The University of Mary Washington has expanded scholarship opportunities this fall, with awards for first-year and transfer students, whether they choose to submit test scores or take advantage of UMW’s test-optional alternative.
“Our merit program is just one way Mary Washington is able to lower out-of-pocket costs for enrolling students,” said Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski. “Dollar for dollar, UMW continues to reward academic excellence and meet the financial needs of students and their families, with nearly $40 million awarded in 2022.”
Students are automatically considered for merit awards based on the information included in their application. Merit scholarships are awarded at the point of admission, and students receive notice within their official offer letter and packet.
First-year scholarships are available for degree-seeking applicants and range from the full-ride Washington Scholars for in-state students and Alvey Scholars for out-of-state students to subject-specific scholarships and merit awards.
All Virginia students who apply to Mary Washington are considered for in-state merit scholarships, starting at $500 with a possible $10,000 award to those who demonstrate collegiate academic merit. To be considered for this level of scholarship, students must submit their GPA and test scores. Out-of-state applicants may be awarded $1,000 to $9,000 depending on their GPA and test scores. An additional $4,000 annual award will be applied to all non-Virginia residents, including international students, while they reside on campus.
Students may also apply without test scores to be considered for curriculum-based scholarships for the strength of their high school’s educational program and their performance within those classes. These Talon Scholarships range from $1,500 to $5,000 for Virginia residents and from $5,000 to $9,000 for out-of-state students who plan to live on campus. For more information, visit UMW’s first-year scholarships checklist page.
Transfer students are given automatic consideration for UMW’s Transfer Merit Scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 for in-state students, and up to $8,000 for out-of-state students. The next deadline for transfer admissions to UMW is Oct. 15, 2022, for the spring 2023 semester. Subsequent deadlines include March 1 for summer and April 1 for fall 2023. For more information, visit the transfer scholarships page.
First-year students must meet the Feb. 1 filing date for scholarship consideration, and applications received by the Nov. 1 early decision (admission is binding) and Nov. 15 early action filing dates receive first consideration and notification for their awards. Students can add a $1,000 one-time Taking Flight Scholarship by interviewing as part of their application. Students completing a Taking Flight interview by the Nov. 15 early action filing date will receive $2,000 should they choose to enroll.
Interviews are being scheduled weekly and during Saturday Open Houses on Oct. 29 and Nov. 12, with more information on Mary Washington’s visit page. Interviews are reserved for high school seniors who are fall 2023 admission candidates and are available from July 1 to Feb. 1. Students must apply to UMW before interviewing.
