The 2021-2022 Near Completer Application is Open.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is currently working to encourage near completers to re–enroll in an institution of higher education to earn a degree. The Near Completer Grant provides financial assistance to Maryland residents who were previously enrolled in a degree program that they did not complete, and now plan to re-enroll to earn their degree. 

Eligibility:

       ·         Previously attended a community college and:

o    Has earned at least 45 credit hours

o    Has a minimum grade point average of 2.0

o    Must be a Maryland resident who is eligible for in state tuition

o    Not currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution

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       ·         Previously attended a senior higher education institution and:

o    Has earned at least 90 credits-towards a Bachelor Degree

o    Has a minimum grade point average of 2.0

o    Must be a Maryland resident who is eligible for in state tuition

o    Not currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution

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While the FAFSA or MSFAA application is not a requirement for the Near Completer Grant Program, students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA by March 1 for consideration of both Federal and other State financial aid programs. To complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa or submit the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) online through MDCAPS for any applicant who is ineligible to receive federal aid but is eligible for in-state tuition. ​

How to apply:

 The 2021-2022 Near Completer Grant application is now available through the

                        Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS)​.  

·         Log into MDCAPS to complete the online application

·         Follow the Electronic File Upload Tool procedures to submit required transcripts from your previous           institution

·         Transcripts must reflect the required credits and minimum cumulative GPA:

ü  To complete your Associate Degree, submit a copy of your transcript/transcripts showing that you have completed at least 45 credit hours.

ü  To complete your Bachelor’s Degree, attach a copy of your transcript/transcripts showing that you have completed at least 90 credit hours.

All required documents must be submitted to MHEC via the NEW Electronic File Upload Tool​

Award Information:

·         Will all eligible applicants receive the award? Eligible near completers will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

·         Can the award be used for books or course fees? The award may be used for tuition only after all non-loan aid has been applied.

 ​·         How much is the award? A near completer who re-enrolls for the 2021-2022 academic year at a community college will be eligible for up to one-third of the in-county tuition charge. Near completers who re-enroll in a Public four-year institution will be eligible for up to one-third of the (in state) undergraduate tuition charge.

·         What school can I attend? This program is open to Maryland community colleges and public institutions of higher education.

·         What will I need to re-enroll? Contact the institution directly to identify what is needed for you to re-enroll.​