University of Maryland Eastern Shore Scholarships (2026–2027) | UMES Aid Guide

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Scholarships (2026–2027)

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Last Updated on January 26, 2026
What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~90%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 16–19
  • Middle 50% SAT: 850–1010
  • Average GPA (HS): ~3.07

Source: UMES Office of Admissions & third-party enrollment summaries (2026 data). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

UMES at a Glance

Average Net Price
$14,035
What families actually paid on average
Automatic Merit (OOS)
In-state rate via HBCU waiver
No separate scholarship application
Typical Qualifiers
Test-optional • GPA varies
Scores may help for some awards*
Superscore Policy
SAT: Not stated • ACT: Not stated
Based on admissions guidance
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • Aid: Jan 15 • Scholarship: Feb 15
Admission is rolling after Feb 15
Honors Program
Richard A. Henson Honors Program
Separate application; scholarships available
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Automatic: No • Competitive: Yes (program-based)
USDA 1890 & select majors
Residency & Waivers
HBCU waiver + regional rates
DE & VA Eastern Shore discounts
– Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate and may shift by year or funding level.
Sources:
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/admissions/faq/
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/admissions/freshman/
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/honors/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-maryland-eastern-shore/tuition-and-costs

🧭 Next Steps for UMES Families (What to Do Next)

UMES is one of those schools where affordability often comes from a tuition rate change (waivers/regional pricing), plus a few high-value program pathways — not a big published “merit grid.” If UMES is on your list, here’s the simplest way to turn this page into a real plan.

Quick rule: Start by figuring out which “bucket” you’re in — out-of-state waiver family, Maryland transfer pathway, or Ag/STEM flagship scholarship. Your next steps depend on that.

✅ If you’re out-of-state

  • Confirm which tuition rate you qualify for (standard out-of-state vs. Eastern Shore Regional Rate vs. HBCU Initiative rate reduction).
  • Run UMES’s Net Price Calculator twice: once using standard out-of-state costs, and once using the reduced tuition rate (so you see the real range).
  • Plan for first-year housing (UMES generally requires new students to live on campus the first year — budget for housing/meals even if tuition drops).
  • If your student is STEM/Ag, add the USDA 1890 and/or UMES Land-Grant timeline to your calendar now (deadlines are easy to miss).

🎓 If you’re a Maryland community college transfer family

  • Decide whether you’re on the Wor-Wic path (strongest pipeline) or a general Maryland CC transfer path.
  • Make your transcript plan early: many transfer awards hinge on degree conferral and a final transcript delivered on time.
  • Check Maryland 2+2 eligibility and submit the state application (amount can vary by major and funding).
  • Treat “Presidential” transfer tiers as a stretch goal: aim early, but build your baseline plan using the automatic/guaranteed pieces.

🌾 If your student is Ag / STEM and wants the biggest money

  • Choose the right target: USDA 1890 is a true full-ride pathway for eligible majors — but comes with a service obligation after graduation.
  • Use UMES Land-Grant as the “high-value alternative” if your student is competitive but misses a national deadline or wants more flexibility.
  • Don’t pick a major just for money: if your student switches out of a restricted major later, the biggest awards can disappear.
Parent pro-tip: UMES affordability is often “engineered” by combining a rate reduction (waiver/regional pricing) with federal/state aid and then layering departmental awards. Start with the rate — it changes everything.

🎯 Where to Focus (UMES): The 4 Biggest Levers

Parents don’t need 30 scholarship links — they need to know what’s actually worth time. At UMES, most affordability comes from rate reductions and a small set of high-value pathways. Use this as your “focus energy” guide.

Lever What it does Who it’s really for Best next step What can change / watch-outs
HBCU Initiative (rate reduction) Reduces eligible out-of-state tuition/fees toward the in-state level (big yearly savings). Out-of-state students from states/territories that qualify under UMES policy. Confirm eligibility + get the reduced rate documented in writing (award/tuition classification). Policy-based; eligibility rules can change. Maintain good standing per UMES rules. First-year housing can still be required.
Eastern Shore Regional Rate (rate category) Published “middle” tuition rate between in-state and full out-of-state for specific nearby counties. Eligible regional residents (e.g., select DE / Eastern Shore VA counties per UMES fee schedule). Confirm residency documentation requirements and verify your billed rate before deposit. Residency documentation matters; missing paperwork can default you to full out-of-state pricing.
USDA 1890 National Scholars Full-ride flagship pathway for eligible majors (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books). Includes a service obligation. Students committed to Ag/Food/Natural Resources (and related fields) who want a structured federal pathway. Track the national deadline + prepare essays early; confirm the service requirement is a fit for your student. Major-restricted. Service obligation is real. Missing the deadline ends the opportunity for that cycle.
UMES Land-Grant Scholarship High-value competitive funding for STEM/Ag pipelines; can rival other flagship options. STEM/Ag students who are strong academically but want flexibility vs. a national service obligation. Confirm eligible majors + application steps through the UMES college/department that administers it. Competitive and funding-limited. Often tied to major/program participation and performance milestones.
Simple focus rule: If your student qualifies for a rate reduction, lock that in first (it’s the foundation). Then decide whether your student is a fit for a flagship pathway (USDA 1890 / Land-Grant), and treat departmental awards as the “bonus layer.”

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) (2025–2026)

These are the direct, billed costs most families pay to UMES for one academic year (Fall + Spring): tuition & mandatory fees, plus on-campus housing and a meal plan. Other expenses still count in financial aid budgets, but they aren’t typically billed the same way.

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees $6,754.50 $18,299.50
Housing & Meals (median of listed options) $12,093 $12,093
Total (Direct/Billed) $18,848 $30,393

Why only these items? We focus on the costs you typically pay directly to UMES — tuition/mandatory fees and your housing/meal contract. UMES also includes other “indirect” costs in the full Cost of Attendance budget, such as:

  • Books & course materials (UMES notes undergraduates are billed for books through a campus program in many cases)
  • Transportation (travel to/from home, local commuting)
  • Personal expenses (clothing, hygiene, entertainment)
  • Loan fees (if you borrow federal loans)

📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)

The average net price is about $14,035 per year after grants and scholarships. This is a federal-style “what families actually paid on average” number — and it’s often much lower for students with strong aid packages.

Tip: Use UMES’s Net Price Calculator (or the College Board cost page) for a personalized estimate based on your household income and residency.

Out-of-State Waivers & Regional Savings (Real-Dollar Differences)
  • UMES HBCU Initiative (Out-of-State Tuition Waiver): Students from states or territories that do not have an HBCU may qualify for a reduced tuition rate (often effectively the in-state tuition rate), as long as they remain in good academic standing. Exact duration is determined by current UMES policy.
  • Eastern Shore Regional Rate (DE + Eastern Shore of VA): Eligible residents of Sussex County, Delaware and Virginia’s Eastern Shore (Accomack and Northampton counties) may qualify for UMES’s Eastern Shore Regional Rate for tuition/fees.

What this can save: UMES’s published tuition/mandatory fees difference is about $11,545/year between standard out-of-state and in-state. The Eastern Shore Regional Rate can reduce the standard out-of-state tuition/fees by about $8,732/year. (Housing/meal plans are the same by residency — the biggest savings is almost always in the tuition/fees line.)

FAQ — Cost of Attendance at UMES

Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher at UMES?
Like most public universities, UMES is subsidized by Maryland taxpayers — so non-residents pay a higher rate. The good news is that UMES has a few paths (HBCU Initiative and the Eastern Shore Regional Rate) that can reduce the non-resident tuition/fee portion significantly.

How does the UMES HBCU Initiative work?
UMES describes this as a tuition-reduction initiative for out-of-state students from regions without an HBCU. If you qualify and remain in good academic standing, the reduced tuition rate continues based on current UMES policy.

What is the Eastern Shore Regional Rate — and who qualifies?
UMES publishes a separate “Eastern Shore Regional Rate” for eligible residents of Sussex County (DE) and Virginia’s Eastern Shore (Accomack and Northampton counties). This is a real, listed tuition/fee rate that sits between in-state and full out-of-state pricing.

Do housing and meal plan costs change for out-of-state students?
Not typically. UMES housing and meal plan rates are generally the same regardless of residency — so the main difference between in-state and out-of-state costs is in the tuition/fees line.

How accurate is the “average net price” number?
It’s a useful benchmark, but it’s still an average. If your student qualifies for strong need-based aid, special programs, or institutional scholarships, your net price can be lower — and if you’re out-of-state without waivers or scholarships, it can be higher. Always run the net price calculator for your household.

Can waivers stack with UMES scholarships?
Often, yes — but stacking rules depend on the award. A tuition waiver changes your tuition rate first, then scholarships may apply to remaining billed costs. When UMES releases scholarship or award letters, confirm whether each award is “in addition to” a waiver or replaces other institutional aid.

Sources:
https://www.usmd.edu/usm/adminfinance/budget/FY2026/UMES_Tuition_and_Fees_2026.pdf
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/comptroller/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2025/07/FEESCHED26.pdf
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/financialaid/understanding-your-cost-of-attendance/
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/admissions/faq/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-maryland-eastern-shore/tuition-and-costs

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2026–2027)

Test-Optional & Course Placement: UMES is test-optional for admission. SAT or ACT scores are not required, but if submitted, they may be used for math and English placement, which can help students place directly into credit-bearing courses.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility / Criteria Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
UMES HBCU Initiative (Out-of-State Tuition Waiver) In-state tuition rate
(≈ $11,500/year reduction vs full out-of-state) 		Newly admitted first-time freshmen and transfer students from states or U.S. territories without an HBCU; must remain in good academic standing under UMES policy. First-year students are required to live on campus. No Yes — subject to current UMES policy Out-of-state students from HBCU-free states (e.g., NY, NJ, New England, CA); test scores not required At admission (rolling)
Wor-Wic Transfer Scholarship $3,500 per year
($1,750 per semester) 		Graduates of Wor-Wic Community College; associate degree must be completed before transfer No Yes — up to 6 semesters Local Maryland students completing a Wor-Wic transfer pathway At transfer admission
Maryland 2+2 Transfer Scholarship $1,000–$2,000 per year Maryland residents transferring from a Maryland community college; 2.5+ GPA required* Yes — via MHEC (MDCAPS) Yes — subject to state funding* Maryland transfer students; higher awards typically tied to priority majors State deadline (varies by year)

*GPA thresholds, award amounts, and renewability are based on published program guidance and recent recipient patterns; actual criteria can change by year.

FAQ — Automatic Merit at UMES

Does UMES offer GPA-based automatic merit like large flagships?
No. UMES does not publish campus-wide GPA or test-score merit tiers. Most automatic value comes from tuition-rate reductions and structured transfer pathways.

Can the HBCU Initiative stack with other aid?
The HBCU Initiative adjusts tuition first. It generally cannot combine with other tuition-only waivers, but it can stack with Pell Grants, Maryland state aid, and private scholarships.

Is on-campus housing required for the HBCU Initiative?
Yes. UMES requires new and transfer students to live in university housing during their first year. This requirement applies broadly, not only to HBCU Initiative recipients.

If UMES is test-optional, should students still submit scores?
Scores are not required, but they may be used for course placement. Submitting strong math or English scores can help students start in credit-bearing courses.

If my student doesn’t qualify for these automatic awards, is UMES still affordable?
Often, yes. UMES has a relatively low published cost and an average net price around $14,000. Many Maryland residents and transfer students pay well below sticker price after aid.

Sources:
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/admissions/faq/
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/pr/scholarships-ease-the-path-from-wor-wic-to-umes/
https://www.worwic.edu/services-support/transfer-resources/transfer-to-umes/
https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/pages/financialaid/programdescriptions/prog_2_plus_2.aspx
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/admissions/apply-for-admission/

🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2026–2027)

These are UMES’s highest-impact competitive awards. They are not guaranteed, require separate applications or nominations, and are awarded to a very small number of students each year. Families should plan affordability using UMES’s base costs and automatic aid first—then treat these as upside.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility / Criteria Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program Full ride
Tuition, mandatory fees, room & board, books, and paid internships 		U.S. citizen; admitted to UMES; majoring in Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources, or related STEM fields; ~3.0+ GPA*; SAT ~1080+ or ACT ~21+*; leadership and interest in USDA careers Yes — national application Yes — with service obligation High-achieving Ag/STEM students nationwide; strong academics plus leadership and service orientation early March (currently March 8)
UMES Land-Grant Scholarship Up to $15,000/yr (in-state)
Up to $25,000/yr (out-of-state) 		Admitted to UMES; majoring in STEM, Agriculture, or Natural Sciences; ~2.8+ GPA*; faculty recommendation and competitive review Yes Yes — subject to funding and progress Strong STEM-focused students who miss the USDA 1890 cutoff but remain academically competitive Spring 2026 (varies by department)
Wor-Wic Presidential Scholarship (Transfer) Up to $8,585 per year
(typically covers base tuition) 		Graduate of Wor-Wic Community College; ~3.0+ GPA*; leadership, faculty recommendation, and selective review Yes — nomination & review Yes — per award terms Usually ~3 students per year; top Wor-Wic transfers with academics and leadership At transfer admission (limited slots)

*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on published criteria and past recipients; actual thresholds can change by year.

FAQ — Flagship Scholarships at UMES

How competitive are these scholarships?
Extremely. The USDA 1890 and UMES Land-Grant awards select only a small number of students each year. Strong academics alone are not enough—leadership, service, and major fit matter.

Is there a work or service requirement?
Yes. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program includes a one-year USDA service commitment for each year of funding received. This is a major career pipeline—but also a long-term obligation families should understand.

Do these scholarships stack with UMES tuition waivers?
Usually no. Full-ride or near-full awards typically replace institutional tuition waivers rather than stack on top of them. Pell Grants and some external scholarships may still apply.

Are non-STEM majors competitive for flagship awards?
Generally no. UMES’s largest flagship scholarships are tightly tied to Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources, and STEM fields. Students in other majors usually look to Honors or departmental awards instead.

What’s the best family strategy?
Plan affordability using UMES’s base costs, automatic tuition reductions, and state or federal aid. Treat flagship scholarships as high-impact bonuses—not the foundation.

Sources:
https://www.nfc.usda.gov/careers/apply/1890.php
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/pr/scholarships-ease-the-path-from-wor-wic-to-umes/
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/financialaid/

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

These scholarships don’t always show up automatically in award letters—but they can make a real dent in costs, especially when combined with tuition waivers, Pell Grants, and state aid. Many are department-based or have timing rules (deposit early, apply early).

Hidden-gem reality check: Department scholarships often depend on annual donor funding. Amounts and availability can change, and some departments have “one scholarship per student” rules.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility / Criteria Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Kinesiology Incoming Student Award $2,000 (one-time) Incoming students with ~2.75+ GPA*; award is first-come based on deposit/enrollment timing (“first 100” rule) No (timing-based) No Students who meet the GPA and deposit early—speed matters more than essays As spots fill (deposit timing)
Mack Alston, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Up to $2,500 Need-based; 2.5+ GPA; full-time enrollment; short essay required Yes No (typically one-time) Students who complete the extra application early and clearly document need Feb 9
UMES PA Fall Merit Scholarship $2,500 (program-set) Incoming PA cohort; entry/undergraduate GPA benchmark set by the program* No (automatic within program) No (term-based) PA admits who meet the entry GPA benchmark and enroll Program-set (Fall cohort)
UMES PA Spring Merit Scholarship $1,500 (program-set) Current PA students with ~3.5+ cumulative PA GPA* during the eligibility period No (automatic within program) No (term-based) PA students who perform at the top of the cohort academically Program-set (Spring term)
Rehabilitation Department Scholarships (Merit / Aspire) ~$500–$3,000
(typical departmental range) 		Department-based awards; “Merit” often targets ~3.5+ GPA*; “Aspire” often targets ~3.0–3.49 GPA*; rules vary by year Yes — department process Varies Students who apply through the department and meet the GPA band; department may award the single highest-value option Rolling / varies
Department “Hawk” Scholarships (Bucket) ~$1,000–$4,000 per year
(department-dependent) 		“Hawk” is often used as a label for department or donor awards (not one campus-wide scholarship); criteria and amounts vary by program* Usually yes Varies Students who contact their department early and complete the extra steps Varies (often spring–summer)

*GPA benchmarks and departmental ranges are estimates based on published descriptions and recent patterns; thresholds may change by year.

FAQ — Hidden Gem Scholarships at UMES

What’s the fastest “hidden gem” win at UMES?
The Kinesiology incoming award is a timing scholarship—if your student qualifies, depositing early can matter as much as GPA.

Do department scholarships stack with tuition waivers and Pell Grants?
Often yes. Many departmental scholarships apply as additional funding and can stack with Pell and state aid, subject to UMES cost-of-attendance limits and department rules.

What should students email departments to ask?
Ask directly: “Do you have departmental scholarships for my major, and what is the application process and timeline?” This simple question is how families uncover awards that never show up on big scholarship lists.

Is the Mack Alston scholarship renewable?
It is typically a one-time award. In some years, students may be allowed to reapply if funding continues—but families should not plan on renewal unless the scholarship office confirms it in writing.

How should families plan affordability if “hidden gems” aren’t guaranteed?
Use them as a bonus layer. Your affordability plan should rely first on tuition-rate reductions, federal aid, and Maryland programs—then treat hidden gems as upside.

Sources:
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/education/financial-aid-and-scholarships/
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/financialaid/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2021/07/Mack-Alston-Scholarship-Application-Form.pdf
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/pa/scholarships/
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/pa/umes-physician-assistant-spring-merit-scholarship/
https://wwwcp.umes.edu/rehab/financial-aid-2/

🎖 Richard A. Henson Honors Program at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

UMES does not operate a traditional Honors College, but it does offer a centralized Richard A. Henson Honors Program. Honors provides academic enrichment and access to a small number of honors-only scholarships that can stack with other aid.

Honors reality check: At UMES, Honors is primarily about academic experience and advising. Scholarships are real, but typically modest compared to flagship or tuition-waiver programs.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Richard A. Henson Honors Scholarship ~$1,000–$3,000 per year Admitted to Honors Program; ~3.3+ HS GPA*; SAT ~1100+ or ACT ~25+ (test-optional context) Yes — Honors application Yes — with Honors standing Students with strong academics who want smaller awards that stack Typically with Honors application (spring)
Miles Scholarship (Honors Upperclassmen) Varies
(often multi-thousand) 		Honors juniors/seniors; STEM or Human Ecology majors; underserved background* Yes Varies Upper-division Honors students with strong GPAs Varies by year

*GPA/test score ranges are estimates based on Honors program guidance and recent recipients; thresholds may change by year.

FAQ — Honors Program at UMES

Does being in Honors automatically mean more scholarship money?
No. Honors scholarships exist, but they are usually smaller awards. The biggest financial value comes from stacking Honors aid with tuition waivers, Pell Grants, and departmental scholarships.

Does Honors stack with the HBCU Initiative or Land-Grant scholarships?
Usually yes. Honors scholarships are typically added on top of other aid. However, full-ride programs like USDA 1890 generally replace most institutional awards.

Is the Honors Program competitive?
Moderately. UMES Honors is selective but accessible to students with strong academics. It is far less competitive than national flagship scholarships.

Who should seriously consider Honors?
Students planning for graduate school, research, or STEM careers who want closer faculty mentorship and structured academic support.

Who might skip Honors?
Students focused purely on minimizing cost may find more value in tuition waivers and departmental scholarships than in Honors participation alone.

⭐ College Specialty

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is a public land-grant HBCU with a national footprint in agriculture, food systems, STEM workforce development, and health sciences. Families often first discover UMES through its affordability and scholarship pathways, but the school’s real strength is how closely its academic programs are tied to federal agencies, research funding, and career pipelines—especially for students interested in science-driven or service-oriented careers.

Nationally Recognized Strength:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (1890 Land-Grant Institution) — UMES is one of the nation’s federally designated 1890 land-grant universities, which places it in a small group of HBCUs with direct USDA funding, priority access to research grants, and eligibility for flagship programs like the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program.
  • Agriculture, Environmental Science & Food Systems: National visibility through USDA partnerships, extension programs, and land-grant research; strong pathways into federal service, agribusiness, and sustainability roles.
  • STEM & Applied Sciences: Emphasis on hands-on research, faculty-mentored projects, and workforce-aligned degrees in biology, chemistry, engineering technology, and environmental sciences.
  • Health Sciences & Physician Assistant Studies: The PA program is one of UMES’s most competitive graduate offerings, with strong clinical placement outcomes and multiple internal merit scholarships.
  • Aviation Science & Professional Pathways: UMES is nationally known for Aviation Science, pairing technical training with management and safety coursework that feeds into commercial aviation and federal agencies.

✨ Wrapping It Up

University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a public land-grant HBCU where affordability is driven less by traditional GPA-based merit tiers and more by tuition-rate reductions, federal partnerships, and targeted pathway scholarships. Programs like the HBCU Initiative, Eastern Shore Regional Rate, and USDA-backed awards can dramatically lower costs when families understand how they work together.

Because UMES uses multiple residency-based tuition adjustments, the real price can look very different from the sticker price — especially for out-of-state students from HBCU-free states, transfer students, and those entering agriculture, STEM, or health-related fields. The biggest savings often come from knowing which programs adjust tuition first and which scholarships layer on top.

If UMES is on your list, the smartest move isn’t guessing what aid might appear — it’s comparing UMES side-by-side with similar public universities and seeing where tuition waivers, transfer pathways, and hidden departmental awards create the strongest value for your student.

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