Complete the FAFSA or MSFAA by April 15!
You must complete the FAFSA or MSFAA by April 15, 2024, to be eligible for the Promise Scholarship for the 2023-2024 school year.
When completing your FAFSA or MSFAA, list your Maryland community college. This will ensure consideration for the Maryland Community College Promise program.
Maryland's Community College Promise Scholarship program is a need-based financial aid program.It's designed to make college more affordable for low-income and middle-income Maryland families. For some students, it may cover tuition in full.
If you are eligible for in-state tuition and you (or your family) make less than $150,000 per year, you may qualify.
To be considered, all you need to do is complete your FAFSA (or MSFAA) by April 15. Be sure to list your Maryland community college on the FAFSA or MSFAA. There is no separate application for credit students. Noncredit students must complete an application.
Visit Maryland's Community College Promise Scholarship pagenew window for details on eligibility, requirements, and the scholarship award process. The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) administers the scholarship program.
Additional Information
Timeline and Deadlines
Between October 1 and April 15:
- Submit FAFSA and create MDCAPS account
- Undocumented students: File the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) by creating an MDCAPS account
- Students must list their Maryland community college on FAFSA or MSFAA to ensure consideration for the Maryland Community College Promise program
April 15:
- Deadline to submit FAFSA or MFSAA for consideration for Maryland’s Community College Promise program
- MHEC encourages all students to register for an MDCAPS accountnew window to receive timely information about any financial aid application
June 30:
- Deadline to provide any requested supplemental documentation to MHEC-OSFA (Late submissions will not be accepted)
July 31:
- Eligible applicants will be notified by MHEC of award eligibility by the end of July. If awarded
applicants must accept the award within the allotted timeframe. If not the award will be cancelled
Award Process
Renewal awards are prioritized over all others - provided recipients remain eligible. Initial awards are prioritized by greatest financial need.
- Annual award amounts: $200 - $5,000, or actual tuition, whichever is less
- “Tuition” includes mandatory fees
- Promise funds are applied “last dollar” in most cases, after other scholarships and grants
- Eligible students who do not receive aid will be notified and placed on a wait list
