Getting a college degree is a big step towards building a better future. But let’s be honest—college can be expensive! If you’re considering the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), you may be wondering how to pay for your education.
The good news? UMGC offers many scholarships to help students reduce tuition costs. Whether you are a Maryland resident, military service member, transfer student, or someone facing financial challenges, UMGC has scholarships that can help you afford your education.
This guide will cover:
✅ What UMGC scholarships are available?
✅ Who can apply for these scholarships?
✅ How to apply for UMGC scholarships?
✅ Extra tips to increase your chances of winning a scholarship
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the details to help you apply for UMGC scholarships and reduce your college expenses.
Types of Scholarships at UMGC
UMGC offers different types of scholarships to help students pay for their education. These scholarships come from UMGC itself, donors, military programs, the state of Maryland, and private organizations.
Here are the main types of UMGC scholarships:
1️⃣ UMGC Institutional Scholarships & Grants
2️⃣ Donor-Funded Scholarships
3️⃣ Military & Veteran Scholarships
4️⃣ Maryland State Scholarships & Grants
5️⃣ Private (Third-Party) Scholarships & Grants
Let’s go through each one in detail!
1. UMGC Institutional Scholarships & Grants
These scholarships are directly provided by UMGC to help students pay for their tuition. UMGC gives out over $15 million in scholarships and grants every year!
📌 Examples of UMGC Institutional Scholarships & Grants:
- MD Completion Scholarship – Helps Maryland community college graduates lower their tuition costs.
- Graduate Out-of-State Scholarship – Helps non-Maryland residents save money on a master’s degree.
- PG County 3D Scholars – Allows Prince George’s County public high school students to earn a bachelor’s degree for less than $10,000.
- Homeless/Foster Care Waiver – Offers tuition waivers for homeless youth or foster care students.
Other UMGC Institutional Scholarships & Grants
- Alumni Succeed Again Scholarship – Offers up to $2,000 to UMGC alumni who want to return for a master’s degree.
- Maryland Resident Success Grant – Provides a $1,500 need-based grant to Maryland residents.
- President’s Grant – Offers a $1,400 need-based grant to students in financial need.
- President’s Scholarship – A merit-based scholarship that awards up to $2,000.
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship – A scholarship up to $3,000 for members of Phi Theta Kappa.
- Student Aid Fund for Emergency Relief (SAFER) – Helps students who are experiencing financial emergencies.
💡 Tip: Many of these scholarships automatically consider students who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). So, apply for FAFSA early!
2. Donor-Funded Scholarships
UMGC receives donations from alumni, individuals, and organizations. These donations are used to fund over 100 scholarships each year.
📌 Important facts about donor-funded scholarships:
- There is one universal application for all donor-funded scholarships.
- You cannot apply for individual donor-funded scholarships. Instead, UMGC invites eligible students to apply every spring.
- These scholarships have specific eligibility requirements, such as academic achievements, financial need, or field of study.
How to Apply for Donor-Funded Scholarships
1️⃣ Complete the FAFSA (if required).
2️⃣ Look for an email invitation from UMGC (sent in spring).
3️⃣ Fill out the UMGC Donor Scholarship Application before the deadline.
4️⃣ Submit all required documents, like essays or recommendation letters.
💡 Tip: These scholarships are competitive because funding is limited. Even if you don’t get one in the first year, keep applying each year!
3. Military & Veteran Scholarships
UMGC is known for its strong support for military students and veterans. If you are an active-duty service member, veteran, or military spouse, you may qualify for special scholarships.
📌 Examples of Military & Veteran Scholarships:
- Pillars of Strength Scholarship Program – Covers full tuition for caregivers of wounded military service members.
- UMGC-NMFA Scholarship for Military Spouses – Helps military spouses pursue their education.
- Veterans Assistance Fund – Offers financial help for veterans facing economic hardship.
- Student Veteran of the Year Scholarship – Recognizes outstanding veterans in school.
- Veterans Initiatives Office Scholarships – Additional scholarships for veterans and military students.
💡 Tip: If you’re using GI Bill® benefits or Tuition Assistance (TA), some military scholarships may be automatically applied.
4. Maryland State Scholarships & Grants
If you live in Maryland, you may qualify for state-funded scholarships from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).
📌 Examples of Maryland State Scholarships:
- Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant – For low-income Maryland residents.
- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship – Helps students transferring from a Maryland community college to UMGC.
- Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program – For students studying cybersecurity.
- Maryland Police Officer Scholarship Program – For students pursuing a career in law enforcement.
- Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship – For students who want to become teachers.
How to Apply for Maryland State Scholarships
1️⃣ Complete the FAFSA by March 1 (most scholarships require it).
2️⃣ Apply through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) website.
3️⃣ Check UMGC’s financial aid office for assistance.
💡 Tip: Many state grants are first-come, first-served, so apply as early as possible!
5. Private (Third-Party) Scholarships & Grants
Many outside organizations offer scholarships to UMGC students. These scholarships come from foundations, corporations, and non-profits.
📌 Examples of Third-Party Scholarships:
- Generation Hope Scholarship – For students who are young parents.
- Army Emergency Relief Scholarship – For military families.
- AmeriCorps Education Award – For those who have served in AmeriCorps programs.
- UNCF Scholarships – Offered by the United Negro College Fund for minority students.
How to Apply for Third-Party Scholarships
1️⃣ Search for scholarships on websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board.
2️⃣ Check UMGC’s financial aid website for additional resources.
3️⃣ Apply directly to each scholarship provider and follow their application requirements.
💡 Tip: Private scholarships can be combined with UMGC scholarships, so apply for as many as possible!
How to Apply for UMGC Scholarships
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
Many scholarships require the FAFSA, so submit it as early as possible.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Visit the UMGC scholarships page to see which scholarships you qualify for.
Step 3: Submit Applications on Time
Each scholarship has different deadlines and requirements—don’t miss them!
Step 4: Monitor Your UMGC Account
Some scholarship invitations are sent via email or student portals, so check them often.
Final Thoughts: Can You Get a UMGC Scholarship?
Yes! Whether you are a Maryland resident, military student, transfer student, or someone in financial need, UMGC offers many scholarships to help reduce tuition costs.
✅ Best tips to get a UMGC scholarship:
1️⃣ Apply for FAFSA early.
2️⃣ Check all UMGC, Maryland, and private scholarships.
3️⃣ Meet all deadlines and apply every year.
By following these steps, you can reduce your tuition costs and earn your degree without financial stress! 🎓💰