The 2021-2022 Near Completer Application is Closed.
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
·
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
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). Application and all required documentation
must be submitted by May 1, 2021.
·
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.