 1st | To be eligible, you must be a current high school senior, full-time or part-time degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution. Parents and students must be Maryland residents. | Apply |
| The Abramson Scholarship | $1,000–$5,000 | April 1st | Open to any D.C. resident who is graduating from a DC Public School. Applicants must have admission and commitment to attend an accredited four-year college in the United States and demonstrate commitment to community service. | Apply |
| Scholar Program Scholarship | $1,200–$2,400/yr | April 1st | Helps DC-area teen parents become college graduates through one-on-one mentoring, tuition assistance, and crisis intervention. Applicants must be teen parents age 25 or younger, actively involved in their child's life, and seeking an undergraduate degree in the D.C. Metro Area. | Apply |
| National Capital Environmental Scholarship | $2,000 | April 1st | Open to graduating seniors from high schools in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area and surrounding counties who are planning to pursue environmental careers in fields like environmental science, engineering, or biology. | Apply |
| Harford County Education Foundation Scholarship | Varies | April 5th | For students graduating from a Harford County Public School who are enrolled in rigorous coursework, maintain a 2.5 GPA, maintain high attendance, and participate in community service. | Apply |
| Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship | Up to $3,000 | April 7th | Open to high school seniors who live in or attend schools in specific cities including Potomac, Bethesda, and Rockville. Must have an overall unweighted GPA of 2.5–3.0 and be enrolled in an accredited institution. | Apply |
| Letitia B. Carter Scholarship | $500 | April 13th | Awarded to Maryland residents interested in pursuing hospitality-related coursework. Available to high school students, college students, instructors, and current hospitality industry professionals. | Apply |
| The Horace Fleming Scholarship | $1,000 | April 15th | Awarded to a graduating student-athlete who reflects commitment to youth, community, and teamwork. | Apply |
| Edison Hermond Memorial Scholarship Fund | $1,000–$2,500 | April 15th | Awarded to students interested in pursuing culinary, food service, or hospitality-related coursework. Available to high school seniors and current college students who are residents of Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, or Delaware. | Apply |
| Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship Program | $1,000 | April 21st | For high school seniors residing in several states including Maryland and Massachusetts who plan to attend college as full-time, degree-seeking students. | Apply |
| Regina C. Williams Memorial Scholarship | Up to $1,000 | April 30th | Identifies Prince George's County high school seniors who have been accepted into a collegiate institution and will pursue a bachelor's degree in education. Recipients must be residents of Prince George's County. | Apply |
| Allied Health Scholarship Fund | Varies | April 30th | Open to students accepted at an accredited school of nursing or other allied health curriculum leading to licensure. Preference given to residents of Calvert and Anne Arundel counties. | Apply |
| E. Anne Spitzer, MD Memorial Scholarship | Varies | April 30th | Open to students who graduated from a Calvert County High School and are pursuing a doctorate in medicine. Must be admitted to an accredited medical school with a minimum GPA of 2.5. | Apply |
| Montford Point Marine Association Washington, DC 6 Chapter Scholarship | $2,500 | April 30th | For graduating high school seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or above who have participated in extracurricular activities in school, community, or church. | Apply |
| Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund | Varies | April 30th | Supports education in the Washington, D.C. area by providing scholarships to promising students. Applicants must be graduating seniors of a D.C. public or charter high school, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. | Apply |
| High Bridge Foundation Scholarship Program | $1,000–$2,000 | April 30th | Awarded to graduating high school seniors in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area who are facing and overcoming personal and family hardship conditions to pursue post-secondary education. | Apply |
| PMI Silver Spring Chapter Scholarship | $2,500 | May 1st | Offered to applicants in project management or related fields. Priority goes to National Capital Area residents attending accredited degree programs. | Apply |
| Barbara G. Laurie Scholarship Program | $5,000/yr | May 1st | Offered to DC high school students entering undergraduate architecture programs who reside in the District of Columbia. Award is renewable if the student maintains a good GPA and remains in the program. | Apply |
| Zakat Foundation Community Service Scholarship | $500 | May 9th | Offered to graduating high school seniors in specific U.S. states. Eligible students must be entering a 2-year or 4-year college and have a strong record of community service during high school. | Apply |
| Miss Utility/District One Call Scholarship Program | $1,008.11 | May 23rd | Open only to legal residents of Maryland and the District of Columbia. Selected high school seniors from these areas receive a single-year scholarship. | Apply |
| CGCS–Bernard Harris Scholarship Program | $5,000 | May 31st | Available to graduating high school seniors in school districts represented by the Council of the Great City Schools. Awarded to African American and Hispanic students pursuing STEM fields. | Apply |
| Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship | $3,500 | May 31st | Eligible students from Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia enrolled in accredited undergraduate or graduate landscape/horticulture programs. Must have junior or senior standing and maintain specific GPA requirements. | Apply |
| Bishop John Bryson Chane Scholarship for Social Justice | $1,000 | May 31st | Applicants must be graduating high school seniors in the Diocese of Washington, active members of a local Episcopal church, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher with a commitment to social justice. | Apply |
| VMDAEC Educational Foundation Scholarship | $1,000 | May 31st | Selection based on financial need, academic achievement, and personal statement. Applicant's primary residence must receive power from one of the 15 member electric cooperatives in the VA, MD, and DE Association. | Apply |
| Fourth Circuit Essay Contest | $1,000–$2,000 | June 2nd | Open to current high school students in Maryland and several neighboring states. Students are invited to share thoughts on an annual essay question. | Apply |
| The National Ocean Scholar Program | Varies | June 2nd | Recognizes individual achievement and provides tuition assistance for students interested in pursuing an ocean or marine-related topic area in their post-high school education. | Apply |
| Hearts for Community Service | $5,000 | June 30th | For student residents in various states who volunteer in their communities. Eligible applicants include high school students, graduates, trade school students, and those pursuing various degrees. | Apply |
| The Paula Kovarick Segalman Family Scholarship Fund For ALS | Up to $5,000 | June (date varies) | For students in the DC area whose family has been affected by ALS. Eligible applicants must have a parent or guardian affected by ALS and reside in Maryland, Virginia, or DC. | Apply |
| Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grants | Up to $3,000 | July 15th | Open to current high school seniors and full-time undergraduates who are Maryland residents enrolled at a Maryland college. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. | Apply |
| Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program | Varies (up to full tuition) | July 15th | For Maryland residents who are related to U.S. Service members, veterans, victims of 9/11, or public employees who died or were disabled in the line of duty. | Apply |
| DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) | Up to $10,000 | August 15th | Provides funds toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public colleges throughout the U.S. and at private colleges and HBCUs for District residents. | Apply |
| BTO – DC Program (Beat the Odds) | $10,000 | September 10th | Honors outstanding high school students from the Washington, DC metropolitan area who have demonstrated a commitment to their community despite facing difficult circumstances. Includes a laptop and educational expenses. | Apply |
| University of Maryland Dean's Scholarship | $1,500 or $4,500/yr | November 1st | Awarded to in-state freshmen based on academic achievements, extracurriculars, and an essay. Merit scholarships are automatically considered for early action applicants. | Apply |
| Herb Block Scholarship | Up to $16,000/yr | November 10th (Spring) / June 1st (Fall) | Open to all majors with a 2.0 GPA or higher in a two-year degree or certificate program at the UDC Community College. Supports tuition, fees, books, and transportation for residents of DC and surrounding counties. | Apply |
| Hagan Scholarship Foundation | Varies | December 1st | Nationwide merit award for high-achieving rural students. Eligibility requires graduating from a qualifying public high school in a county with less than 50,000 residents and meeting specific GPA and test score requirements. | Apply |
| WestRock HBCU Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | December 1st | For full-time students enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior at an HBCU. Requires specific majors, a GPA of 3.0+, and U.S. citizenship or legal residency. | Apply |
| ASA Northeast Scholarship | Up to $3,000 | December 8th | For students enrolled or planning to enroll in a relevant program, connecting industry professionals with educational resources. | Apply |
| The JSSA Educational Scholarship Fund | Up to $6,000 | Varies | Must be a senior in a Montgomery County public high school, a U.S. citizen or working towards it, and accepted into an accredited undergrad or vocational program. Covers 1–2 years of funding. | Apply |
| The National Capital Texas A&M Club Scholarship | Varies | Varies (June) | Supports current and prospective Texas A&M University students who are residents of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. | Apply |
| DC-CAP Scholarship | Up to $4,000/yr | Varies | Based on unmet needs and designed to close the financial gap for graduates of DC Public or Public Charter High Schools. Requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5. | Apply |
| Discover Penn State Award | $6,000 | Varies (May 1st cutoff) | Available to first-year and transfer students who are residents of several states, including MD and DC, and who enroll at one of Penn State's 20 Commonwealth Campuses. | Apply |
| Central Scholarships | Average $4,000 | Varies | For residents of Maryland pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8. | Apply |
| CS Scholarship for Jewish Students from Single-Parent Homes | Varies | Varies | For Jewish high school seniors from the Baltimore Metro Area. Includes specific awards for students with learning disabilities and those from single-parent homes. | Apply |
| Charlie Riley Community Service Scholarship Foundation | At least $500 | Varies | For graduating Harford County seniors who demonstrate leadership and commitment to the community through extracurricular activities and service. | Apply |
| Horatio Alger District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Scholarship Program | Varies | Varies | Supports high school students who have conquered significant challenges. Focuses on determination, integrity, and financial need. | Apply |
| The Community Foundation of Harford County Scholarships | Varies | Varies | Available to Harford County residents pursuing higher education, focusing on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. | Apply |
| Maryland Higher Education Commission Scholarships | Varies | Varies | Multiple scholarship opportunities provided by the state of Maryland for its residents. | Apply |
| Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships | Varies | Varies | Offers over 300 scholarships annually, recognizing leadership, community service, and academic excellence among college students. | Apply |
| AFCEA Washington, DC STEM Scholarships | Varies | Varies | STEM scholarships to support high school seniors in the D.C. area pursuing computer science, engineering, or mathematics. | Apply |
| University of Alabama Out-of-State Merit Scholarships | Varies | Varies | Provides merit scholarships for out-of-state freshmen. Requires an admission application and official transcript, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. | Apply |
| Maryland Graduate and Professional School Scholarship Program | $5,000 | Varies | For Maryland residents with financial need pursuing degrees in professional fields such as law, medicine, nursing, or social work. Awards based on FAFSA. | Apply |
Making the Most of Scholarships for Maryland and D.C. Students
I've worked with families who applied to 30 scholarships and won eight of them. Their secret wasn't luck, it was strategy. They treated scholarship applications like a part-time job, dedicating specific hours each week to research, writing, and submitting applications.
Start with scholarships for Maryland students or D.C. students where your student is a perfect fit. If they're a first-generation college student, prioritize those. If they have a specific major in mind, focus on field-specific awards. If they're involved in community service, there are dozens of awards in this guide that reward exactly that.
Keep a spreadsheet with deadline dates, required materials, and essay prompts. Many scholarships ask similar questions, so your student can adapt one strong essay for multiple applications rather than starting from scratch each time.
Most importantly, apply even if your student doesn't meet every single requirement. Scholarship committees are looking for students who stand out in some way, whether that's through leadership, overcoming adversity, academic achievement, or community impact.
Maryland State Financial Aid Programs
Maryland students have access to several state-funded financial aid programs that can significantly reduce the cost of college. The Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant provides up to $3,000 for Maryland residents with financial need. The Maryland Part-Time Grant Program supports students dually enrolled in high school and college. The Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant helps students entering high-demand career fields. The Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship provides tuition assistance for children and spouses of military members, veterans, and public safety officers who died or were disabled in the line of duty.
All state aid programs are administered through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Students must complete the FAFSA each year to remain eligible for need-based awards. Visit mhec.maryland.gov for the full list of state programs and deadlines.
Washington, D.C. Financial Aid Programs
Washington, D.C. students benefit from unique programs that are unavailable in most other states. The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) is one of the most valuable: it covers the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public universities across the country, giving DC residents access to in-state rates at schools nationwide. The DC-CAP Scholarship helps close financial gaps for graduates of DC Public and Public Charter High Schools. The Beat the Odds (BTO) Program awards $10,000 to outstanding DC-area students who have shown community commitment despite difficult circumstances.
DC students should also explore the Herb Block Scholarship at UDC Community College, which covers tuition, fees, books, and transportation — up to $16,000 per year. These programs make DC one of the most well-supported areas in the country for college-bound students.
County-Specific and Regional Scholarships
Don't overlook local opportunities. Prince George's County students should explore the 100 Black Men of Prince George's County scholarship and the Regina C. Williams Memorial Scholarship for education majors. Harford County students have access to the Harford County Education Foundation Scholarship and the Charlie Riley Community Service Scholarship Foundation. Calvert County graduates can apply to the Allied Health Scholarship Fund and the E. Anne Spitzer, MD Memorial Scholarship. Montgomery County students should look into the Bernie Scholarship Awards Program (for Dreamers) and the JSSA Educational Scholarship Fund. Washington County graduates aspiring to teach can apply for the WCREPA Aspiring Teacher Scholarship.
What to Do Next
Use the filters above to identify five to ten scholarships for Maryland students or D.C. students that match your student's timeline and qualifications. Set aside time this week to start the first three applications. The sooner you begin, the more opportunities you'll have time to pursue.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process, we can help. At Stand Out College Prep, we work with families to create a comprehensive plan that includes scholarship strategy, application support, and financial aid guidance.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can support your family through this process.
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