Scholarships and Financial Aid

The University of Maryland offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships to new and current students. Merit-based scholarships are awarded solely on academic or creative talent. Need-based scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. Scholarship awards are independent of admission to the Honors College. There are no separate applications for merit scholarships.

All students who apply by the November 1st early action deadline are automatically considered. Merit scholarship award notifications are mailed beginning in mid-March. All students who wish to be considered for need-based aid should fill out the FAFSA. Students can be awarded both merit and need-based scholarships in the same academic year.

Freshman applicants admitted to the Honors College are automatically considered for the most prestigious merit scholarship offered to incoming UMD freshman, the Banneker/Key scholarship. The Banneker/Key scholarship can cover up to the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, room and board, and a book allowance. Learn more about the Banneker/Key scholarship.