Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program

The 2025-2026 Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program Application is open

The Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program supports students who are pursuing an education in programs that have been identified by the Secretary of Higher Education as being directly relevant to cybersecurity.

Application Timeline:

Opening Date: The 2025-2026 academic year application opens March 1, 2025, for individuals currently enrolled for 2025-2026 academic year.
Closing Date: The 2025-2026 academic year application will close on April 1, 2026.
Notification Date: While specific notification dates are not provided, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants are advised to submit all required materials promptly to ensure timely processing.

Eligibility Requirements:

Individuals currently enrolled at public or private non-profit institutions in the state who are within three years of graduation from an approved, credit-bearing degree in cybersecurity or an approved, credit-bearing certificate program in cybersecurity must:.

Have at least a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 at the time of application.
Be enrolled full-time or part time at a public or a private non-profit institution in the state in an approved credit-bearing degree or an approved credit- bearing certificate program.
Have completed at least 25% of their total credit requirement toward their approved degree or certificate program. (Ex. If you need 120 credits to graduate you must have completed at least 30 credits at the time of application.)

Application Process & Requirements:

Applicants must submit the online application through the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) by visiting https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us. The online application and all required documents must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance by the closing date.

*Note: All required documents will be requested and submitted online through each applicant's MDCAPS account.

Initial Applicants

An official or unofficial college transcript from a public or private non-profit institution.
The Institutional Verification Form confirming enrollment in an approved cybersecurity program and completion of the program within three years.

Renewal Requirements

Continues to be eligible for in-state tuition.
Continues to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Maintains a grade point average of at least a 3.0 GPA.

Full-time students may renew the award for an additional two years and part time students may renew the award for an additional 5 years if the individual:

Continues to enroll as a full-time or part-time student.

Award Selection & Award Amount

The award amount of the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship award shall be in the amount prescribed by MHEC and may be used to pay for education expenses as defined by MHEC, including:

Tuition and mandatory fees; and
Room and board.

Required Documentation:

For Initial Applicants

1. Official or Unofficial transcript

2. Institutional Verification Form - Provided through the applicant's MDCAPS account. Must be completed by the institution.

Eligible Majors and Programs

View a list of all eligible programs for consideration for this scholarship. Students not enrolled in one of the approved programs are ineligible for the Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship program.

Additional Information

o Service Obligation information can be found on the condition of awards