University of Maryland Freshman Merit Scholarships 2025 (USA)

The University of Maryland (UMD) offers competitive Freshman Merit Scholarships to academically exceptional students entering undergraduate programs. These scholarships are designed to reward outstanding academic performance and leadership potential—not financial need.

Host Institution: University of Maryland
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Fields of Study: All Subjects
Scholarship Type: Merit-based (Partial Funding to Full Tuition)
Eligible Applicants: U.S. Citizens & Eligible Non-Citizens
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Scholarship Notification: By April 1, 2026

Scholarship Benefits

UMD’s Freshman Merit Scholarships vary in value and benefits, with some covering full tuition, housing, and more. All awards are based on academic merit and require no separate application. Key benefits include:

• Automatic consideration for early action applicants

• Awards from $1,500 up to full tuition, housing, and other expenses

• Available to both in-state and out-of-state students

Types of Scholarships

1. Banneker/Key Scholarship (Most Prestigious)

• Covers:

  • Full tuition and mandatory fees

  • Housing and dining

  • Book allowance

  • Admission to the Honors College

• Eligibility:

  • Students admitted to the Honors College by early action deadline

  • No separate application required

• Selection Process:

  • Finalist interviews held in February or March

  • Invitations sent by March 1

  • Decisions announced by April 1

2. President’s Scholarship (Up to $12,500 per Year)

• Award Amount:

  • Four-year awards ranging from $2,000 to $12,500 per year

• Selection Based On:

  • Academic excellence

  • Extracurricular activities

  • Leadership roles and honors

  • Personal essays

• Notification: By April 1

3. Dean’s Scholarship (In-State Students Only)

• Award Options:

  • $1,500 for freshman year only

  • $4,500 spread across freshman and sophomore years

• Selection Criteria:

  • Academic performance

  • Extracurricular involvement

  • Awards and essay quality

• Recipients: Around 400 annually

• Notification Date: By April 1

Additional Funding Opportunities

1. Scholarship Universe

An online platform that matches students with external scholarships based on their profile and eligibility.

2. Departmental Scholarships

Individual colleges and academic departments at UMD may offer additional awards based on your chosen major. Contact your intended department for more information.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must apply for undergraduate admission by November 1, 2025

• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (e.g., permanent resident)

• Must be admitted for the Fall semester (Spring admissions are not eligible)

• No separate scholarship application is required

• Must submit a complete application, including:

  • Transcripts

  • Optional standardized test scores

  • Personal essays

  • Extracurricular involvement and leadership experience

Note: International students who do not meet federal eligibility criteria are not eligible for these scholarships.

Application Process

To qualify for UMD’s Freshman Merit Scholarships:

1. Apply for Undergraduate Admission
   Submit your application via the University of Maryland portal or the Common App.

2. Meet the Early Action Deadline
   Ensure all materials are received by November 1, 2025.

3. Wait for Notification
   Scholarship decisions will be released by April 1, 2026.

Only one merit scholarship is awarded per student. Decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

FAQs – University of Maryland Freshman Scholarships

1. Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?

No. All applicants who apply by the early action deadline are automatically considered.

2. Can international students apply for these merit scholarships?

No. Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens (as defined by federal guidelines) are eligible.

3. Can I receive more than one merit scholarship?

No. Students can only be awarded one merit scholarship through the admissions process.

4. What if I’m admitted in the spring semester?

Spring admits are not eligible for these merit-based scholarships.

5. When will I know if I’ve received a scholarship?

All scholarship decisions will be announced by April 1, 2026.