Imagine your UMW journey, without the cost of tuition.
We’re here to make sure that cost doesn’t stand in the way of your dreams. You belong at Mary Washington. Whether you’re a first-generation college student or seeking an affordable, high-quality education to pursue your goals, UMW is here to support you. With strong academics, valuable internships, research opportunities, and our prime location between Richmond and Washington, D.C., we provide you with the resources to succeed and achieve your goals.
UMW Tuition Promise – Our commitment to Virginia
Our UMW Tuition Promise is our commitment to Virginia. At UMW, we believe college should be within reach for everyone. That’s why we ensure that financial barriers won’t stop you from succeeding. While 100% of full-time first-year students receive some form of scholarship and financial aid, if you’re a Virginia resident with a family income under $100,000, you may be Pell-eligible – meaning your tuition may be covered through our UMW Tuition Promise.
UMW proudly offers the UMW Tuition Promise. This program supports students who are eligible to receive a Pell grant, a federal assistance initiative that does not need to be repaid, covering tuition for Pell-eligible Virginia students starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This ensures that financial challenges won’t hinder their educational journey, with additional support available for short-term emergencies.
Next steps:
- Apply to UMW for free using code UMWPELL on the CommonApp.
- Review your family’s prior year Federal Income Tax Return to see if you’re Pell-eligible and qualify for the UMW Tuition Promise.
- Submit your FAFSA, and be sure to list the University of Mary Washington, use code 003746.
- Once accepted, you’ll receive a personalized financial aid package that outlines your scholarships and aid. If you’re Pell-eligible, we’ll cover the rest of your tuition to eliminate financial gaps.
You belong here. Ready to take the next step? Apply to UMW.
In order to be considered, Virginia students should apply for admission by UMW’s regular admission priority filing date of February 1 for first-year students or April 1 for transfer students.
First-Year Applicants
Early Decision
Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
November
1
Notification Date: Mid-December
Early Action
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
November
15
Notification Date: by January 31
Regular Decision
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
February
1
Notification Date: by April 1
We can’t wait to get your application!
Please apply along with an essay, application fee, or approved waiver. We’ll email you when we receive it and let you know if anything’s missing. Please know that you are responsible for ensuring your file is complete and keeping copies of all application materials.
Transfer Applicants
Fall
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
April
1
Spring
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
October
15
Summer
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
March
1
We can’t wait to get your application!
Please apply along with an essay, application fee, or approved waiver. We’ll email you when we receive it and let you know if anything’s missing. Please know that you are responsible for ensuring your file is complete and keeping copies of all application materials.
Your connection to support at Mary Wash
As a Pell student, you may be eligible for one-on-one advising through our Center for Student Transition, Access, & Retention Services (STARS) program, designed to help you transition to college, succeed academically, and connect with peers who share similar backgrounds and interests.
But that’s not all…
- After completing your application and the FAFSA form, you may also discover other financial supports and scholarships available to you.
- You can also earn up to $2,000 – schedule an interview for the Taking Flight Scholarship. It’s completely virtual and you’ll have the opportunity to share your passions and what matters to you. Learn more and schedule your interview.
- Once you’re in, you’ll be welcomed to campus as a STARS student, introducing you to college life and fostering a sense of community, belonging, and support. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a 14-day, all-costs-covered summer immersion experience leading into your first-year on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pell Grant eligibility is determined from the information that is reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
We recommend admitted first-year and transfer students with Virginia residency whose families have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $100,000 or less according to their family’s prior year Federal Income Tax Return submit the FAFSA to determine Pell Grant eligibility.
Students must apply for FAFSA by their respective priority dates to be considered for the UMW Tuition Promise. FAFSA timelines for first year and transfer students can be found here.
Students who do not file taxes may be eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise if their Student Aid Index, or SAI, as calculated by the FAFSA, is less than $7,000.
Eligible students must be degree-seeking, enrolled full-time and attending the University of Mary Washington. Readmitted students are eligible as long as they meet all other conditions.
UMW’s Tuition Promise is need-based and related directly to the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated by completing the FAFSA. Additional eligibility includes undergraduate students who have not earned a first bachelor’s or professional degree and are Pell eligible. Students who entered UMW through the Nursing dual-degree partnership plan are not eligible.
Amounts can change annually. In the 2025-26 academic award year, the maximum award will be equal to in-state tuition (not including fees or housing and meals charges). The amount awarded also depends on:
- Student’s financial need
- Status as full-time or part-time
- Attendance in the full academic year or less
On a federal tax return, adjusted gross income is located on line 11. On a Virginia tax return, it is located on line 9.
Students with a higher AGI will still be reviewed for merit-based aid through first-year scholarships in the form of grants, loans, or scholarships based on information submitted on the FAFSA.
Students whose families do not file taxes may be eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise. We recommend filing the FAFSA to determine Pell Grant eligibility.
Students considered independent for federal student aid purposes, may be eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise.
The UMW Tuition Promise only covers a student’s tuition. It does not apply to fees or housing and meals charges.
Students are eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise regardless of their housing plans.
The UMW Tuition Promise can only be used for tuition at the University of Mary Washington. Unfortunately, it cannot be used for tuition cost incurred through a study abroad program. We encourage you to explore other financial aid opportunities available for study abroad.
You can file your FAFSA beginning in December at studentaid.gov. We encourage you to check out our Financial Aid Office’s guide to Completing the FAFSA.
In order to qualify for the UMW Tuition Promise, your FAFSA must be received and processed by the Department of Education. Students with rejected FAFSAs are not eligible. Students selected for verification are eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise as long as all verification requirements are met.
Admitted first-year and transfer students should confirm their enrollment by paying an enrollment deposit no later than May 1 for the fall semester.
New students (incoming first-year and transfer students) who remain in good standing with the University and meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress standards are eligible to receive funding for up to four years (eight semesters) as long as they continue to meet the priority FAFSA filing date and are determined to be Pell eligible.
Please note, eligibility for academic years after the 2025-26 academic year will be determined by the prior two years of tax information. For example, 2025-26 eligibility is determined by 2024 tax information. This is the same tax information that will be used for a student’s 2026-27 FAFSA.
Students are required to file a FAFSA annually by the priority deadline.
Please note, the 2025-26 academic year is the second year of the UMW Tuition Promise program and eligibility criteria may be adjusted in future academic years.
Current UMW students returning for 2025-26 are eligible to receive funding through the UMW Tuition Promise beginning in the Fall 2025 semester if they meet all other eligibility criteria. Please note, the 2025-26 academic year is the second year of the UMW Tuition Promise program and eligibility criteria may be adjusted in future academic years.
Current Mary Wash undergraduate students who apply for and receive in-state tuition rates may be considered for the UMW Tuition Promise in subsequent semesters if they meet Pell-eligibility requirements.
Non-Virginia residents who qualify for in-state tuition, including Academic Common Market and military provisions, are not eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise. Please reach out to the Financial Aid Office with questions about other tuition benefit programs.
The UMW Tuition Promise does not replace benefits such as:
- Virginia Military Survivors Dependents Tuition Waiver
- GI Tuition Benefits
Non-Virginia residents who qualify for in-state tuition, including Academic Common Market and military provisions, are not eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise. Please reach out to the Financial Aid Office with questions about other tuition benefit programs.
We’re here to help.
If you have questions regarding first-year admission, contact the Office of Admissions or request more information.
