As a public, state university, the University of Maryland is a more affordable option than many other colleges and universities, but many students and families still need financial assistance to help afford the major investment of a college education.
All students are expected to contribute towards the cost of their college education, but how much you and your family will be expected to contribute depends on your financial situation—this is referred to as your Expected Family Contribution or EFC. Every student should complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Financial Student Aid. FAFSA is the application used by nearly all colleges and universities to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a postsecondary institution and eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. To be considered for federal financial aid, you must complete and submit a FAFSA. Submitting this application gives you access to the largest pool of financial aid dollars and loans with the best terms.
The University of Maryland offers many forms of financial aid, including merit- and need-based scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment (also known as Federal Work Study). Information about how to apply for financial aid at UMD is available on the Financial Aid/Scholarships section of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website.
The School of Public Health also provides some scholarships for undergraduate students in need, including:
The Jerry P. Wrenn Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor Dr. Jerry P. Wrenn. Dr. Wrenn was a faculty member, student advisor, assistant/associate dean of student services, and finally dean of the College of Health and Human Performance (which became the School of Public Health), where his commitment to undergraduate education was well-known. Each year, this Scholarship helps fund outstanding SPH seniors who demonstrate financial need. The Jerry P. Wrenn Endowed Scholarship was originally established in 2008. Since the beginning, it has provided assistance for eight to 10 SPH students per year. Students in all SPH degree programs, including Public Health Science students at Shady Grove, are eligible to apply for a Wrenn scholarship if they meet the academic requirements.
For more information on how to apply, please contact our academic advising office.
School of Public Health Student Emergency Scholarship
This emergency fund was established to help keep current students when they are confronted with a financial emergency that could prevent them from remaining in school. The funds are used to respond to immediate financial situations that directly impact the student's ability to attend and function in classes. In response to current economic conditions, this special emergency fund was established and has already been able to provide immediate assistance to help keep students in school.
For more information on how to apply, please contact our academic advising office.
TerpStart Scholarships
Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain satisfactory progress toward a degree. Recipients are awarded a $1000 scholarship for Fall and Spring semesters so long as they meet eligibility.
Other strategies for identifying financial support to afford college include applying for national grants, local scholarships, and public service programs. National grants include Pell Grants, Academic Competitiveness Grants, and National SMART Grants. Ask your guidance counselor for assistance in identifying other grant programs. Many local civic and religious institutions often have financial aid available in the form of scholarships. Contact those organizations in your home community and with which you and your family are involved to learn what is available. Finally, public service programs, such as Peace Corp, AmeriCorps, National Health Services Corps, and ROTC programs offer college money in exchange for a service commitment after college. Explore these options to see if one might fit with your academic and career goals.
Other Financial Aid Options
The Federal Government provides aid to more than 10 million students each year with grants, low-interest loans and work-study programs. Federal student aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America. These programs provide more than $80 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance.
Freshmen applying to the University of Maryland will automatically be considered for several university scholarships. Transfer students may apply for the Transfer Merit Scholarships if they qualify.
Scholarships may be also available from the Federal and State government, local companies or your parent's workplace.
For additional information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the UMD Office of Student Financial Aid website.