University of Maryland USA Freshman Merit Scholarship 2025
Are you a high-performing student looking to fund your college education? The University of Maryland (UMD) offers a range of freshman merit scholarships designed to recognize the most academically promising students. These prestigious, competitive scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence—not financial need—and can significantly reduce the cost of attending one of the nation’s top public universities.
Degree Level
University of Maryland USA Freshman Merit Scholarship 2025 is available to undertake Undergraduate level programs at University of Maryland.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
The University of Maryland merit scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and potential for leadership. These scholarships support the university’s commitment to enrolling top-tier students and fostering a vibrant academic community.
Key Benefits:
- No separate application is required
- Automatic consideration with early action admission
- Awards range from $1,500 up to full tuition, housing, and more
- Both in-state and out-of-state students may be eligib
Eligible Nationalities
The University of Maryland’s freshman merit scholarships (Banneker/Key, President’s, Dean’s Scholarship) are available to:
- U.S. citizens
- Eligible non‑citizens who meet federal criteria (e.g., permanent residents, certain visa holders)
International students without U.S. citizenship or eligible non‑citizen status are not eligible for these merit awards.
Eligibility Criteria
Banneker/Key Scholarship – UMD’s Most Prestigious Award
The Banneker/Key Scholarship is the highest merit award offered at the University of Maryland. It provides:
- Full tuition
- Mandatory fees
- Housing and dining
- A book allowance
- Admission to the Honors College
Eligibility:
All students admitted to the Honors College by the early action deadline are considered. No separate application is required.
Selection Process:
- Finalists are invited for an interview in late February or early March
- Interview invitations sent by March 1
- Scholarship notifications by April 1
The Banneker/Key Scholarship seeks to identify students who are not only academically excellent but also show promise as future leaders and contributors to the UMD campus community.
President’s Scholarship – Up to $12,500 Per Year
The President’s Scholarship is open to both in-state and out-of-state students and offers:
- Four-year awards ranging from $2,000 to $12,500 per year
Recipients are selected based on:
- Academic records
- Extracurricular involvement
- Awards and leadership roles
- Personal essays
Notification Date:
Scholarship offers are announced by April 1.
Dean’s Scholarship – Up to $4,500 for Two Years
The Dean’s Scholarship is available to in-state students only and includes:
- $1,500 for freshman year or
- $4,500 over freshman and sophomore years
This scholarship is not renewable beyond sophomore year.
Selection Criteria:
- Strong academic achievement
- Meaningful extracurricular engagement
- Recognized accomplishments and honors
- Admission essay quality
Award Notification:
Recipients will be notified by April 1. Approximately 400 students receive the Dean’s Scholarship each fall.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities at UMD
In addition to university-wide awards, students admitted to UMD can explore more funding through:
1. Scholarship Universe
This online tool connects students with external scholarships based on their profile and eligibility.
2. Departmental Scholarships
Many academic departments at UMD offer scholarships to outstanding students in specific majors. Contact the respective college, school, or department for detailed information.
Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Chances
If you’re a high school senior aiming to receive a merit scholarship from the University of Maryland, be sure to:
- Apply for admission by November 1 (early action)
- Submit a complete and compelling application
- Highlight academic achievements, leadership, and goals
The University of Maryland’s freshman scholarships are an excellent opportunity to fund your education while joining a dynamic, academically driven community.
Application Procedure
How to Qualify for UMD Freshman Scholarships
To be automatically considered for a University of Maryland merit scholarship, students must:
- Submit a completed undergraduate admission application
- Include all required materials by the November 1, 2025 early action deadline
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be admitted for the fall semester (spring admits are not eligible)
Scholarship recipients are selected based on:
- Academic achievement (GPA, coursework rigor)
- Standardized test scores (if submitted)
- Extracurricular involvement
- Awards and honors
- Application essays
Please note: Scholarship decisions are final and cannot be appealed, and students are only eligible for one merit scholarship through the admissions process.
Deadline:
To be eligible for UMD’s merit-based awards, apply by November 1, 2025, and you’ll receive any scholarship offers by April 1, 2026.
