UMBC offers a range of general merit scholarships to in-state, out-of-state, undocumented, DACA, and international students. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000. To qualify for general scholarship review, students must first be admitted to the University.
In addition to general merit scholarships, UMBC offers seven Scholars Programs based on academic interest. A separate application is required for these programs.
Information for Incoming First-Year Merit Scholarships
General merit scholarships do not require a separate application! Prospective incoming first-year students will be automatically reviewed for a merit scholarship provided timely application for admission.
Scholarship Review Deadline:
Incoming first-year students should file early action admission applications by NOVEMBER 01.
Meeting the early action admission deadline guarantees scholarship consideration. Scholarship reviews will continue beyond the early action date if funding is still available.
Scholarship Eligibility:
Scholarship eligibility is based on:
- Cumulative Averages
- SAT or ACT scores (if provided)
- Individual grades
- High school programs (9-11th grade)
Test Optional Admissions: Students who are unable to submit standardized test scores or choose not to submit standardized test scores for admissions consideration will be considered for merit based scholarships based on the factors outlined above.
Consideration is based upon a numerical standard and competition of the applicant pool. Eligibility is based on credentials provided at the time of application for admission. Merit scholarships are limited to fall and spring semesters for undergraduate studies only.
Scholarship Maintenance:
Merit scholarship recipients must maintain:
- minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average
- register for and successfully complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per fall and spring semesters; not including audited courses
*All recipients undergo academic reviews each semester to ensure they maintain the cumulative GPA and enrollment requirements.
Multiple UMBC Scholarships:
Students may only accept one (1) UMBC academic / merit scholarship. If offered multiple awards from separate UMBC programs or committees, students will be required to select only one award offer.
Scholarship Retriever:
Once you have a campus ID, submit your general application on Scholarship Retriever and begin to apply to additional scholarship opportunities, some specifically for transfer students!
The Scholarship Retriever is available to all UMBC students and allows students to submit a general scholarship application to be considered for additional opportunities available at UMBC.
Scholarship Retriever houses both internal and external scholarship opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and international students! You can complete the general application and apply to any other opportunities that may be of interest, and new opportunities are posted regularly, so check back frequently!
No combination of UMBC awards, private scholarships, and other financial assistance can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year.
Note to Undergraduates: While 12 registered credits meets the minimum course load required for scholarship maintenance purposes, we encourage you to consider the many benefits of enrolling in at least 15 credits per semester (or, on average, 30 credits per year), including graduating in four years.
To learn more about strategies for on-time degree completion and four year graduation, visit Finish 15.
Get scholarships instantly for each of your achievements! UMBC has partnered with raise.me so students can easily earn scholarships each time they achieve something important in high school. Sign up now.
Note on combining scholarships: Dollars earned on RaiseMe do not combine with First-Year Student general merit scholarships; students will receive the award with the greatest value.