Can Maryland need-based scholarships be used for private colleges?

I'm looking into need-based scholarships offered by Maryland. Are they limited to public colleges, or can they be utilized at private institutions as well? Any specifics about the eligibility and application process would be really helpful!

Yes, certain Maryland need-based scholarships can indeed be used for private colleges. Maryland offers a variety of state-specific scholarships, and many of them, such as the Maryland Part-Time State Grant, can be used at both qualifying public and private institutions, as long as the school is located in Maryland.

However, it's crucial to confirm the rules for each specific scholarship you're looking at. The eligibility criteria and application process depend on the particular scholarship. For instance, for the aforementioned Maryland Part-Time State Grant, eligible students must be Maryland residents, economically disadvantaged, and enrolled at least half time but not more than full time, among other requirements. Applications are often dealt with directly by the financial aid offices of the individual colleges themselves, based on financial need data provided via the FAFSA.

Centered on your requirements, another option could be the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Awards, more specifically the Guaranteed Access Grant. This resource is available for full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. This grant is fairly substantial, potentially offering up to $3,000 per year.

Another is the Maryland 2+2 Transfer Scholarship, designed for students transferring from a Maryland community college to a four-year institution in the state.

Lastly, the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship provides tuition assistance for eligible students to attend one of Maryland's public community colleges.

Remember to complete your FAFSA as early as possible, as many of these scholarships have early deadlines and are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. Always ensure you review all requirements and deadlines for the scholarships you're interested in to maximize your chance of success.