McDaniel College expands Legacy Scholarships

McDaniel College has expanded its suite of guaranteed Legacy Scholarships.

The new First Responder Legacy Scholarship is available to all children whose parent or guardian is an active law enforcement officer, career firefighter, licensed EMT or paramedic, or 911 dispatcher, with at least four consecutive years of current employment. This includes children of first responders who died in the line of duty, regardless of years of service. 

McDaniel is also partnering with the First Responders Children’s Foundation and plans to connect scholarship recipients with the Foundation's Scholars Council, providing support and mentorship to children of first responders.

Additionally, McDaniel is adding a Health Professional Legacy Scholarship for children of full-time health professionals working in hospitals, health systems, public or community health or counseling clinics, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, and home health, hospice, or public health agencies, as well as a Public Servant Legacy Scholarship for children of full-time, benefits-eligible government employees at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels with at least four years of current and consecutive employment. 

Current high school seniors and incoming transfer students applying to McDaniel for fall 2026 admission are eligible for McDaniel’s new Legacy Scholarships, which are renewable each year to students who maintain continuous enrollment and satisfactory academic progress.

The Legacy Scholarships are valued at up to $132,000 over four years, or $33,000 annually for residential students ($22,000 annually for commuters). There is no limit to the number of Legacy Scholarships awarded by McDaniel.

McDaniel's Legacy Scholarships now include the Educator Legacy Scholarship, Military & First Responder Legacy Scholarship, Health Professional Legacy Scholarship, and Public Servant Legacy Scholarship. All first-year students and transfer students who are not eligible for a Legacy Scholarship are considered for McDaniel Merit Scholarships ranging from $7,500 to $33,000 annually.

“Over the last 10 years, McDaniel has introduced Legacy Scholarships to recognize the contributions of pre-K-12 and community college educators and past and present military service members,” McDaniel President Julia Jasken said. “These are among the largest scholarships that we offer incoming students, and we are grateful to our donors who have allowed us to continue to give back by making McDaniel an affordable option to these families who dedicate and sacrifice so much.”