University of Maryland Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~45%
- Middle 50% ACT: 30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1340
- Average GPA: 4.2
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This is a reach—especially for out-of-state. Build a balanced list and don’t rely on merit here.
- In the typical ranges: Admission is possible, but merit is not guaranteed. Strong rigor and early application matter.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in range for Honors and top merit consideration, but competition is still very strong at the top.
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📌 University of Maryland at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Banneker/Key Scholarship (Honors College))
Average Net Price
$15,833/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$3,000–$15,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
13 opportunities
2 automatic · 2 competitive · 7 hidden gem · 2 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.5+; ACT 34+ / SAT 1500+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Banneker/Key Scholarship (Honors College)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Maryland (Read This First)
- November 1 priority deadline is critical—miss it, and you’re largely out of the running for major merit and Honors consideration.
- The Banneker/Key (full tuition/full ride) is extremely competitive and tied to Honors—this is not something to count on.
- No reciprocity for out-of-state students—if merit doesn’t come through, the price can jump quickly.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Maryland is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 30; SAT: 1340.
Average net price? About $15,833/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in none.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Maryland 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$12,008 |
$41,974 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$16,436 |
$16,436 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$28,444 |
$58,410 |
Average Federal Net Price: $15,833 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🌎 Out-of-State Tuition Policy
UMD does not participate in regional reciprocity programs (e.g., WUE, MSEP, NEBHE). Nonresidents pay the standard out-of-state rate; however, high-achieving students may earn substantial merit scholarships (e.g., President’s, Dean’s, Banneker/Key) that reduce overall cost.
Sources: UMD Admissions/Financial Aid pages (for policy notes) and federal data via College Board BigFuture for net price.
⚙️ Automatic Merit Scholarships
🧠 Superscore Policy: UMD superscores both SAT and ACT (highest SAT section scores across dates, highest ACT composite).
UMD considers every applicant for automatic merit scholarships if they apply by the November 1 Early Action deadline. Awards use GPA, course rigor, and optionally strong test scores. No extra steps, but out-of-state tuition discounts and biggest awards are reserved for top applicants.
Automatic
President’s Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 8 yrs)
$12,000–$15,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~34 ACT✎ ~1500 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one major merit per student; can combine with outside/need-based
💡
Strategic Detail
4 years max; UMD recalculates GPA for rigor
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top 5–10% of all majors; all eligible freshmen
Automatic
General Merit Awards
📅 Deadline: Nov 1
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 8 yrs)
$3,000–$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one UMD merit allowed; may stack with private/need-based
💡
Strategic Detail
Four-year max; holistic
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top 20–30% of class; mix of in-state and OOS
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
📌 Note: UMD does not publish hard cutoffs; above figures are based on self-reported award bands and university disclosures.
❓FAQ: Automatic Merit Scholarships at UMD
Do we need a separate application?
No—apply by Nov 1 Early Action and all applicants are considered for all merit awards automatically.
Are test scores required?
No, but high scores can help, especially for the President’s and Banneker/Key tiers. Superscore is used.
Weighted or unweighted GPA?
UMD recalculates GPA for strength and rigor (weighted recognized, AP/IB favored).
How long do scholarships last?
Up to eight semesters (four years) if full-time status and minimum GPA (3.20) are maintained.
What else should families know?
No appeals or matching to other schools’ offers. Only one major university merit scholarship per student.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships (UMD Invite-Based Awards)
🎓 Honors-Linked Awards: UMD’s largest scholarships (like Banneker/Key) go to Honors College invitees. No extra application is needed, but an interview is required for Banneker/Key.
Full TuitionAutomatichonors
Banneker/Key Scholarship (Honors College)
📅 Deadline: Nov 1
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 8 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition, fees, room/board, book allowance, partial awards possible
✘ Not stackable
⚠ UMD’s premier Honors award; full Banneker/Key covers up to full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, dining, books) for a small cohort invited via Honors competition
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~32 ACT✎ ~1410 SAT👥 ~~150 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
One UMD merit per student
💡
Strategic Detail
Same as competitive, but listed as Honors
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top Honors invitees (≈1–2% of class)
Automatic
Dean’s Scholarship (MD residents)
📅 Deadline: Nov 1
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 8 yrs)
$1,500–$4,500/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.4+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one UMD merit award allowed
💡
Strategic Detail
Freshman: $1,500; sophomore: $3,000; max $4,500 total
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong in-state students not in top tiers
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Only one of these “flagship” merit awards is allowed per student, but each can stack with need-based aid, alumni, and outside scholarships.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Uncollapsed)
Do students need a separate application? No; Early Action application and (for B/K) Honors invite and interview are sufficient.
Can out-of-state students win? Yes—President’s and Banneker/Key go to OOS and MD. Dean’s is Maryland-only.
Do these require high test scores? Not required, but most winners report 1400+ SAT or 32+ ACT.
Who wins a Banneker/Key? Honors invitees with top academics, leadership, and interview performance.
Can you stack these with other aid? Yes, but UMD only allows one major university merit scholarship per student (may combine with need-based and private scholarships).
🔎 Hidden Gems: Smaller University Awards
UMD offers several small but meaningful scholarships to help first-gen, leadership, band, or major-specific students close their cost gap. Many require only a quick application or are awarded automatically.
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Alumni Association Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 31
✓ Renews
🎓 Sophomore
📄
How to Apply
Apply via ScholarshipUniverse (reapply each year)
Selection criteria: Leadership/involvement
💡
Strategic Detail
Reapply each year; sophomore/junior standing
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Continuing UMD sophomores/juniors with campus involvement
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Terp DREAM Scholarship Fund
📅 Deadline: Spring
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Separate short application; no FAFSA required
Selection criteria: Need and engagement
💡
Strategic Detail
Undocumented, first-gen, need; no FAFSA required
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Undocumented, high-need, actively engaged students
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental / Major Awards
📅 Deadline: March–April
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
💡
Strategic Detail
STEM, Nursing, Business, etc.; check dept details
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active students with strong GPA/major
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Fisher Family First‑Gen Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Spring/rolling
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Student Affairs or ScholarshipUniverse
Selection criteria: Engagement, need
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time; focus on first-gen need and obstacles
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-gen, need, high engagement or hardship
Automatic
A. James Clark Legacy Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Auto with admission/FAFSA
✓ Renews
$5,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
💡
Strategic Detail
Freshman engineering, financial need
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted engineering majors meeting qualifying need
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
UMD Marching Band Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March (auto with band enrollment)
✓ Renews
$500–$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual reapply; any major
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Band students with reliable participation
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Student Leader Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Early spring
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Combined application; covers multiple awards (Fisher, Mintz, Malstrom, etc.)
Selection criteria: Leadership/club impact
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual/one-time leadership and impact recognition
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-gen, student leaders in clubs/volunteering
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
📌 What “Need‑Based” Means Here: Many use FAFSA to check need; DREAM uses other proof. Most awards don’t require essays.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Hidden Gem Scholarships)
Do we need to apply for these? Many are matched automatically by the ScholarshipUniverse profile; others (like Fisher or Terp DREAM) have a quick extra form. Band and Clark Legacy are mostly automatic if eligible.
Can my student get both a major award and these? Yes—university policy allows stacking most of these hidden gem awards with one flagship merit scholarship, as well as federal or private grants.
Where do we find/apply? Most are in ScholarshipUniverse after completing the profile each spring; check Student Affairs/Alumni/major department for additional funds.
Do these require essays/rec letters? Most do not; applications focus on quick information and engagement record or need.
🎓 Honors College (University of Maryland)
All UMD applicants are automatically considered for Honors College. If invited, students get small seminars, priority registration, exclusive research and travel grants, dedicated advising—the pathway to UMD’s largest scholarships.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Research Grant
📅 Deadline: Rolling (per project)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Departmental application each semester; faculty endorsed project required
Selection criteria: Faculty/department review
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $500/project
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active Honors students in research/thesis
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Goff Scholarship (ILS only)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.8+ GPA👥 ~1–2 per year winners/yr🎓 Sophomore
📄
How to Apply
Short Goff application and recommendation in ILS; for sophomores/juniors
Selection criteria: ILS program faculty review
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
ILS, pre-med focus, one-time
🕵
Who Actually Wins
1–2 ILS students per year (sophomores/juniors)
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Honors College FAQ
Does my student have to apply separately for Honors? No. Every UMD applicant (by Nov 1) is considered. The invitation is based on full transcript, GPA, essay, and course rigor.
Is a high SAT/ACT necessary? Test-optional, but most admits report 1480–1560 SAT or 32–35 ACT. Rigor and essay are prioritized.
What GPA do you need to stay? Minimum 3.00 to remain in Honors; 3.20 to keep Banneker/Key or graduate with Honors citation.
Are there Honors-only scholarships? Yes: Banneker/Key is invite-only for Honors, plus grants like Honors Research Grant and Goff Scholarship (ILS program). Departmental and college-level awards are also open to active Honors students.
Are Honors classes harder? Not harder—smaller, richer discussions and more support. Students say personal advising is a major benefit.
Do Honors students get extra travel/research funding? Yes, via the Honors Research Grant, major/faculty grants, and college-specific support for conferences and presentations.
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Maryland (College Park) is one of those flagship public universities that quietly checks a lot of “top tier” boxes — especially if your student wants big-time academics and real career pipelines. UMD is nationally recognized for engineering and computing, and it’s also a standout for business, public policy, and communications — with Washington, D.C. basically in its backyard. For students who want internships during the school year (not just summer), UMD’s location is a serious advantage.
Nationally Known Program:
A. James Clark School of Engineering — widely recognized for strong undergraduate engineering programs, hands-on research opportunities, and recruiting pipelines into major employers and federal labs in the D.C. region.
- Computer Science & Cybersecurity: A major destination for students interested in software, AI, and security — with unusually strong access to internships and careers tied to the federal and defense ecosystem.
- Business (Robert H. Smith School of Business): Well-known for analytics, supply chain, finance, and consulting pathways, with heavy recruiting and alumni presence in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
- Public Policy & Government (School of Public Policy): A natural fit for students who want real-world policy experience, especially with D.C. internships available during the semester.
- Journalism & Communications (Philip Merrill College of Journalism): Strong training plus proximity to national media and government institutions — a big advantage for reporting, media, and public affairs careers.
📎 Official Links — University of Maryland
💬 Final Thoughts
The University of Maryland offers the perfect blend of academic prestige, location, and opportunity.
As one of the nation’s top public research universities, UMD is known for standout programs in engineering, computer science, and public policy—along with access to incredible internships in nearby Washington, D.C.
With strong merit scholarships and need-based aid, many families find UMD more affordable than expected.
For students who want a flagship experience that connects directly to career pathways and innovation, Maryland delivers both excellence and value.
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