I'm trying to understand how the discounted community college program works in Maryland. Does anyone have experience with the application process, and is there anything specific I need to prepare?
The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that is available for the 2024-2025 academic year to students who enroll at a Maryland community college. Eligible students can receive up to $5,000 to cover any remaining tuition and mandatory fee expenses after Federal or State financial aid has been applied.
The application process itself goes through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Here are the key steps:
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Submit the application through the MHEC’s online system.
3. Provide all necessary documentation related to income and other eligibility criteria in a timely manner, as indicated in the application instructions.
4. Consider also applying for any other state and institutional financial aid programs, as these may connect to the community college promise scholarship.
Remember also that in order to keep the scholarship, you will need to maintain a GPA of 2.3 or above and complete at least 12 credits each semester within your degree or certificate program.
While some students might find applying for the Promise Scholarship to be a bit challenging due to the documentation required, others find it straightforward and helpful because the program guides you step-by-step through what you need to do. Good luck with your application!
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