How can I visit UMBC?

We offer a number of ways for prospective students and families to connect with our faculty, students, and admissions counselors. Learn more about our visit options.

Where is the UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation located?

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation is located in the Albin O. Kuhn Library (on the lower level next to Library Pond). Designated Admissions visitor parking is available in the Walker Garage. Overflow pay-to-park visitor spots are also available in the Administration Drive parking garage, as shown on the campus map.

How do I apply for financial aid and scholarships?

We offer a range of financial aid and payment options so that all students may benefit from a UMBC education. 

You may apply for need-based financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also be considered for general merit scholarships by meeting the priority admissions application deadlines. Learn more about Financial Aid and Scholarships at UMBC.

Who should I speak with if I have additional questions?

Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation is open Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You may contact our office via phone (410-455-2292), email (admissions@umbc.edu), or by reaching out directly to your admissions representative.

​​Does UMBC offer on-campus housing?

We offer on-campus housing options for both incoming first-year and transfer students. First-year students, who are guaranteed on-campus housing if they meet the required deadlines, live in one of five residence halls while transfer and upper-class students may apply to live in the residence halls, suites, or apartments. For more information, please visit our Residential Life Website.

What services does UMBC offer for Veterans?

Whether you are a prospective or current student veteran, UMBC Veteran Services can provide assistance with VA education benefits, financial services, and connecting veterans on-campus, among other resources. For more information, please visit our UMBC Veteran Services Website.

Does UMBC offer services or accommodations for students with disabilities?

Our Office of Student Disability Services ensures that UMBC students with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the programs, services, and activities of the university through the provision of accommodations and reasonable modifications that result in equal access and full inclusion. Learn more about available services or requesting accommodations.

If I have prior disciplinary or criminal history, can I apply for admission to UMBC?

Previous disciplinary or criminal history does not automatically preclude you from being considered for admission. During the admissions process, applicants with prior disciplinary or criminal history may be asked to schedule an interview with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards to discuss the incident(s).

If I have prior academic misconduct, can I apply for admission to UMBC?

Previous academic misconduct does not automatically preclude you from being considered for admission. During the admissions process, applicants with prior or current academic misconduct may be asked to schedule an interview with the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Standards and Policy Administration to discuss the misconduct.

How do I know if I should apply test-optional or not?

Our 25th-75th percentile test score range is 1190-1360. Given this information, you can decide whether or not your test scores would benefit your application.

• Learn more about our typical first-year class profile.
• Learn more about our typical incoming transfer class profile.

Our approach to evaluating applications is holistic and—most importantly—additive. There is no disadvantage to applying test-optional. Each element of your application accumulates to help us understand who you are as a prospective student and scholar. We will evaluate you based on what we know about you, as opposed to what we don’t know about you.

If you have any test scores (ACT, SAT, AP, IB, etc.) you feel are good indicators of your academic ability, we invite you to send those to us. If you do not have those scores or do not feel they are good indicators of your academic ability, you will not be penalized if you choose not to submit them. We encourage students to reach out to an admissions counselor if you would like to discuss your academic record in more detail.

Do any majors or colleges require that I submit an SAT/ACT?

UMBC is currently test-optional for admission across all majors, programs, and colleges.

Do I need to submit test scores for general merit scholarships?

Students do not need to submit test scores to be considered for merit scholarships. Merit scholarship eligibility is based on what we know about you at the time of application.

Does the Honors College or Scholars Programs still require SAT/ ACT? Will I be at a disadvantage if I choose not to submit my test scores? 

The Honors College and Scholars Programs will consider a variety of factors, including your grade point average, academic trend, strength of curriculum, personal statement, letters of recommendation, other achievements, and standardized test scores (if provided). Additionally, they will evaluate your application based on your interests and your specific application to the program(s). Please rest assured that you will not be penalized if you do not submit your standardized test scores.

How will this impact homeschoolers who apply with non-traditional transcripts and courses?

Our approach to evaluating applications is holistic and–most importantly–additive. Each element of your application accumulates to help us understand who you are as a prospective student and scholar. We will evaluate you based on what we know about you, as opposed to what we don’t know about you.

If you have any test scores (ACT, SAT, AP, IB, etc.) you feel are good indicators of your academic ability, we invite you to send those to us. If you do not have those scores or do not feel they are good indicators of your academic ability, you will not be penalized if you do not submit them.

Do I need to submit my scores if I’m a transfer student with less than 30 credits?

Transfer students who have less than 30 credits are not required to submit their test scores.

How do I apply for admission?

UMBC is a member of the Common Application. To apply for admission, you must submit the completed Common Application, a $75 application fee, and official high school transcripts. Submitting official SAT and/or ACT scores is optional. A maximum of two letters of recommendation will also be accepted. Learn more about the application process.

What do you consider when reviewing my application for first-year admission?

The admissions committee weighs a number of factors in making its decision. In addition to grade point average, the strength of your curriculum, class rank, other achievements, your essay, and standardized test scores (if provided) will be considered.

Will UMBC award credit for my AP exam scores?

We will continue to award credit and/or placement based on the scores indicated on UMBC’s list of approved Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. To receive credit for AP exams, you must have an official Advanced Placement score report sent to the UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation.

How can I check the status of my application?

Once your application is processed, an acknowledgment email is sent to the email address listed on your Common App which includes instructions on how to create a myUMBC account. Once you’ve created your myUMBC account you will be able to monitor the status of your application.

When can I expect to receive my decision?

Students who apply for our November 1 Early Action deadline will receive an email decision notification in late December. Applicants for our February 1 Regular Decision deadline will receive an email decision beginning in late February. Learn more about what to expect after receiving my decision.

What can I do if I was not offered admission?

If you are waitlisted or we were unable to offer you admission, please know that this is not the end of your UMBC journey. Many students follow different paths in obtaining their college degree and our staff is always willing to assist you in any way they can. Learn more about what to do if not offered admission.

What do you consider when reviewing my application for transfer admission?

The admissions committee evaluates transfer applicants on the basis of their academic record at previous institutions. Cumulative grade point average as calculated by UMBC, academic trends, strength of curriculum, and performance in courses related to the intended area of study are considered. Learn more about planning your transfer.

How do I apply for admission?

UMBC is a member of the Common Application. To apply for admission, you must submit the completed Common Application, a $75 application fee, and official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. It is the applicant’s responsibility to request transcripts from each of their prior colleges. Learn more about the application process.

Will UMBC award credit for my AP exam scores?

We will continue to award credit and/or placement based on the scores indicated on UMBC’s list of approved Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. To receive credit for AP exams, you must have an official Advanced Placement score report sent to the UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation.

When can I expect to receive my decision?

UMBC accepts transfer applications for both our Fall and Spring terms. Our Fall deadlines for admission are March 1 (Priority) and June 1 (Regular), and our Spring admissions deadlines are October 15 (Priority) and December 1 (Regular). Applicants can expect an email decision notification 3-4 weeks from the time a completed application is received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Learn more more about what to expect after receiving my decision.

How should I prepare to transfer?

We know that three of the most asked questions regarding transfer are: How will my credits transfer? How long will it take to graduate? and How much will it cost? That’s why we’ve created Transfer Central. Rather than simply giving you a list of the courses that typically transfer to UMBC, we’ve gone a step further. This interactive tool will give you real-time credit estimates, best-fit major recommendations, and access to important dates, milestones, and transfer resources that you’ll need along the way.

What can I do if I was not offered admission?

If you were not offered admission to UMBC, you can be considered for another term after completing additional college coursework to improve your academic record. Competitive applicants typically present an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all college-level coursework. Learn more about support and resources for non-admitted students.

Jump to Section:
Understanding Your Decision Letter | Visiting Campus | Cost of Attendance | Academics | Housing & Living On Campus

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Understanding Your Decision Letter

My letter says I have been admitted to UMBC, but it doesn’t mention my major. What does that mean?

Aside from the Visual and Performing Arts, UMBC does not admit incoming students to specific majors, but rather to the University as a whole. Students are free to explore and pursue most majors, with exceptions being the Visual and Performing Arts majors and several majors in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT).

Computer Science, Mechanical/Chemical/Computer Engineering, and Information Systems have gateway courses that students must take and pass with specific grades to be fully accepted into the major. Transfer Students who have taken equivalents to the gateway courses and did not pass or who have exceeded the number of course repeats may not be eligible for their desired major upon admission. For more information on the gateways, please see the gateway course requirements page.

What is the enrollment deposit, and when is it due?

The enrollment deposit is a non-refundable $425 fee used to secure your space in the incoming class. Part of the deposit applies to orientation, which is required of all incoming students, and part of it contributes to tuition. Please refer to your admissions letter for the deadline to submit the deposit, as this may vary depending on when a student is admitted.

My decision letter notes that I have been classified as an out-of-state resident for tuition but I am a resident of Maryland. What next?

If your decision letter states that you have been temporarily classified as an out-of-state resident, this is likely due to missing documentation or information in your application. Please reach out to us at admissions@umbc.edu so we can confirm your next steps.

If your decision letter simply states that you have been classified as an out-of-state resident, this is likely because residency information in your application did not meet requirements for an in-state classification based on the USM Residency Policy, and a petition will be required to review additional documents proving Maryland residency. For more information, please see the page visit the residency petition page. 

I’m considering a gap semester or gap year. Can my admission be deferred?

Admitted students may choose to defer their enrollment for a semester or academic year to pursue a travel, work, or family experience. Deferrals are granted on an individual basis, and students are not permitted to study at another institution for credit during their deferral period. 

To submit a deferral request, please email us at admissions@umbc.edu.

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Visiting Campus

We’d like to visit the campus now that we have an admissions decision. What are the options?

We host several admitted student events between February and April, and we’d love to have you on campus! To see upcoming events specifically for admitted students, please visit the admitted student events page.

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Cost of Attendance

What is the cost of attendance for a full-time student?

Main Campus- Catonsville

	In-State Per Year	Out-of-State Per Year
Tuition/Fees	$13,689	$32,745
Housing*	$9,065	$9,065
Meal Plan*	$6,244	$6,244

*It is important to note that living on campus is optional. First-year residential students must have a meal plan, but commuting students are not obligated to. Meal plans are offered at various rates and are selected each semester. Learn about UMBC meal plan options and pricing.

Cost of attendance at the UMBC- Shady Grove Campus follows a different structure, learn about Shady Grove campus costs.

Please see the net price calculator, which is a helpful tool to estimate financial aid and out-of-pocket costs early.

Are payment plans available? 

Yes. Student Business Services (SBS) offers payment plans- learn about UMBC payment plan options for more information.

I’m a UMBC or University System of Maryland (USM) Employee looking to use tuition remission. Where do I start?

If you will be using tuition remission for yourself or a viable dependent, you will need to submit the USM Tuition Remission application by the appropriate deadline. Please view the USM Tuition Remission application and deadlines and connect with an HR representative at your home institution if you have any questions.

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Academics

When will I sign up for classes?

All incoming students are required to attend orientation, and students meet with an orientation advisor to sign up for classes as part of the program. Orientations are held in December and January for Spring students and between June and August for Fall students, and students receive an email when orientation registration becomes available.

When do classes begin?

To see the most up-to-date academic calendars, please visit the academic calendar page. The Fall semester typically begins in the last week of August, and the Spring semester begins in the last week of January.

What does a typical class schedule look like?

Courses at UMBC are typically 3-4 credits, and students are typically enrolled in approximately 15 credits a semester. Meeting cadence for classes is usually Monday/Wednesday/Friday, Monday/Wednesday, or Tuesday/Thursday.

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Housing & Living on Campus

When do I sign up for housing? Is it required?

Students are not generally required to live on campus, however, several UMBC scholar programs require students accepted into their program to live on-campus on their Living Learning Community (LLC) resident hall floor. Students should refer to their scholarship agreement and/or contact their program director to confirm specific residency requirements.

The housing application for Fall 2026-Spring 2027 will open on February 1 for incoming students. The priority housing deadline is May 1, after which point the housing application will switch to a waitlist. For more information, please visit UMBC housing application deadlines and process page.

Can I apply for housing before I accept my offer of admission?

No. In order to access the housing portal, students must first accept their offer of admission.

For additional FAQ’s on living on campus, please visit the Residential Life page. 

Can I have a car on campus as a first-year student? 

Yes. All students parking on campus must have a parking permit, but we have residential and commuter parking available for all four years.