Central Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by Central Scholarship
About This Scholarship
Central Scholarship has been helping Maryland students pay for college since 1924, when it was founded as the Central Scholarship Bureau by Baltimore's Jewish community to help young people get an education without going into debt. A century later the organization is nonsectarian and serves Maryland residents of every background, but the debt-free mission remains: it awards scholarships rather than loans, and one application puts a student in the running for every award they qualify for.
Most annual scholarships range from $1,000 to $11,000, and the average award is about $4,000. Undergraduate and graduate students apply through a single online application during the annual October-to-March window, while career training grants for certificate programs are reviewed on a rolling basis year-round. Applicants compete for dozens of endowed and donor-funded awards, and the organization also offers small emergency and persistence grants to keep current scholars enrolled when unexpected costs hit.
The program is need-aware and merit-informed: a 2.8 GPA or higher keeps an applicant competitive, and reviewers weigh financial circumstances, academics, and personal story. Semi-finalists hear back starting in May.
Eligibility
- Maryland resident
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Planning to attend an accredited college, university, or community college (career training grants cover certificate programs)
- GPA of 2.8 or higher to be competitive
- Students may reapply each year they remain enrolled
How To Apply
- Create an account on Central Scholarship's online application portal when the cycle opens October 15
- Complete the single general application, which matches you to all scholarships you qualify for
- Upload your transcript and required financial documentation
- Submit by the March 1 deadline and watch your email for semi-finalist notifications starting in May
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Scholarship only for Jewish students?
No. The organization was founded by Baltimore's Jewish community in 1924, but today it is nonsectarian and serves Maryland residents of all backgrounds and faiths.
Can graduate students apply?
Yes. Central Scholarship funds undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, including medicine and law, and students may reapply annually while enrolled.
What if I'm pursuing a certificate instead of a degree?
Career training grants cover in-demand certificate programs at community colleges and career schools, and those applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis rather than on the March 1 deadline.