University of Maryland Freshman Merit Scholarships 2025

The University of Maryland (UMD) presents a promising prospect to ambitious high school seniors seeking a cost-effective yet prestigious college experience in the United States. One of the best public universities in the country, UMD offers a variety of freshman scholarships based on merit, intended to honor outstanding academic and leadership achievement, and not on need.

These automatic, competitive scholarships are automatic and competitive, regardless of whether you are an in-state or an out-of-state student, and may make college more affordable than ever before. With ambitious goals, the UMD merit scholarship program is your opportunity to finance your future at one of the top-notch institutions.

Overview: What Is the UMD Freshman Merit Scholarship 2025?

The University of Maryland Freshman Merit Scholarships 2025 are competitive, first-year undergraduate scholarship awards for new first-year students enrolling at the University of Maryland in the Fall 2025 semester. These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance, leadership potential, and exceptional involvement in extracurricular activities during high school.

In contrast with need-based scholarships, UMD merit-based scholarships are fully merit-based. It means that your financial situation will not affect your eligibility; instead, your grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, honors, and essays will be the determining factors.

What Programs Are Covered?

Flexibility is one of the most significant merits of the UMD merit scholarships. They are open throughout the university’s undergraduate programs. As long as you are studying engineering, business, computer science, humanities, or arts, you will be open to selection.

• Level of Degree: Undergraduate
• Subject: All undergraduate majors found at UMD
• Application Mode: No additional scholarship form- automatic review.

Types of Scholarships Offered by UMD

UMD offers three primary types of merit scholarships for first-year students:

1. Banneker/Key Scholarship – UMD’s Highest Honor

UMD offers the most prestigious scholarship, the Banneker/Key Scholarship. It also aims to recruit the brightest and best students to enroll in its Honors College.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fees 100 percent paid 100 percent 100 percent
• Compulsory charges
• Board and lodging costs
• Book allowance
• Automatic entry into the Honors College

Eligibility Requirements:

• Apply to UMD early action: November 1, 2025
• Get to be part of the Honors College
• No need for an extra application

Selection Process:

The selection of finalists will be based on academic performance and leadership potential.

The invitation to an interview is sent to finalists no later than March 1, 2026

The announcements of the winners are made before April 1, 2026

Tip: Emphasize leadership skills, community work, and self-motivation in your application. These are the qualities that are valued in Banneker/Key finalists.

2. President’s Scholarship – Up to $12,500 Annually

This is a scholarship awarded to students with high academic achievement across the U.S., demonstrating academic and leadership ability, as well as community service.

Award Amount:

An amount between 2,000 and 12,500 a year

• Four-year renewable

Eligibility:

• It is open to both out-of-state and in-state students
• Has to apply to UMD through the early action deadline

Evaluation based on:

• Academic record (GPA, coursework difficulty)
• Leadership and extra-curricular activities
• Honors and awards
• The quality of personal essays and applications

Award Notification:

• April 1, 2026, is the date when the recipients will be informed

3. Dean’s Scholarship – For In-State Students Only

The Dean scholarship is a nice source of funds that you can apply for if you are a resident of Maryland, as it will assist you in cutting down the cost of college in the first two years.

Award Options:

• $1,500 as a freshman

OR

• 4,500 per the first and second years

Selection Criteria:

• Excellence in academics
• Social and civic participation and awards
• Admission essay quality

Award Limitations:

• Non-renewable after sophomore year
• It gives the award to about 400 students every year
• April 1, 2026, notification

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Nationalities:

• U.S.citizens
• Eligible non-citizens, for example, permanent residents and certain visa holders

Not eligible: International students who are not eligible for federal benefits (i.e., no U. S. citizenship or qualifying visa/residency status).

How to Apply – A Seamless Process

The most awesome thing is? No additional scholarship application is required. When you apply to the UMD as an undergraduate, you automatically become eligible to receive a scholarship.

Application Checklist:

1. Fill out the Common App or Coalition App
2. Send all supporting materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores where applicable)
3. Early action deadline: November 1, 2025
4. Admitted to Fall 2026 (not spring admits)

Note: Scholarship awards are final and cannot be negotiated. Students are only eligible to receive a single merit scholarship during the admission process.

Additional Funding Opportunities at UMD

In addition to the merit scholarships available to all universities, UMD offers numerous departmental and external scholarship opportunities.

1. Scholarship Universe

UMD’s official scholarship-matching portal connects students to hundreds of private and university-based scholarships tailored to their background and interests.

• Departmental Scholarships

Scholarships available at individual colleges and academic departments (e.g., Engineering, Business, Arts & Humanities) are provided by the colleges and departments themselves. These can be subject to distinct applications.

Key Dates to Remember

Task	Deadline
Early Action Application	November 1, 2025
Banneker/Key Interview Invites	By March 1, 2026
Scholarship Decisions	By April 1, 2026

Why Choose UMD?

• The U.S. Top 20 Public University.
• Top research institute
• Multicultural/inclusive campus community
• High regard towards scholastic and innovative development
• Location closer to Washington, D.C., where internship and job opportunities prevail

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Future

Being a merit scholarship holder at the University of Maryland is a highly privileged achievement that paves the way for academic, personal, and professional success. This is why you should apply early, demonstrating your leadership skills and achievements; otherwise, you have a high probability of receiving substantial financial support. Do not delay and mark November 1, 2025, in your calendar to take a step closer to becoming part of the dynamic academic environment at UMD and holding a scholarship in your pocket.