College & Education in Maryland

16 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Maryland

Maryland circuit courts handle family law in each of its 24 jurisdictions, with magistrates hearing many child support and custody matters. The Child Support Administration operates under the Department of Human Services. Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville anchor the population. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provide civil legal representation.

16 Resources

1. Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) — Free

State agency overseeing Maryland colleges and universities and administering state financial aid, including the Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards (Guaranteed Access, Educational Assistance, and Campus-Based Grants), targeted scholarships, and teacher and nursing loan repayment programs. Maryland residents apply for most state grants by completing the FAFSA and the Maryland State Financial Aid Application by the annual deadlines. MHEC also publishes college data and approves new academic programs statewide.

410-767-3300 · 6 N Liberty St, 10th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Maryland Educational Assistance Grant — Free

State need-based grant administered by MHEC for Maryland residents attending eligible in-state two- and four-year colleges full-time. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need from the FAFSA and may be renewed for up to four years with continued eligibility. Students must meet the annual March 1 priority deadline for FAFSA completion. Apply each year via FAFSA and the Maryland State Financial Aid Application; review status through MDCAPS. Grant amounts vary each year based on state appropriations and applicant need.

410-767-3300 · Apply through FAFSA · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Federal Student Aid / FAFSA — Free

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid unlocks Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study, and most state and institutional aid for Maryland students attending college or trade school. The online application requires the student's (and in many cases parents') Social Security number, tax returns or IRS tax data retrieval, and bank statements. FAFSA is free; beware of paid lookalike sites. Dependents of a deceased or disabled veteran may qualify for additional benefits like the Pell Grant or Iraq/Afghanistan Service Grant.

1-800-433-3243 · Online resource · Phone Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET; online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Federal Pell Grant Program — Free

Largest federal grant program for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, available to Maryland students at eligible colleges, universities, and trade schools. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid and can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Award amount is based on Expected Family Contribution, cost of attendance, enrollment status, and plans for the academic year. Apply each year by completing the FAFSA; no separate Pell application is required. Check award amount through the school's financial aid office.

1-800-433-3243 · Apply via FAFSA · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) — Paid

Baltimore County's community college offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, continuing education, and workforce training with flexible day, evening, weekend, and online scheduling that fits working parents and adult learners. Campuses are located in Dundalk, Essex, and Catonsville with additional extension centers. In-county tuition rates apply for Baltimore County residents; payment plans, federal aid via FAFSA, and Maryland grants help cover costs. Prospective students bring photo ID and high school transcripts or GED to enrollment.

443-840-2222 · 7200 Sollers Point Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222 (and other campuses) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Montgomery College — Paid

Montgomery County's public community college with campuses in Rockville, Germantown, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring offering more than 130 associate degree and certificate programs plus workforce training and ESL classes. In-county tuition rates apply for Montgomery County residents; the MC Scholars Program and other financial aid programs help income-eligible students. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and residency documents to enrollment. Strong adult learner and parent support services including childcare referrals and flexible scheduling.

240-567-5000 · 51 Mannakee St, Rockville, MD 20850 (and 2 other campuses) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Prince George's Community College — Paid

Public community college in Largo serving Prince George's County with affordable associate degrees, certificates, workforce programs, and continuing education classes designed for working adults and parents. In-county tuition rates apply for PG County residents; federal and state financial aid via FAFSA helps income-eligible students. Campus support services include advising, tutoring, and career services. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and residency documentation to enroll. Evening and online classes are widely available.

301-546-7422 · 301 Largo Rd, Largo, MD 20774 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Maryland Adult Education / GED — Free

Free adult education programs administered by the Maryland Department of Labor in partnership with community colleges, public schools, and nonprofits, helping adults 16 and older earn a Maryland High School Diploma via GED, improve basic literacy and math, learn English as a second language, and prepare for college or workforce training. Classes are offered daytime, evening, and online across the state. Students bring photo ID for enrollment; most programs charge only the GED test fee, and some waive it for income-eligible adults.

Programs statewide · Varies; many offer evening classes · Visit Website

9. Baltimore City Community College — Paid

Baltimore City's public community college on Liberty Heights Avenue offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, GED preparation, and ESL programs for Baltimore residents and working adults. In-city tuition rates apply for Baltimore City residents; federal Pell, Maryland state grants, and payment plans make most programs affordable. Enrollment services include placement testing, advising, and financial aid counseling. Prospective students apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and residency documentation.

410-462-8300 · 2901 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Anne Arundel Community College — Paid

Public community college in Arnold near Annapolis offering more than 200 academic and workforce programs, flexible day, evening, and online scheduling, and strong workforce development for Anne Arundel County residents and adult learners. In-county tuition rates apply for Anne Arundel County residents; federal Pell, Maryland state grants, and payment plans make most programs accessible. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and proof of residency to enrollment. Additional sites serve students across the county.

410-647-7100 · 101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Frederick Community College — Paid

Public community college in Frederick offering affordable associate degrees, transfer pathways, certificates, workforce training, and continuing education programs for Frederick County residents and working adults. In-county tuition rates apply for Frederick County residents; federal Pell, Maryland state aid, and institutional scholarships help income-eligible students. Evening, weekend, and online classes fit parents and working students. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and proof of county residency to enrollment advising.

301-846-2400 · 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Howard Community College — Paid

Public community college in Columbia offering associate degrees, certificates, continuing education, and workforce training with strong four-year transfer partnerships. Serves Howard County residents at in-county tuition rates; federal Pell, Maryland state grants, payment plans, and institutional scholarships help income-eligible students afford classes. Day, evening, weekend, and online options support adult learners and parents. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and proof of county residency to enrollment advising sessions.

443-518-1000 · 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Hagerstown Community College — Paid

Washington County's public community college in Hagerstown offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and continuing education for residents of western Maryland. In-county tuition rates apply for Washington County residents; federal Pell, Maryland state grants, and payment plans help income-eligible students afford classes. Flexible day, evening, weekend, and online schedules fit adult learners and parents. Prospective students apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and proof of residency to enrollment.

240-500-2000 · 11400 Robinwood Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21742 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury) — Paid

Public community college in Salisbury serving the Lower Eastern Shore (Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties) with affordable academic transfer, allied health, and career and technical programs. In-region tuition rates apply for residents of the three supporting counties; federal Pell, Maryland state grants, payment plans, and institutional scholarships help income-eligible students. Flexible day, evening, and online classes fit working students and parents. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and residency documentation.

410-334-2800 · 32000 Campus Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Scholarship.com - Maryland Scholarships — Free

Free scholarship search platform with a searchable database of Maryland-specific and national scholarships for high school, undergraduate, graduate, adult learner, and parent-student applicants. Students create a profile with their background, field of study, and interests to receive matched scholarship opportunities; applications are submitted directly to each scholarship sponsor. Available 24/7 online with no fees to search or apply. Be cautious of any scholarship that requires upfront payment; legitimate programs do not charge application fees.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

16. College of Southern Maryland — Paid

Public community college serving Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties through campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, and Hughesville with affordable associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and continuing education. In-region tuition rates apply for residents of the three supporting counties; federal Pell, Maryland state grants, and institutional scholarships help income-eligible students. Flexible day, evening, weekend, and online schedules fit adult learners. Apply online; bring photo ID, high school transcript or GED, and proof of residency to enrollment.

301-934-2251 · 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD 20646 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.