Scholarship Programs

A scholarship is financial aid that you do not have to pay back. You may qualify due to financial need, academic achievements or other talents, community involvement, or interest in certain career fields. There are many scholarship opportunities available* to help bridge the gap between the total cost of your education and what you or your family can afford to pay.

The first step in applying for financial aid, including scholarships, is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the MD One App, whichever you are eligible to complete. 

Scholarship Sources

The Howard Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. (HCCEF) provides scholarships for HCC students through generous contributions from businesses, foundations, civic organizations, and individuals.

Criteria for HCCEF scholarships vary, and can be awarded based on financial need, academic merit, learning program, or special skills and talent.

The HCCEF general scholarship application includes a series of questions designed to match you with scholarship opportunities based on your unique academic profile. Complete the general application and respond to all available matching questions. The information provided in the application will be used to identify scholarships for which you may be eligible, allowing you to explore multiple scholarship opportunities through one application. 

The HCCEF general scholarship application is available throughout the academic year. Log in periodically to review your scholarship opportunities, as new opportunities may be added throughout the year. 

We would like to thank our donors and organizations for the generous contributions they have made to support the success of our students. For a list of donors visit Recognition Societies.  

Eligibility and Deadlines

Other Scholarships

• 2+2 Transfer Scholarship Program - Designed to assist and encourage transfer students from MD community colleges to attend a MD 4-year institution.
• Maryland Community College Promise - Created for recent high school graduates to attend one of Maryland's community colleges, starting with the 2019–2020 academic year
• Maryland State Student Assistance Programs - These include grants and other financial assistance programs for education offered through the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
• Edward T. Conroy Scholarship & Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program - Criteria specific to family members of military service members and public safety volunteers or employees.
• Legislative Scholarships- Delegate and Senatorial scholarships available to select students.
• Financial Assistance for International Citizens - Learn more about scholarship opportunities for international students.
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program - Grant program for study abroad.
• Regents Scholarships for Maryland Community College Transfer Students - Scholarships for nominated exceptional MD Community College students transferring to a University of Maryland (USM) institution.
• Tri-State Scholarship - The DE-DC-MD Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators has established a scholarship fund that will award a $1,000 scholarship to students who attend an eligible institution within each geographic area (3 total scholarships). Submit completed applications for Financial Aid Services. One Howard Community College student will be nominated. 

Online tools can help you find and apply for even more scholarships.

Avoid Scholarship Scams

Don’t fall victim to these common scholarship and financial aid scams. Learn how to protect yourself with important consumer information from the Federal Trade Commission. 

* Students who are US Citizens, Permanent Residents, Eligible Non-Citizens, and T Visa Holds should complete the FAFSA. Undocumented students and students who meet the non-resident exemption as described under §15–106.8. of the MD Education Article should complete the MD One App.