Introducing the USG Transfer Pathway

Here’s your three-step process to transfer seamlessly from community college (or another university) into a bachelor’s program offered by one of nine Maryland universities on the USG campus, and earn a $500 USG Transfer Scholarship*!

  1. Connect with a USG Transfer Coach.
  2. Meet with an Academic Advisor
    • Recommended for students who have completed 30+ college credits.
    • Connect with an academic advisor from your program(s) and institution(s) of interest for guidance to ensure you complete the correct pre-requisites to transfer into their program. Once you have met with that academic advisor, complete this quick self-report form to log that you have completed this step.
    • Your USG transfer coach will provide you information on how to connect with your program of interest for pre-transfer advising. You can also find your program's information within USG's Degree Programs page.
  3. Attend a Transfer Express Session
    • Recommended for students who have completed 45+ college credits.
    • Attend an academic and financial prep workshop to set yourself up for success.
    • Check our Transfer Express Event Page to register for the next Transfer Express Session. 

After completing these three steps, you must apply to the USG Scholarship during the semester before you plan to enroll in a program offered at USG in order to receive the $500 Transfer Scholarship*. For fall enrollment, the USG Scholarship priority deadline is June 30th; the final deadline is July 31st. For spring enrollment, the priority deadline is November 30th; the final deadline is December 31st. 

*Currently the $500 Transfer Scholarship is only available for new students planning to enroll in Spring 2026 or Fall 2026. 

**The scholarship amount is prorated for part-time enrollment.

Sign Up to Receive Customized USG Information

Receive additional information on your programs of interest and reminders about the USG Transfer Pathway and upcoming prospective student events. 

Sign up here. 

For Dual Enrolled Students

If you are a current MCPS student participating in a dual enrollment program at Montgomery College, your admissions process to a program at USG might be slightly different than the traditional transfer application process. Please make sure to connect with the admissions representative from your institution. 

Academic Programs That Match the Transfer Pathway Scholarship

Some academic programs offered by USG’s partner universities are matching the $500 USG Transfer Pathway Scholarship, providing additional financial support for eligible transfer students. Students who complete the Transfer Pathway and enroll in a participating program may receive even greater cost savings as they continue toward their bachelor’s degree.

UMD Biocomputation Engineering (Fall 2026)

  • The program is offering a $500 matching scholarship for any Biocomputational Engineering student who meets the USG Transfer Pathway Scholarship eligibility requirements.
  • Internal UMD College Park transfer students who enroll in the Biocomputational Engineering program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher will receive a $1,000 scholarship.  

UMD Mechatronics Engineering (AY 2025-2026 and AY 2026-2027)

  • All students admitted for the 2025–2026 OR 2026-2027 academic years are eligible to receive up to $2,000 in scholarship support from the Mechatronics Engineering program.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required to maintain eligibility.
  • The scholarship is renewable for up to two years, contingent on available funding.

UMD Robert H. Smith School of Business (Fall 2026)

  • All full-time students admitted to the Smith School of Business' Accounting, Management, or Marketing programs for Fall 2026 at Shady Grove will automatically receive merit-based scholarships.
  • Awards start at $1,000 and may reach $5,000 per academic year, depending on individual circumstances.
  • Eligibility is based on GPA and the rigor of prior coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply to join the USG Transfer Pathway?

Nope! There is no application for the USG Transfer Pathway, just start with any step of the pathway to get on it. The only application you will need to complete is the USG Scholarship application if you are transferring to USG in Spring 2026 or Fall 2026. 

 

When should I start the Transfer Pathway?

You can start the Transfer Pathway as early as your first year of college. Starting early gives you more time to plan your courses, connect with advisors, and stay on track for a smooth transfer. Many students begin once they’ve earned about 30 college credits, but you’re welcome to connect with a USG Transfer Coach at any point.

 

What happens if I miss the scholarship application deadline?

To receive the $500 Transfer Pathway Scholarship, you must complete all three pathway steps and submit the USG Scholarship application by the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you may still transfer to USG, but you would no longer be eligible for the Transfer Pathway Scholarship. A Transfer Coach can help you explore other scholarship opportunities that may still be available.

 

What if I completed one of the steps before learning about the Transfer Pathway?

That’s okay! If you’ve already completed a step—such as meeting with an advisor or attending a Transfer Express session—your Transfer Coach can ensure it’s properly recorded. Be sure to connect with us so your progress is documented.

 

Can I complete the steps in any order?

Yes. While many students start with transfer coaching, the steps do not need to be completed in a specific order. The key is to complete all three steps before transferring and submit the USG Scholarship application by the deadline to qualify for the scholarship.

 

Which programs at USG participate in the Transfer Pathway?

All undergraduate degree programs offered at the Universities at Shady Grove participate in the Transfer Pathway. USG partners with nine Maryland universities, and students apply directly to the university offering their major while selecting USG as their campus.

 

Does completing the Transfer Pathway guarantee admission to a program?

No. Completing the Transfer Pathway does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are made by the individual university and academic program. However, completing the pathway helps ensure you are well-prepared, have completed the correct prerequisites, and understand the admissions process for your chosen program.

 

How do I track which Transfer Pathway steps I’ve completed?

Your progress is tracked by the USG Center for Transfer Access. After completing steps like pre-transfer advising or Transfer Express, you may be asked to submit a short form or confirm attendance. If you’re ever unsure about your status, you can contact a USG Transfer Coach for an update.

 

Who can I contact if I have questions or need help?

The USG Center for Transfer Access is here to support you. You can reach out to a USG Transfer Coach at any time for guidance on your personal transfer journey. Together, we make it happen.

shadygrove@umd.edu

301-738-6023