Press Release: Maryland Graduates Top $1 Billion In Scholarship Offers Once Again

Class Of 2014 Nearly Equals Record Set Last Year

For Immediate Release                                                      Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486

Baltimore, MD (September 9, 2014)

Maryland’s class of 2014 became the second class in a row to break the $1 billion mark in scholarship offers to continue their education, according to the results of a new Maryland State Department of Education survey.  Students received $1.075 billion in scholarship offers, just short of last year’s record total of $1.17 billion.

“Postsecondary education is one of the most important investments that students can make,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. “Maryland’s schools are implementing college and career-ready standards and continue emphasizing the importance of career guidance and planning. Our goal, as a state, is for every student to graduate high school prepared academically and with the financial capability to further their education and pursue their dreams.”

The survey found that 18,258 graduates received offers last year – slightly more than one-third of the 2014 graduating class of 53,902.  The scholarships included nearly 300 National Merit Finalists and a record 466 scholarship offers from Ivy League institutions. 

Maryland high school graduates often have a leg up on the students who complete their education in other states.  For example, Maryland’s public school system ranks at or near the top in several achievement categories tracked by Education Week, the nation’s leading education publication.  In addition, the State has ranked number one in the nation for eight years running in the percentage of graduates receiving high scores (3-5) on the Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

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