Financial Aid Programs
The Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to students who have not received a bachelor’s degree, enrolled in an eligible program of study and seeking a degree or certificate.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Programs determines a student’s eligibility for the Pell Grant based on the data reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, the Financial Aid Office will award students after it determines if the student meets all of the other eligibility requirements.
The Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to students who have not received a bachelor’s degree and have a negative -1500 Student Aid Index (SAI). However, any other financial aid that the student receives will determine the student’s eligibility for the fund. Students are awarded the FSEOG based on the date that the student submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the date that the student submits all the required verification documents to the Financial Aid Office.
The Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides jobs, on and off campus, to students enrolled in at least six credit hours. After all other financial aid, grants and scholarships, are taken into consideration, the Financial Aid Office will determine if the student qualifies for the program. To receive Federal Work-Study the student does not have to be a Pell Grant recipient.
Students are awarded FWS based on the date that they submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the date that they submitted all required documents to the Financial Aid Office.
All Federal Work-Study positions are listed on the FWS Job Bank: bccc.edu/workstudyjob.
*The College does not participate in the Federal loan programs.
Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship
Make community college more affordable at BCCC! The Promise Scholarship is a last‑dollar award that covers your remaining tuition and mandatory fees—up to five thousand dollars per academic year—after all other state and federal aid has been applied.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Promise Scholarship, you must:
- Be a Maryland resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
- Be a first-time college student, or a student returning after earning a Maryland high school diploma or GED
- Be enrolled full-time, taking at least six (6) credit hours each semester, in a credit certificate or associate degree program, a sequence of courses leading to licensure or certification, or a registered apprenticeship.
- If you are a high school senior, you must have earned an unweighted cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least two point three (2.3) by the end of your senior year
- If you are currently or previously enrolled in a community college, you must have earned a cumulative college GPA of at least two point five (2.5)
- Provide evidence that your annual adjusted gross income does not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) if you are single or part of a single-parent household, or one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) if you are married or part of a two-parent household.
- Not already earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
- Not have previously received grants or scholarships that fully cover your cost of attendance.
What Does the Promise Scholarship Cover?
The Promise Scholarship will cover the remainder of your tuition and mandatory fees after your Pell Grant, SEOG, and other federal or state aid awards have been applied. If there is no balance remaining after these awards, the Promise Scholarship will not be awarded.
Important Deadlines and Renewal Requirements
- You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the MHEC One App (formerly MSFAA) by April first each year to be.
- You must maintain full‑time enrollment each fall and spring semester and continue to meet income eligibility and grade point average standards.
- If you remain eligible, you may receive the scholarship for up to three years.
Why It’s Valuable
The Promise Scholarship helps minimize out‑of‑pocket costs for tuition and mandatory fees, supports you in graduating on time, and enables you to pursue your academic goals with reduced financial burden.
Learn More
For full program details, priority deadlines, and FAQ, please visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Promise Scholarship page or contact the BCCC Financial Aid Office.
Maryland Scholarships and Grants for BCCC Students
BCCC students are encouraged to explore the following opportunities and review eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements on the MHEC website:
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Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy / Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program – Provides financial assistance to eligible Maryland residents, including military families, veterans, public safety employees, and their dependents. [mhec.maryland.gov]
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Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards – Includes the Educational Assistance Grant and Guaranteed Access Grant, offering need-based aid to help cover college expenses.
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Legislative Scholarships (Senatorial and Delegate) – Awarded by Maryland state senators and delegates to students residing in their legislative districts; may be need- or merit-based.
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Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship – A “last-dollar” scholarship that may cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible BCCC students after other aid is applied.
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Part-Time Grant – Provides financial assistance to eligible students enrolled less than full-time (information available through MHEC’s state aid programs overview).
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Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship – Supports students enrolled in approved workforce training programs that lead to licensure, certification, or employment.
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Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG) – Provides funding for students preparing for careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, education, and public service.
Next Steps for BCCC Students
Students should complete the FAFSA or MHEC One-App and regularly log into the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) to track eligibility and awards. Many programs have priority deadlines (often March 1 or April 1), so applying early is strongly encouraged.
For personalized assistance, contact the Financial Aid Office to ensure you maximize all available state funding opportunities.