Maryland Boost Scholarship Application 2025/26 | Income Based

Are you trying to figure out how to give your child a top-quality private school education without putting your finances under strain? You’re not alone. Many families across Maryland face the same dilemma. Thankfully, the Maryland BOOST Scholarship Program—short for Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today—is designed precisely for this. It offers income-based scholarships to help more students attend nonpublic schools that might otherwise be out of reach.

If you’ve ever dreamed of enrolling your child in a school that mirrors your family’s values and provides an exceptional academic foundation, BOOST could be the perfect solution. As the 2025–2026 application cycle kicks off, parents all over Maryland are on the lookout for straightforward advice on how to navigate the process and improve their odds of securing this support.

Whether you’re a first-time applicant or applying again to continue your child’s educational journey, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—so you can approach the BOOST program with clarity and confidence, and help shape a bright future for your child.

Important Dates for Maryland BOOST Scholarship 2025-2026

The application window for the Maryland BOOST Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year runs from March 10, 2025, to May 9, 2025. During this time:

1. Parents must complete the online application through the Maryland State Department of Education’s portal.

2. Participating nonpublic schools must also set up or update their school profiles online to be eligible to enroll BOOST students.

It’s crucial to stick to these dates because the state has clearly stated that deadlines will not be extended. Planning early will give you enough time to gather all needed documents and avoid last-minute stress.

Who Can Apply for the Maryland BOOST Scholarship?

The BOOST program is designed for families who meet specific income and enrollment guidelines. To break it down:

1. Grade Level: Your child must be entering kindergarten through 12th grade. Pre-K students are not eligible.

2. Income Limits: Your household income needs to fall within the Free or Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS) criteria, roughly meaning at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

3. School Enrollment: Your child must be accepted or enrolled in a nonpublic school that participates in the BOOST program.

Additionally, priority is given to:

• Students who received BOOST awards in the previous year

• Siblings of those past awardees

Renewing families must remember: BOOST awards do not automatically continue. You’ll need to reapply each year your child needs funding.

How to Apply for the BOOST Scholarship

Applying is fairly straightforward but requires attention to detail:

1. Complete the online application via the Maryland State Department of Education’s BOOST page during the open period.

2. Submit income documentation, typically a recent federal tax return, to prove your household meets FARMS guidelines.

3. Provide proof of acceptance or enrollment at a participating nonpublic school.

4. If applicable, complete alternative verification forms, such as for families who aren’t required to file federal taxes.

A current list of all participating schools is available on the BOOST section of the Maryland State Department of Education website. Be sure to double-check that your chosen school is listed there.

How to Apply for a Maryland Delegate Scholarship

In addition to BOOST, Maryland residents can take advantage of the Maryland Delegate Scholarship, which is offered by members of the Maryland House of Delegates. This scholarship can make a substantial dent in your college costs—awards often range from $200 to over $13,000, depending on your delegate’s available funds and your demonstrated need.

Here’s how you can secure this opportunity:

1. Identify your delegates.
   Visit the Maryland General Assembly website to look up your legislative district and find your three state delegates.

2. Reach out early.
   Each delegate’s office runs its own scholarship program with its own deadlines—typically between mid-April and early July—so contact them directly to request their application form and instructions.

3. File your FAFSA or MSFAA.
   Most delegate awards are need-based, so you’ll need to complete the FAFSA (or the Maryland State Financial Aid Application if you’re undocumented) by March 1. This ensures the Maryland Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) can verify your eligibility.

4. Update your MDCAPS account.
   Log into the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) to confirm your school and program info is current.

5. Submit your delegate’s required documents.
   Typical items include proof of residency, your FAFSA or MSFAA confirmation, transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.

👉 Tip:
If you live in a district with multiple delegates, apply to each of them! Many students receive awards from more than one office.

How to Secure Scholarships in Maryland: A Step-by-Step Strategy

Looking beyond BOOST and delegating aid? Here’s how to maximise your scholarship opportunities across Maryland:

1. Start with state programs.

   • Make sure you’re a Maryland resident.

   • File the FAFSA by March 1, or the MSFAA if you’re an undocumented student.

   • Complete the MHEC One-App, Maryland’s consolidated application for various state scholarships.

2. Explore your college’s scholarships.

   • Call or visit your school’s financial aid office to learn about department-specific or institutional scholarships.

   • Ask about aid tied to your major or special programs.

3. Use online search tools.

   • Sallie Mae, Scholarships.com, and Access Scholarships all offer Maryland-specific listings.

   • College Board’s Big Future highlights grants like the Howard P. Rawlings GA Grant.

   • If you’re attending UMGC, check their dedicated scholarships page.

4. Consider your interests and talents.

   • Many awards focus on academic merit, leadership, or even specific fields like STEM or teaching.

   • Community college students have additional Maryland-specific funding options.

5. Look into legislative scholarships.

   • Besides delegates, contact your Maryland State Senator for similar aid opportunities.

6. Strengthen your application.

   • Write a compelling essay that tells your story.

   • Gather recommendation letters from teachers or mentors.

   • Highlight leadership, community service, or unique achievements.

Conclusion

Securing a Maryland BOOST Scholarship—or any of the other state and legislative scholarships—can completely change the trajectory of your child’s education. It’s more than just financial relief; it’s an investment in your family’s dreams and values. By knowing exactly who qualifies, what paperwork is required, and staying ahead of key deadlines, you’re putting your child in the best possible position to thrive.

Thousands of Maryland families have already used these programs to unlock doors they once thought closed. Now it’s your turn. Don’t let confusion or hesitation hold you back—this could be the breakthrough your child needs for a brighter tomorrow.