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Military & First Responder Legacy Scholarship

At McDaniel, we recognize the commitment of those who serve their communities and country. Through the Military & First Responder Legacy Scholarship, veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders—including professionals in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services—are eligible for awards valued at up to $132,000 ($33,000 annually for residential students; $22,000 for commuters). This scholarship helps make a McDaniel education accessible to military families and the children of public safety professionals pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.

Complete the Online Military Legacy Eligibility Form Complete the Online First Responder Legacy Interest Form
Legacy Scholarship Program
Walking the flags across campus at Commencement.

Scholarship Value

$33,000

Up to $33,000 per year for residential students

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$22,000

Up to $22,000 per year for commuting students

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Renewable for up to four years

Who Can Apply? Students may qualify for the Military & First Responder Legacy Scholarship if a parent or guardian currently serves, is honorably discharged, or works as a first responder.

 

To qualify, a parent or guardian must:

  • Have at least four years of current employment in one of the following professions:
    • United States Armed Forces (Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserves)
    • Law Enforcement Officers
    • Career Firefighters
    • Licensed EMT/Paramedics
  • Be eligible for full-time employee benefits through their institution

Children of service members or first responders who died in the line of duty are also eligible, regardless of years of service, with appropriate documentation. 

How Does the Scholarship Work? The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters (four years).

 

The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters (four years) as long as the student remains enrolled full time and continues to meet McDaniel’s academic progress requirements. 

How this scholarship works with other awards:

  • The Military & First Responder Legacy Scholarship is one of McDaniel’s largest institutional scholarships. Because of this, it replaces smaller McDaniel scholarships rather than stacking with them. 
  • Students invited to compete for programs such as the Presidential Scholarship or Dorsey Scholarship may receive whichever award provides the greater value.
  • Students may still qualify for additional need-based financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Application Instructions

  1. Complete the online Military Legacy Scholarship Interest Form and supporting documentation. For military verification, submit documentation (military ID card, a DD-214 form or verification form from the SCRA) to confirm eligibility.
  2. Ensure your required Eligibility Form is submitted. There are several ways to submit your documentation:
    • Electronically: When completing the Eligibility Form, you will be given the opportunity to upload the DD-214 form or verification form from the SCRA. This is the preferred method.
    • Direct Submission: Alternatively, submit a copy of the DD-214 form or verification form from the SCRA directly to McDaniel College Office of Admissions (fax: 410-857-2757, email: admissions@mcdaniel.edu).
    • In-person presentation of military ID card: When on campus, show your military ID card to an Admissions team member.
  3. Complete the First Responder Legacy Scholarship Interest Form and supporting documentation.
    • For First Responder verification, your administrator or HR official will receive a secure link to verify your eligibility.
  4. Submit The McDaniel Application or The Common Application.
  5. Send a copy of your official transcript(s).

How to Apply

All first-year and transfer students who would like to be considered for the Military & First Responder Legacy Scholarship should complete and submit the interest form. 

Upon submission, the designated individual (military applicants) or your administrator or human resources official (first responder applicants) will receive a secure link to an Eligibility Form. The completed form will be submitted directly to McDaniel College. Once it has been received, you will be notified and it will be checked off on your Personal McDaniel Admission Page.

Submit the interest form.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students receive the Military and First Responder Legacy Scholarship?

There is no limit to the number of students who can receive this scholarship. Any admitted student who meets the eligibility requirements may qualify.

Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?

No separate application is required. Eligible students are automatically considered once their parent or guardian’s employment information is verified. 

Can I receive other scholarships from McDaniel?

Students receive the largest institutional scholarship for which they qualify, but institutional awards are not combined. If you are eligible for multiple scholarships, McDaniel will award the one with the highest value. 

Can I still receive financial aid?

Yes. Students should submit the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid. 

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Westminster, MD, 21157
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