Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program - Revisions

Maryland students face new scholarship rules

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland Community College Promise Scholarships have revised time limits and ongoing eligibility rules. Awards end at the earliest applicable limit: three years after first enrolling in qualifying studies, six years after first enrolling part-time for an associate’s degree, or receipt of an associate’s degree. The three-year limit covers noncredit vocational certificates, certificates, and full-time associate’s degree study at Maryland community colleges. It also covers credit or noncredit course sequences leading to a license or certification, and courses required for registered apprenticeships. Colleges can extend awards when students provide satisfactory evidence that special circumstances prevented continuous enrollment. To keep an award, students must enroll in and complete at least 6 credits each semester, take a qualifying license or certification course sequence or college-approved equivalent, or continue a registered apprenticeship. Students must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in required credit-bearing coursework, or provide satisfactory evidence of special circumstances. They must also remain eligible for in-state tuition, meet the program’s income limits, and apply on time. Students must make satisfactory progress toward a vocational certificate, certificate, or associate’s degree.