How to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree with the UMGC Completion Scholarship

If you are a Maryland community college graduate who wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for a generous scholarship opportunity from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).  In this blog post, we will explain what the UMGC Completion Scholarship is, how it works, and how you can apply for it.

What is the UMGC Completion Scholarship?

The UMGC Completion Scholarship is a scholarship program that offers eligible Maryland community college graduates the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree at UMGC for $12,000 or less. That means you will pay no more than $199 for every credit you attempt at UMGC—up to a total of 60 attempted credits—for a maximum of five calendar years from your first scholarship award¹.

The UMGC Completion Scholarship covers the difference between your tuition and fees and any other financial aid you receive, such as grants, loans, or other scholarships. You can use the scholarship for any of the undergraduate programs offered by UMGC, which include more than 90 majors and specializations in fields such as business, cybersecurity, education, health care, and more¹.

How does the UMGC Completion Scholarship work?

To be eligible for the UMGC Completion Scholarship, you must meet the following initial requirements

• You earned an associate’s degree from a Maryland community college.
• You are admitted to UMGC as a degree-seeking student pursuing your first bachelor’s degree.
• You have not completed your second term of enrollment at UMGC.
• You must submit your official community college transcript with a degree conferral date and receive your first disbursement of the Completion Scholarship before you complete your second term at UMGC.

There is no separate application process for the UMGC Completion Scholarship. If you meet the required criteria, you qualify for the scholarship automatically, and UMGC will contact you if you receive the scholarship. However, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to determine your eligibility for other financial aid.

To maintain your eligibility for the UMGC Completion Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements each semester:

• You must enroll in at least 6 credits that apply to your program of study.
• You must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.
• You must complete 100 percent of your coursework during each enrollment period.

If you fail to meet any of these requirements, you may lose your scholarship eligibility permanently. Therefore, it is important to stay on track with your academic progress and seek help from your academic advisor or student services if you encounter any challenges or difficulties.

Eligibility Requirements for UMGC Completion Scholarship

Here are some key eligibility requirements for the UMGC Completion Scholarship:

• You must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).
• You must have previously earned an associate’s degree or have 60+ transferable credits.
• You must be enrolled in your first session at UMGC during the semester you are applying for the scholarship.
• You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester to receive the scholarship.
• You must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA while receiving the scholarship.
• The scholarship applies to tuition only, not fees or books.
• You must fill out the online scholarship application form.
• You must submit an essay and recommendation letter as part of the application.
• You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen.
• The scholarship cannot be combined with any other institutional grants or scholarships from UMGC.
• The scholarship is renewable for up to 6 semesters/terms if you continue to meet eligibility.
• Application deadlines are March 1st for Spring, June 1st for Summer, and September 1st for Fall.

How can I apply for the UMGC Completion Scholarship?

If you are interested in applying for the UMGC Completion Scholarship, here are the steps you need to follow¹:

• Complete the UMGC application for admission. Be sure to indicate that you earned an associate’s degree from a Maryland community college.
• Have your community college(s) send official transcripts directly to UMGC. The transcripts must show that you earned an associate’s degree, and the conferral date must be on the transcript.
• Contact an admissions advisor who can help you get started at UMGC.

How much is the completion Scholarship at UMGC?

• UMGC offers several different scholarships for new and continuing students. Scholarship amounts vary.
• Some of the scholarships they offer include:
• The Completion Scholarship – This is awarded to new transfer students who have earned an associate degree or have at least 60 credits. It covers 25% of tuition costs.
• The Mid-Atlantic Scholarship – This is a merit-based scholarship for new undergraduate students in certain Mid-Atlantic states. Award amounts range from $1,000-$2,000 per year.
• The Military Scholarship – This is available to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, and military spouses. It covers 25% of tuition costs.
• Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship – This is a transfer scholarship for members of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society. It covers up to $5,000 per year.
• Need-based grants are also available for students who qualify. The amount awarded depends on financial need and other factors.
• To apply for UMGC scholarships and grants, you generally need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any additional applications required. Scholarship deadlines vary.

Why should I choose UMGC?

UMGC is a public state university that specializes in online education for adult learners. With more than 70 years of experience in serving working professionals, military personnel, and students from diverse backgrounds, UMGC offers high-quality academic programs that are flexible, affordable, and relevant to today’s workforce needs

Some of the benefits of choosing UMGC include

• Accredited programs that meet rigorous standards of academic excellence and are recognized by employers and professional associations.
• Transfer-friendly policies allow you to maximize your previous credits and reduce your time and cost to completion.
• Multiple start dates throughout the year let you begin your program whenever it suits your schedule.
• Online courses are accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
• Student support services provide you with academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, library resources, and more.
• Military and veteran benefits that include tuition assistance, scholarships, waivers, and dedicated staff who understand your unique needs and challenges.

Benefits of the UMGC scholarship

Here are some of the key benefits of scholarships offered by the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC):

• Reduce Costs – UMGC scholarships lower the overall cost of attendance by covering a portion of tuition and fees. This makes earning a degree more affordable.
• Reward Achievements – Certain UMGC scholarships are awarded based on merits like a high GPA, community service achievements, or leadership activities. This recognizes hard work.
• Support Military/Veterans – Specific scholarships for active duty military, veterans, spouses, and dependent children help increase access and affordability.
• Assist Transfer Students – Scholarships for transfer students with associate degrees or previous credits help offset the cost of completing a bachelor’s degree.
• Retain Students – Renewable scholarships for continuing students provide financial support through graduation and incentivize retaining enrolled students.
• Need-Based Aid – Grants are available based on financial need to help lower-income students pay for college.
• Reward Memberships – Scholarships related to honor societies, professional associations, etc. help support continued membership and development.
• Flexible Learning – Scholarships can be used for online, hybrid, or in-person courses, supporting UMGC’s focus on flexible education options.
• Personal Growth – Scholarship funds allow students to focus more on academics and career goals by easing financial burdens.

Overall, UMGC scholarships make degree programs more accessible and affordable while also recognizing achievements, memberships, military service, financial needs, and other student attributes.

Conclusion

The UMGC Completion Scholarship is a great opportunity for Maryland community college graduates who want to earn a bachelor’s degree at a low cost. By applying for this scholarship, you can save thousands of dollars on your tuition and fees and achieve your educational goals faster. Visit the UMGC website or contact an admissions advisor today to learn more about the UMGC Completion Scholarship and other financial aid options at UMGC.