BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland’s class of 2019 received more than $1.635 billion in college scholarship offers, surpassing the class of 2018’s record total by more than $100 million, according to the results of a new Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) survey.

“Education is our administration’s top priority, and we would like to congratulate Maryland’s students for setting a new record for scholarship offers,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The hard work and commitment of our students will help pave the way for even greater achievements in their postsecondary education and future career.”

Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, reflected on the importance of these scholarships to support students’ access to higher education. “Scholarships help students pursue their dreams. As higher education costs continue to rise, this support is vital to allowing every student the opportunity to reach their goals.”

The survey found that 17,629 graduates received at least one scholarship, with 413 of these graduates offered scholarships for Ivy League Schools. There were 339 National Merit finalists, an increase from last year’s total of 223 finalists. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and university scholarships administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Across the nation, the 2,500 finalists judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies received a $2,500 scholarship.

For more than a decade, the MSDE has been collecting data on college and university scholarship offers received by graduates. Over the years the total dollar amount of those offers, as well as the number of students who benefit, have risen dramatically. In 2007, Maryland graduates received less than $500 million in scholarship offers. Scholarship offers passed the $1 billion threshold for the first time in 2013 and have risen every year since.