Scholarships
There are numerous scholarships available to CSM students, whether they're based on financial need, academic achievements, or interests.
Scholarships at CSM are sponsored by the college, the state of Maryland, and by private organizations, businesses, and individuals. Some scholarships are administered through the Financial Assistance Department.
To be considered for scholarships administered by the Financial Assistance Department, students must complete all appropriate steps of Applying for Financial Assistance. Unless noted below, there is no separate application for these programs. Upon selection by the College's Scholarship Committee, recipients will be notified.
Special Note: Programs below that have an "*" require the FAFSA to be filed by March 1.
CSM-Administered Scholarships
CSM has an online application for CSM Scholarships. Each year the college awards scholarships in a number of academic programs of study and to students with varying backgrounds and needs. Award amounts vary.
The CSM STEM Scholars Program is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Students who are entering high school graduates or current CSM students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The objective of the CSM STEM Scholarship is to provide educational opportunities to financially needy and academically talented students through scholarships that promote full-time enrollment and degree achievement. For eligibility criteria and scholarship application information view the STEM Scholarship website.
The NRC and CENG Scholarship program is funded by a grant from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Constellation Energy Nuclear Group, LLC (CENG), a joint venture of Constellation Energy and the EDF Group. Students pursuing the Associate in Applied Science degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology (NET) can apply for these scholarships. The objective of the scholarships is to provide educational opportunities to academically talented students who wish to pursue careers in the nuclear energy field. These scholarships also promote full-time enrollment and degree achievement.
The College of Southern Maryland offers financial assistance for students that meet specific criteria who are enrolled in eligible Continuing Education occupational and workforce training programs. If the student meets all of the eligibility guidelines, they could be granted 50% of the cost of the class. Eligible courses are those classes over $300 that are included as requirements for continuing education certificates.
This program awards financial assistance to the following groups of individuals: (1) sons, daughters, stepchild or surviving spouse of members of the US armed forces who died as a result of military service or who suffered a 100% permanent disability as a result of military service; (2) A veteran with a minimum 25% service connected disability who has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veterans educational benefits; (3) POW/MIA's of the Vietnam Conflict and their sons and daughters; (4) sons, daughters, stepchild or surviving spouse of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks who died as a result of the attacks; (5) sons, daughters, stepchild or surviving spouse of State or local public safety employee or volunteer 100% disabled; or (6) State or local public safety employees or volunteers who become 100% disabled in the line of duty.
These awards are made to graduating high school seniors from Charles County high schools who plan to attend CSM. Eligibility is based on the community service and academic achievement of the applicant. Contact the College and Career Advisor at your high school for additional information.
To recognize high achieving students who have demonstrated outstanding ability, achievement, and potential, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) offers an Academic Excellence Scholarship program for qualified graduates of area high schools. One recipient from each of the Charles County and St. Mary’s County public high schools may be awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship. This $2,000 award provides $500 per semester for four consecutive semesters at CSM. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative CSM GPA, enroll in 12 or more credit hours each semester, and meet with a CSM Academic Advisor each semester to ensure the student remains on track to graduate in two years. This scholarship is only available for the fall and spring semesters. For eligibility criteria and scholarship application information view the Academic Excellence Scholarship webpage.
State-Administered Scholarships
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), under the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), administers several programs, the largest of which are: the MD Educational Assistance Grant, the MD Senatorial Scholarship, the MD House of Delegates Scholarship, MD State Nursing Scholarship, MD Child Care Provider Scholarship, MD Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Workforce Tuition Assistance Program, MD Guaranteed Access Grant, MD Sharon Christa McAuliffe Memorial Teacher Education Award, and the MD HOPE Scholarship. For further information or to check on the status of any awards offered to you by the OSFA, visit MHEC's website at http://www.mhec.state.md.us/ or contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 6 North Liberty Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or by phone at 800-974-0203.
Other Credit Scholarships
The Burger King Scholarship Fund, sponsored by Kathleen and William Neblett of KBJN, Inc., a franchisee of Burger King, will provide students with an award of $500.00 per semester towards tuition and fees at CSM. To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must: enroll at least part-time in a program of study at CSM, maintain at least a 2.00 grade point average each semester, and either be employed or obtain employment at a Burger King restaurant owned by Kathleen and William Neblett for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The scholarship will remain in effect during the student's tenure of employment at a Burger King restaurant owned by Kathleen and William Neblett.
Each year the Charles County Arts Alliance awards $1,000 scholarships to one outstanding graduating senior from each high school and one graduating student from CSM who plan to continue studying the arts (performing, visual or literary) at a four-year college or university. For eligibility and application information, please contact the Financial Aid office.
Students can apply for several different scholarships through this fund, some usable at CSM only, others for the college of the student's choice. Applications are available from the financial assistance office at CSM, each high school guidance office, or from Ms. Brenda Smith, Board of Education, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646. Applications for the upcoming school year are generally available in mid December.
The Civista Auxiliary offers several scholarships each year to students residing in Charles County. Applications are available at CSM and high school guidance offices, as well as from the Civista Auxiliary Scholarship Committee, c/o Civista Hospital, La Plata, MD 20646.
Two scholarships for tuition, fees, and books. For residents of St. Mary's and Calvert County. Must affirm intention to apply to the SMD-ME. POC: Dr. Joseph Anderson, 301-737-5708.
This award is available to a graduating senior from Lackey High School who is a Charles County resident and who plans to attend CSM. Application is available through the guidance office at Lackey High School.
Award amounts for this scholarship vary and may be used toward the cost of tuition and fees. Applicants must reside in the exact geographic area of Charles County prescribed in Maurice McDonough's will. Applications are available from McDonough High School or the McDonough Charity School, P. O. Box 607, La Plata, MD 20646.
Multiple $1000 non-renewable scholarships for STEM studies available to high school graduates from the tri-county area. Under Careers and STEM at: www.SabreSystems.com