The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is one of the top universities offering a diverse online learning platform that caters to the global student body. With a commitment to flexibility and accessibility, UMGC’s online courses enable students to pursue their educational aspirations without geographical constraints, embodying the modern ethos of education without borders.
In today’s digital age, financial aid plays a critical role in democratizing online education, ensuring that students from various socio-economic backgrounds can partake in UMGC’s quality academic programs. Scholarships, in particular, serve as a beacon of hope for many, alleviating the financial burdens that often accompany the pursuit of higher education.
Therefore, in this blog post, we will talk about the various scholarship opportunities available at UMGC, highlighting the institution’s dedication to supporting its students’ educational journeys.
Types of Scholarships at UMGC
UMGC understands the financial challenges students face, and as a result of that, they offer a variety of scholarships to help ease the burden. Here are some of the scholarships available at UMGC. One thing you should know is that these scholarships are awarded directly by UMGC and recognized based on your achievements or financial needs.
1. Merit-based Scholarships
The merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence. For instance, the President’s Scholarship recognizes students with outstanding high school or transfer GPAs. Other merit-based scholarships may have specific criteria, such as a minimum GPA in a particular subject area or a record of exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities. In that case, the requirements will depend on the scholarship you are applying for.
2. Need-based Scholarships
Secondly, financial need is the primary factor in need-based scholarships. Scholarships under this category, like the Maryland Resident Success Grant, for instance, provide need-based aid specifically for Maryland residents. Other need-based scholarships may have additional requirements, such as being a first-generation college student or a single parent.
3. Specific Program or Affiliation-Based Scholarships
Lastly, the scholarships in this category are for students enrolled in specific programs or with certain affiliations. For example, the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is awarded to students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society for community colleges. Other program-specific scholarships might support students in high-demand fields like cybersecurity or nursing. Affiliation-based scholarships could also target veterans, military spouses, or students coming from specific high schools or workplaces that partner with UMGC.
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How to Find Scholarship Requirements For UMGC
Since there are no specific requirements as a result of multiple scholarships offered by the university, how can you find the scholarship of your choice? To ease your stress, here are a few steps to take:
The first step is to visit the UMGC scholarship website. This is your best first stop. The UMGC financial aid webpage has a dedicated section on scholarships. It outlines the different types of scholarships available (institutional and external) and provides links to additional resources.
On the UMGC scholarship webpage, you’ll find information about each scholarship offered by UMGC. This information typically includes details on eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and award amounts.
However, if you’re already admitted to UMGC, be sure to check your MyUMGC portal. UMGC often pre-screens students for scholarships they might be eligible for and notifies them through the “To Do List” feature. This notification will include a link to the specific scholarship information and application process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out about UMGC scholarship requirements?
There are a few ways to find scholarship requirements:
- UMGC Scholarship Website: This webpage details scholarship types and links to specific information for each scholarship offered by UMGC.
- MyUMGC “To Do List” (if admitted): UMGC may pre-screen you for scholarships and notify you through this portal.
Are there any other financial aid options besides scholarships?
Yes! UMGC offers grants and federal loans in addition to scholarships. You can find more information on their financial aid webpage.
When is the deadline to apply for scholarships?
Deadlines vary; however, UMGC scholarships typically have a priority deadline in the spring. External scholarships will have their own deadlines, so check each scholarship’s information.
Do I need FAFSA when applying for the UMGC scholarships?
If you’re applying for need-based scholarships, demonstrating your financial hardship is crucial. This typically involves submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA acts as a standardized assessment of your financial situation, allowing scholarship providers to determine your eligibility for need-based aid. Completing the FAFSA is also a requirement for many federal and state financial aid programs.
Final Thought
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) understands that cost can be a major barrier to pursuing your educational goals. That’s why they offer a wealth of scholarship opportunities to help bridge the financial gap.
From merit-based awards recognizing academic excellence to need-based grants that support students facing financial hardship, UMGC’s institutional scholarships provide a variety of ways to lessen your financial burden.
Additionally, there’s a whole world of external scholarships waiting to be discovered, offered by organizations, foundations, and even private donors.