The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is dedicated to making higher education accessible and affordable. UMGC offers over 100 scholarships across diverse categories to help students fund their education. These university of maryland global campus scholarships range from merit-based to need-based awards. By reducing educational costs, UMGC scholarships significantly ease the financial burden many students face.
This comprehensive guide will explain UMGC’s broad scholarship offerings, provide tips for submitting strong applications, and outline additional financial aid resources for prospective and current students. Read on to learn about the numerous opportunities to save on your UMGC education.
Understanding UMGC Scholarships
UMGC scholarships are monetary awards provided to students to cover portions of their educational costs. These scholarships help talented and deserving students attend the university by reducing financial barriers.
Unlike student loans which must be repaid with interest, scholarships do not need to be returned. This makes them an attractive option for limiting debt while completing a degree.
UMGC offers scholarships across many categories catering to diverse groups of applicants. There are options for both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing their degrees online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Opportunities exist for civilian students as well as active-duty service members, veterans and their families.
Awards vary in amount, with some scholarships covering full tuition and others offering smaller sums. Students receiving scholarships must meet minimum enrollment and academic standing requirements to maintain their funding.
Types of UMGC Scholarships
UMGC provides three central types of scholarships:
Institutional Scholarships
Institutional scholarships are funded by UMGC itself to support students across various categories. These include:
- UMGC general scholarships open to all admitted students
- Merit-based scholarships for academic achievement
- Need-based scholarships for students demonstrating financial need
- Diversity scholarships for underrepresented groups like first-generation students
- Program-specific scholarships in fields like cybersecurity and healthcare
The online application opens annually each spring. Students only need to complete one form which covers them for most institutional scholarships. UMGC prioritizes distributing limited awards to students with the greatest aptitude and need.
Donor-Funded Scholarships
Beyond its own allocations, UMGC receives scholarship funding from external donor sources. These awards establish specific focus areas such as:
- Academic concentrations like business or education
- Geographical regions
- Underserved communities
- Professional associations
Applications are submitted separately from UMGC’s main form. Each donor scholarship has unique eligibility and documentation stipulations students must meet. UMGC provides links and contacts to streamline the application process.
Scholarships for Service members and Veterans
UMGC has a long-standing relationship with the military community dating back to its founding in 1947. Special scholarships exist for:
- Active-duty personnel receiving military Tuition Assistance
- Veterans, including Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients
- Military spouses and dependents
These awards help minimize out-of-pocket costs associated with using military education benefits. UMGC also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to fund portions of tuition and fees exceeding Post-9/11 GI Bill limits.
Applying for UMGC Scholarships
Given limited award availability, students should approach UMGC scholarships strategically by:
Early Preparation
Begin compiling documentation and drafting application essays well in advance of deadlines. This helps ensure accuracy and completeness while allowing time for review. Keep organized records of requirements and contacts for follow-up.
Submitting the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for many scholarships and grants. Submit this form annually as early as possible when it opens on October 1st.
Strengthening Applications
Follow instructions closely, emphasizing unique accomplishments in essays. Letters of recommendation from faculty and employers can significantly boost candidacy. Thoroughly proofread all materials prior to submission.
UMGC Cyber Scholarship Program
The U.S Department of Defense partners with UMGC to prepare personnel for cybersecurity roles through the Cyber Scholarship Program (CySP). This covers full tuition costs, provides cash awards, and guarantees post-graduation federal employment.
Eligible students must be DoD-affiliated, including active duty military, veterans, civil servants, and contractors. Visit the CySP website for details on requirements and deadlines. Select awardees may also qualify for application fee waivers.
Additional Financial Aid Resources
Beyond scholarships, UMGC students can supplement costs through:
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are needs-based awards given to undergraduate students without repayment. Apply by submitting the FAFSA.
Outside Scholarships
Many external organizations and professional groups offer scholarships to UMGC students. Consult databases like Fastweb and the UMGC Financial Aid website.
Conclusion
UMGC connects students worldwide to high-quality, affordable and flexible higher education. By offering numerous scholarship opportunities, the university helps learners achieve their academic and professional goals without taking on excessive loan debt.
Be sure to conduct thorough scholarship searches using the tips and resources covered in this guide. Small awards can add up to thousands in savings over your college career.
References
[1] UMGC, “Institutional & Donor-Funded Scholarships”
[2] UMGC, “Military and Veterans Affairs”
[3] UMGC, “Yellow Ribbon Program”
[4] U.S. Department of Defense, “Cyber Scholarship Program”
About UMGC
University of Maryland Global Campus is an online college providing undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates, to adult students worldwide. With an innovative distributed learning model, students can study without ever stepping foot on a physical campus.