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In addition to federal and state grants awarded based on financial need, various private scholarships are available for students enrolled in programs at USG. These scholarships are created with contributions from private donors including the USG Board of Advisors, local businesses, foundations, community organizations, and individual donors.
Scholarship Applications
We host one online USG Scholarship Application prior to each Spring and Fall semester. All incoming and returning students are encouraged to apply each semester that they are taking courses at USG. The Fall 2026 USG Scholarship Application is NOW OPEN! Please start your application and fully submit; the priority deadline is June 30th, and the Final deadline is July 31st!
Access the USG Scholarship Portal Here and Apply now!
To apply for scholarships, click on the button above and create an account or sign in. Once signed in, click on "Start a New Application."
Please Note: Award decisions for the Spring 2026 application are complete. Please check your account portal for a decision and keep an eye out for any additional emails from the Center for Scholarships regarding award updates.
Questions?
Feel free to email usg-scholarships@umd.edu
Most scholarship notifications will be sent out the second week of each semester, however, you can check the status of your application throughout the scholarship review process by logging into your student scholarship account. Thank you for your patience.
Thank You Letter Information
To show gratitude and appreciation to our donors, USG requires that all recipients send a letter of thanks to their respective donors. Scholarship donors are generous and caring people who give to support the educational endeavors of students like you. Receiving a well-written thank you note from the student who received their scholarship is always special and lets the donor know how much you appreciate their support. Your note reminds them why they gave in the first place and often helps secure continuing gifts for future students.
Suggestions for your Thank You Letter:
- Keep your letter to one page.
- Convey your message in a clear and concise manner.
- Use your resume as a reference. Work or research experiences, study abroad, involvement in student organizations or student projects are all good topics to include in your letter, as well as your current academic progress and next steps.
- Proofread your letter. Make sure the donor's name and the name of the scholarship are correct. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Sometimes it is hard to proof your own work, so have someone else read the letter before finalizing it.
Please login to your account and attach your thank you letter, addressing the Donors listed on your award letter within 30 days of this notification. Failure to do so may impact the release of your scholarship.
Award Letter Example:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith:
First paragraph: Explain why you are writing the letter. Be sure to identify your scholarship, home institution, and the program you are enrolled in.
Second (and possibly third) paragraph: Tell the donor a little about yourself. You can briefly describe your research, any special programs or student organizations in which you participate, student projects, work experience, leadership experience, etc. You can also write about your academic progress and plans after you graduate.
Closing paragraph: Thank your donor again for the scholarship and let the donor know how much you appreciate their generous contribution to your education and to USG.
Sincerely,
Your Name, Typed
Institution Specific Awards
Institution Specific Awards have been designated for students enrolled in particular universities, each with its criteria and deadlines. Please speak to your advisor for more detailed information.
University System of Maryland Financial Aid and Scholarships
Scholarships for Maryland Community College Transfer Students- USM offers some partial scholarships that provide funding that can be used to address expenses that are part of the cost of attendance at a four-year USM institution. These partial scholarships range from $2,000 - $4,000 per academic year and are renewable for two years. Visit the webpage for additional eligibility details and submit an application before July 1st for consideration!
USM Women's Forum Scholarship Opportunities: The USM Women's Forum is proud to support leadership development and professional growth through scholarship opportunities for faculty, staff, and students across the University Systems of Maryland. The student scholarship application is available until June 15th.
Board of Regents Student Excellence Scholarships- The University System of Maryland (USM) Regents Scholarships are the most prestigious scholarships awarded by the USM. These full scholarships for Maryland residents who are graduates of Maryland community colleges cover the cost of tuition and required fees, a room and meal plan (or the institution's calculated off-campus housing and food costs), and a $1,000 annual stipend for educational expenses such as books or computing equipment. They may be used at any USM institution that awards undergraduate degrees. Some are restricted for those who have demonstrated financial need, but all require a very high GPA and other evidence of excellence. They can be renewed to cover four semesters if eligibility is maintained, including a 3.2 at GPA at the four-year institution. This scholarship opportunity is closed and winners will be announced on May 4, 2026. Keep an eye out for its reopening for the upcoming semester.
For a complete list of USM Scholarship Resources, please click here.
State Financial Assistance Programs and Applications
For more information, please visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
2+2 Transfer Scholarship
The 2+2 Transfer Scholarship is designed to assist and encourage transfer students from Maryland community colleges to attend a 4-year institution within the State. Students must be enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution.
When and How to Apply
Students currently enrolled full-time or part-time as degree-seeking students at a community college in Maryland. Students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA application by March 1 for priority awarding. FAFSA applications submitted after March 1 will be considered as long as funding is available. Complete and submit the 2+2 Transfer Scholarship application and all supporting documents by March 1 for priority consideration. Applications and documents submitted after March 1 and before May 1 will be accepted if funding is available. The application is available in MD CAPS.
For students who enroll in a science, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or nursing program, the award will be $2,000. For all other students, the annual award will be $1,000. The award can be renewed for a total of 3 years of student, or six semesters, whichever is longer. For more information please visit the MHEC webpage.
Maryland Delegate & Senatorial Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by Maryland Delegates and State Senators to residents of their legislative districts. Some of these opportunities are embedded in our USG Scholarship Application. Identify your Representative based on your district of residence and reach out for potential application opportunities.
Third-Party Scholarships
Please see this list of resources compiled by the Women Legislators of Maryland from the MD General Assembly. Linked here is a list of Scholarships for Maryland Women offered for numerous programs with varying eligibility requirements. Do not miss out on these abundant financial support opportunities!
Scholarship Institute.org: The Scholarship Institute believes that every student deserves access to quality education without unnecessary financial barriers. This database compiles accessible scholarship opportunities for students of all different backgrounds, programs, and enrollment details.
The Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Program: This scholarship opportunity is open to undergraduate students enrolled in UMCP, UMB, UMBC, and TU for the 2026-2027 school year. Eligible students must be US Citizens or US Permanent Residents who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership potential, service to their communities and more. Please see the linked page for more details and submit your application before March 27, 2026!
Sardi's Scholarship in Memorial of Philip G. Sardelis: Sardi's has an established scholarship program to assist undergraduate students. Eligible students must reside within 10 miles of any Sardi's Pollo a La Brasa restaurant and plan to continue their education at a two or four-year university. Submit an application before the final deadline of April 3, 2026.
Dunkin' Baltimore/Metro DC Regional Scholarship: Dunkin' and its franchisees are committed to a strong local community. This regional program has been established to recognize the importance of education and provide support to residents of the community and extended family. This program will award up to fifty $2,500 scholarships to qualified students throughout the region. Review the application requirements and submit an app before the April 15 deadline!
The Young Scholars Fund: The Giving Foundation for Women and Children provides scholarships and additional support to young mothers pursuing higher education degrees and mentoring help to improve their success. This scholarship opportunity is available to undergraduate students within 50 miles of metropolitan Washington, DC. Please submit an application by April 24, 2026 for ample consideration and reach out to GFWC for additional information.
SECU Scholarships for Maryland Community College Students: SECU Credit Union is offering $10k in scholarships to 20 MD students transferring to a four-year institution for the 2026-2027 academic year! Students who plan on transferring this year or have done so in the past 18 months are able to be considered for these awards. Applicants must be a SECU member to submit an application before the May 1st deadline. Sign up to learn more and submit your application today!
Lucas Law Legal Leaders Scholarship: This $1,000 scholarship opportunity is available to students pursuing a legal career. Our scholarship deadline for Fall 2026 is May 18, 2026. For additional information on this exciting opportunity, please visit their website. For any questions regarding our scholarship, feel free to email lucaslawscholarship@gmail.com.
Baker Law Firm's Pillars of Justice Scholarship: This opportunity provides support for college students who are preparing for careers in criminal justice. The scholarship provides $1,000 in funding to use toward a person's college education. The award may be used on tuition, room and board, books, or other expenses. The deadline for Fall 2026 submissions is May 20, 2026. See their website for further eligibility details; questions or concerns may be sent to scholarships@lbakerlawfirm.com.
The Power of Change Scholarship: Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. is excited to share their scholarship opportunity made to support the education of future educators, politicians, lawyers, and other policymakers. Full-time students enrolled in political science or criminal justice programs can apply for this Fall 2026 application. Applicants must submit their essay and application by May 27, 2026 to be considered for the $1,000 award. More information can be found on their website.
Live it Up Nursing Scholarship: Live it Up offers a $1,000 recurring scholarship open to all nursing students, designed to alleviate their financial burdens and empower them to serve as health advocates in healthcare institutions and local communities. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2026 with winners announced on July 1, 2026.
Dedicated Volunteer Scholarship: This scholarship program created by Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law is made to support students who understand the immense value of giving back to their community. This scholarship opportunity is open to students over 18 years old who are enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program for the Fall 2026 semester. Visit their website for further details and complete the application by the deadline of June 3rd, 2026.
Healthcare Professional Scholarship: The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC, an Illinois law firm, is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a student who will be enrolled for Fall 2026 in an accredited U.S. medical, pre-med, pharmacy, pre-pharmacy, nursing, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant program. The application deadline is June 8th, 2026; follow the link for further information and apply now!
Family First Scholarship: The Fealy Law Firm, PC is happy to offer their new scholarship opportunity! This scholarship is meant to support and empower single parents who are pursuing higher education. Applicants must be a single parent, at least 17 years old, and a permanent resident or citizen of the U.S. who will be enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester. Please see their website for further eligibility and submission details, contact scholarship@fealylawfirm.com for support and apply before the deadline of July 8th, 2026.
Salvado Law Dream Chaser Scholarship: Salvado Law Office is offering a $1,000 exclusively dedicated to empowering first-generation college students by recognizing their ambition and resilience in being the first in their family to pursue higher education and a career in law. Please visit the website for further eligibility criteria details for this Fall 2026 award and apply by the deadline of July 13, 2026.
Hope for Humanity Scholarship: The Estevez Group, PC is offering a scholarship program for students who have or are actively looking to work with a non-profit organization demonstrating a commitment to human rights and activism. The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students looking to better their communities in collaboration with a nonprofit. Please see more about eligibility and submission details on their webpage and submit an application before July 13, 2026 for Fall 2026 consideration.
Future Green Leaders Scholarship: This $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to fighting climate change and building a more sustainable future. Whether your path is in business, environmental science, sustainability, or a related field, this scholarship is for those determined to protect the planet and lead change. Submit your application before the June 17, 2026 deadline!
Rehabs.org Fall 2026 College Scholarship: Recognizing the disparities associated with addiction and overdose impacts, Rehabs.org decided to launch a free scholarship opportunity by providing financial assistance to college students in hopes to encourage more students to develop a passion for raising awareness about the risks and dangers associated with addiction. Review the eligibility requirements and complete your personal essay for a submission before the closing deadline of July 31st.
Legal Ethics Scholarship: This opportunity offered by James Kennedy Law for law and pre-law students passionate about upholding ethics within their field in combating the practices of barratry. This scholarship is open to students enrolled in an accredited law school or in a pre-law program at a U.S. college or university for the Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 semester. Please visit their webpage for eligibility and submission details before the application deadline of August 12, 2026.
The Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship: This $1,500 award is offered to a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, participation, leadership in school activities, work experience, and interest in pursuing a career in the health and fitness-related fields. The 2026 program will accept scholarship applications from August 1st, 2025, until 1,000 are submitted or August 1st, 2026, whichever comes first. Visit their website for additional information.
Global Perspective Scholarship: Rustic Pathways empowers students to positively impact lives and communities around the world through its innovative and responsible travel experiences. Their scholarship opportunity for Fall 2026 is now open with plans to award one student $1,000 and four students $250. Take some time to complete an essay for their application before the final deadline of August 27, 2026!
Workplace Rights Scholarship: Freedman Law, LLC, is dedicated to helping their clients address their legal concerns and fighting for their rights in the workplace. That is why they have launched this scholarship initiative to support students who are passionate about improving workers' rights and civil rights, spreading knowledge on employment law, and more. This scholarship can provide assistance for current or aspiring law school students and students who are pursuing careers in other fields. Please reach out to scholarship@freedlawfirm.com for further details and visit the webpage for eligibility requirements. Submit your application for Fall 2026 before 11:59pm on September 2, 2026.
Supporting Prisoners' Families Scholarship: This scholarship opportunity offered by Pullan & Young law firm has been established to support students who have family members who have been convicted of criminal offenses. Their goal is to help make college more affordable and accessible for those affected by family incarceration & to ensure that every student has access to education, regardless of their circumstances. Please follow the link for further eligibility details & reach out to scholarship@pullanyoung.com for further support. Be sure to submit an application prior to September 9, 2026 for Fall 2026 semester consideration.
USG External Scholarship Resources Guide- This curated webpage lists a handful of scholarship search engine databases as well as a handful of opportunities based on special populations, areas of study, and financial need.
Graduate School Scholarships
Find graduate school scholarships
Learn why scholarships—free money that you don’t have to pay back—are important and how to search for them to help you pay for graduate school.
Ways to pay for graduate school
Disclaimer: The resources provided on this site are for informational purposes only. This website contains links to other sites, which are not controlled, maintained, or endorsed by USG. USG provides this information for your reference only, and it is up to the individuals to make their own decisions or to consult with a legal or licensed advisor. We encourage you to exercise caution and be mindful of potential scholarship scams.
This scholarship honestly made me so happy. I thought to myself, it's great to see a reward like this. I also remember what my football coaches told me: 'when you do what you need to do in school, everything else will take care of itself'.
2016 Macklin Achievement Scholar