UMBC offers both Automatic Merit Scholarships and highly competitive Scholars Programs with awards ranging from $1,000 to $22,000 per year.
The critical deadline for the most valuable, competitive awards is January 15, 2026.3
Avenue 1: Automatic Merit Scholarships (Freshmen & Transfers)
These awards are granted to incoming students based on their academic achievement, and no separate application is needed—your admission application serves as your scholarship application.4
| Category | Award Value | Application Requirement | Deadline Note |
| First-Year Students | $1,000 to $15,000 per year | Automatic review upon application for admission. | Early Action (Nov 1st) guarantees review, but late applications are reviewed while funds last. |
| Transfer Students | $500 to $15,000 (2-year awards) | Automatic review upon application for admission. | Priority deadlines are March 1 (Fall) and October 15 (Spring). |
Key Transfer Criteria: Priority consideration for transfers is given to students with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA who have completed 30 or more credits (or an Associate’s Degree) from a community college.
Avenue 2: UMBC Scholars Programs (Competitive)
These are UMBC’s most prestigious and highest-value awards. They require a separate, comprehensive application and interview process.
- Award Range: $5,000 to $22,000 per year5
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (for most programs)6
- Important Note: Students may only accept one (1) UMBC academic/merit scholarship. If you are offered a general merit scholarship and a Scholar Program award, you must choose one.
| Scholars Program | Focus Area | Deadline |
| Meyerhoff Scholars Program | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars | Government, Law, Policy, Non-Profit Leadership | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Cyber Scholars Program | Cybersecurity and related technology fields | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Linehan Artist Scholars | Dance, Theatre, Music, or Visual Arts (requires portfolio/audition) | Jan 31, 2026 |
| Sherman Teacher Scholars | STEM teaching in urban, high-needs schools | Jan 15, 2026 |
Avenue 3: International & Departmental Scholarships
International students and those looking for additional funding should utilize the Scholarship Retriever portal.7
1. International Student Awards
- Automatic Consideration: International freshmen applicants are automatically considered for general merit scholarships.8
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: UMBC participates in this program, offering two annual, renewable scholarships that cover 50% of tuition for up to four years.
- Application: Requires a 500-1000 word essay or a 2-5 minute video detailing ideas for advancing intercultural learning at UMBC.
2. Scholarship Retriever (The Central Portal)
The Scholarship Retriever is UMBC’s online tool for applying to all institutional, departmental, and external scholarships.9
- Step 1: Apply for admission and receive your UMBC Campus ID.
- Step 2: Log in to the Scholarship Retriever using your myUMBC login.
- Step 3: Complete the General Application. This automatically matches you to many scholarships.
- Step 4: Check the “Recommended” tab every 2-3 weeks for scholarships that require extra steps (e.g., specific essays or recommendation letters).
International GPA Converter (4.0 Scale)
Estimate your unweighted GPA by selecting the grade value for up to 5 courses. This is for quick reference only.
| Course Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| Course 1 | |
| Course 2 | |
| Course 3 | |
| Course 4 | |
| Course 5 |
Your Estimated GPA: 0.00
Note: This is an unweighted estimate. Always use official WES/IEE services for final scholarship applications.
Application Summary
To maximize your scholarship funding at UMBC, follow these three steps:
| Step | Action | Deadline | Link |
| 1. General Admission | Apply for admission (Freshman or Transfer) to be automatically considered for all merit awards. | Passed (Nov 1st) for Freshmen; March 1st for Fall Transfers. | UMBC Undergraduate Admissions |
| 2. Competitive Scholars | Submit a separate, high-quality application for the Scholars Programs. | January 15, 2026 (Most programs). | UMBC Scholars Programs |
| 3. Departmental & Extra | Complete your General Application on the Scholarship Retriever. | Ongoing (New opportunities posted year-round). | UMBC Scholarship Retriever Portal |
