UMBC offers a variety of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is committed to providing resources and guidance to make education affordable and accessible.

Types of Financial Aid:

1. Scholarships:

   • Merit-Based Scholarships:
     • Awarded to incoming freshmen and transfer students based on academic performance.
     • Examples include the UMBC Presidential Scholarship and the Transfer Academic Scholarship.
   • Departmental Scholarships:
     • Offered by specific academic programs or departments.
     • Students should check with their department for availability and criteria.
   • Private Scholarships:
     • External scholarships from organizations, foundations, or corporations.

2. Grants:

   • Federal Pell Grant:
     • Need-based grant for undergraduate students.
   • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
     • For undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
   • Maryland State Grants and Scholarships:
     • Includes programs like the Guaranteed Access Grant and the Educational Assistance Grant.

3. Loans:

   • Federal Direct Loans:
     • Subsidized and unsubsidized loans available to eligible students.
   • Parent PLUS Loans:
     • Loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students.
   • Private Loans:
     • Available through private lenders.

4. Work-Study Programs:

   • Provides part-time job opportunities for students with financial need.
   • Jobs are available on-campus or with approved off-campus employers.

5. Emergency Financial Assistance:

   • Short-term financial assistance for students facing unexpected financial hardships.

How to Apply for Financial Aid:

1. Complete the FAFSA:

   • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov.
   • UMBC’s school code: 002105.
   • Priority deadline: March 1.

2. Submit Additional Documents:

   • Students may be required to provide verification documents or supplementary forms.

3. Review Financial Aid Offer:

   • Award notifications are sent through the myUMBC portal.

4. Explore Scholarships:

   • Visit UMBC’s Scholarship Retriever Portal to search and apply for available scholarships.

Contact Information:

• Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships:
  • Email: finaid@umbc.edu
  • Phone: (410) 455-2387
  • Location: Library Pondside Office Complex

UMBC’s financial aid resources ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds can access high-quality education. For more details, visit the Financial Aid Office.