2023 Maryland Statutes › Education › Division III - Higher Education › Title 18 - Student Financial Assistance › Subtitle 36 - Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships › Section 18-3603 - Scholarship

(a)    (1)    A student must apply annually to the Commission to receive a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award.
(2)    The Office annually shall select eligible applicants and offer a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship award to each selected applicant to be used for tuition at a community college of the applicant’s choice.
(b)    An applicant is eligible for a Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship if the applicant:
(1)    Is eligible for in–State tuition;
(2)    Enrolls as a candidate for a vocational certificate, a certificate, or an associate’s degree or participates in a registered apprenticeship after graduating from a high school or successfully completing a GED in the State:
(i)    Except as provided in items (ii) and (iii) of this item, at the community college located in the county or, in the case of a regional community college, in the region, where the applicant lives;
(ii)    If the community college located in the county or region where the applicant lives does not offer the degree or certification program in which the applicant wants to enroll, then at any community college in the State that offers the program; or
(iii)    At a community college in the State that has an on–campus residential facility for students;
(3)    Except as provided in subsection (c)(3) of this section, has earned a cumulative grade point average of:
(i)    For an initial award, at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent at the end of the first semester or the end of the year of the senior year in high school; or
(ii)    While enrolled at a community college in the State, at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent;
(4)    Has an annual adjusted gross income of not more than:
(i)    $100,000 if the applicant is single or resides in a single–parent household; or
(ii)    $150,000 if the applicant is married or resides in a two–parent household;
(5)    (i)    Enrolls in:
1.    At least 12 credits per semester at the community college; or
2.    A sequence of credit or noncredit courses that leads to licensure or certification; or
(ii)    Participates in a registered apprenticeship program; and
(6)    (i)    Timely submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or any other applications for any State or federal student financial aid, other than a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify; or
(ii)    Is ineligible to submit a FAFSA, qualifies for in–State tuition under § 15–106.8 of this article, and timely submits an application for any State student financial aid, other than a student loan, for which the applicant may qualify.
(c)    (1)    An applicant who receives any other educational grants or scholarships that cover the applicant’s full cost of attendance at the community college is ineligible to receive an award under this subtitle.
(2)    An applicant who has earned a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree is ineligible to receive an award under this subtitle.
(3)    An applicant who graduated from high school 5 or more years before the date of application is not subject to the grade point average requirements established in subsection (b)(3)(i) of this section for an initial award.
(d)    On request the community college shall assist an applicant to submit a FAFSA or any other applications for State or federal student financial aid.