Merit Scholarships available for entering Freshmen
To be considered for most merit scholarships, entering freshmen applying for the Fall semester must submit their complete application for undergraduate admission by the priority deadline of November 1. The eligibility requirements for each scholarship vary, with the most talented entering freshmen receiving the most prestigious scholarships. Admission decision letters are mailed by late January and merit scholarship award notifications begin in mid-March and continue through early April.
Banneker/Key Scholarship
The Banneker/Key Scholarship is the most prestigious merit scholarship offered. There are two award levels for Banneker Key Scholarships. The first award level covers the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and a book allowance each year for four years. The partial Banneker/Key Scholarship provides a partial tuition scholarship each year for four years. There is more than one award level for the partial scholarship. All Banneker Key Scholars are offered admission to the University Honors Program. Scholarship candidates are identified through evaluation of admission application materials. The criteria include academic achievement, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, awards, honors and the essay. Semifinalists are invited to campus in the spring for an interview before the finalists are selected.
Regents Scholarship
The Regents Scholarship is offered to a limited number of entering freshmen from Maryland to recognize their extraordinary academic achievements. This scholarship is jointly sponsored by the University of Maryland and the University System of Maryland, and is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the state. The award covers the cost of in-state tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and a book allowance for four years. Offered late in the spring, Regents Scholars are selected from the most academically talented entering Banneker/Key Scholars.
President's Scholarship
The President's Scholarship provides four-year awards to exceptional entering freshmen. Awards of up to $12,000 per year are available for four years. Recipients are identified through evaluation of the admission application materials. The criteria include academic achievement, results of standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, and the essay.
Dean's Scholarships
The Dean's Scholarship program provides scholarships to outstanding entering freshmen. Awards range from $1,500 for one year to $4,500 a year for two years. The award amount and duration of the award is indicated in the scholarship award letter. The scholarship is not renewable. Recipients are identified through evaluation of the admission application materials. The criteria include academic achievement, results of standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, awards, honors, and the essay.
Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship
The Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship provides up to the amount of in-state tuition for entering freshmen who demonstrate extraordinary talent in art, dance, music or theatre. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years based upon an acceptable level of performance as defined by the respective department. Additional application materials and information about required auditions are available directly from the Departments of Art, Dance, Music and Theatre.
Departmental Scholarships
Several academic departments offer merit scholarships to their most promising students. Admitted freshmen should contact the department, college, or school directly for information about the availability, eligibility, application, and deadlines for scholarships. You can visit these academic programs here.
National Merit Scholarships/College-Sponsored Merit Awards
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has a variety of scholarships that are awarded to students based on academic performance. The University of Maryland serves as a sponsoring institution for students selected by NMSC to receive the College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship award. Students selected for the UM Sponsored Merit award will receive a four-year renewable scholarship ranging from $750-$2,000/year. All finalists should follow NMSC's instructions for first choice notifications carefully and observe deadlines to remain eligible for awards.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation also awards Corporate-Sponsored merit scholarships and National Achievement awards. For more information on the National Merit Scholarship program, please visit http://www.nationalmerit.org.
Maryland Distinguished Scholars
Maryland Distinguished Scholar finalists are awarded an annual stipend of $3,000 for four years from the state of Maryland. Visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission Office of Student Financial Assistance website at http://www.mhec.state.md.us/financialAid/ or call (410) 260-4565 or (800) 974-1024 for information.
Merit Scholarship Notification
Admission decision letters are mailed by late January and merit scholarship award notifications begin in early March and continue through early April. Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail. For some scholarships, a student will be invited to campus for an interview before receiving notice of an award.
PLEASE NOTE: The merit scholarships and financial aid programs listed here are examples of scholarships and programs that have been offered in past years. Scholarship and program names, criteria, amounts, and terms may change for the upcoming academic year.
