Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid

Consistently ranked as one of the best values in public higher education, Terps receive an affordable world-class education. To help you pursue your passions, the university offers an array of financial aid programs as part of our commitment to making an excellent education affordable. Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid to learn about types of aid available, including scholarships, grants, loans and student employment.

Undergraduate Financial Aid Graduate Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is available to students who are taking two courses per semester. Eligible students will need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Using the FAFSA, eligible students may be offered a Direct Federal Unsubsidized and Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. These students are required to enroll for at least 24 units (6 credits) or more each semester.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Opportunities for scholarship provide not just funding for your education, but the chance to be part of a legacy. The School of Public Policy’s prestigious scholarship awards, generously endowed by members of our community committed to helping finance education, are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students each year. To apply for scholarships, please review the details below for available awards.

Undergraduate

Scholarships are available to incoming, accepted students and awarded as part of the admissions process.

Additional awards for undergraduate policy students are listed below.
Prospective Students Deadline: April 4, 2025
Current Students Deadline: May 1, 2025 unless otherwise noted

Apply Now

Funds for Prospective Undergraduate Students

The Gladys Noon Spellman Fellowship Fund
This fund will support incoming undergraduate students in the School of Public Policy. Multiple awards will be given in the amount of $1,000 - $2,000.

Robert L. Mitchell Leadership Scholarship Fund
This endowment supports outstanding students. Established by the Maryland National Capital business Industry Association, in honor of the retirement of the National Association of Home Builders President, Robert L. Mitchell.

Funds for Current Undergraduate Students

Senator John A. Cade Public Leadership Scholarship
Senator John A. Cade was one of Maryland's most extraordinary and exemplary public servants. As a member of the Maryland Senate from 1975-1996, his dedication to government, public service and education helped enhance the lives of his constituents.

"As much as any legislator, Jack Cade understood that it was education that made a difference. He was a champion for higher education funding throughout his career." --Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.

This fund supports undergraduate students currently enrolled in the School of Public Policy. Awards of $1,000 - $2,000 will be given. Eligible candidates must:

be a current Maryland resident
be a current undergraduate student with at least one semester remaining
have a 3.0 GPA or higher
have an interest in public service, government involvement or political leadership.

James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership Endowment
The James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership was founded to honor the legacy of celebrated historian and political scientist James MacGregor Burns, and was built on his principled belief that leadership resides within every individual.

Established in 1982 at the University of Maryland, the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership Endowment was the country’s first academic program to support emerging leaders seeking elective office. This fund supports undergraduate students currently enrolled in the School of Public Policy. Awards of $1,000 - $2,000 will be given.

The Rosalie Reilly Gubernatorial Fellowship
Rosalie Reilly was one of Maryland's most extraordinary and exemplary public servants who was a role model for young women entering politics and was a champion for educating young leaders as they prepared to enter public life. This fellowship was created to honor the memory of Ms. Reilly by enabling students to carry on her legacy of public service and leadership.

This fund supports undergraduate students currently enrolled in the School of Public Policy. Awards of $1,000 - $2,000 will be given. Eligible candidates must:

be available to serve at least 135 fellowship hours while enrolled at the University
have an interest in public service, government involvement, or political leadership
be an undergraduate or graduate student, with at least two full semesters of study remaining
have a 3.0 GPA or higher

The service work you do for the fellowship will be up to you, subject to department approval. Past recipients have often fulfilled their fellowship service requirement through an internship with a non-profit or in government. You may also opt to fulfill this requirement through an independent, civically oriented service project of your own design. You do not need to have your fellowship service commitment settled in order to apply for and be awarded the fellowship, however, upon notification of the award, you will have one week to sign and return the Fellowship contract.

Recipients of the Rosalie Reilly Gubernatorial Fellowship agree to the following terms, conditions and expectations:

135 fellowship hours completed within one year of receiving notification of the award
Regular meetings and communication with Dr. Jennifer Littlefield, School of Public Policy, to discuss project completion/status updates
Project proposal (1 page) due 30 days after signed contract
Timeline of project (1 page) due 30 days after signed contract
A 4- to 5-page synopsis of project (directive questions will be provided in advance) due at project conclusion

SPP Internship Program Fund in Honor of David Reznick
The David Reznick Foundation facilitates valuable experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate public policy students interested in housing, community development, and related issues by generously contributing to the SPP Student Internship Program. Eligible students can receive internship stipends of up to $2,500.

David Reznick graduated from the University of Maryland in 1959 with a degree in accounting, and founded the 14th-largest accounting firm in the United States. He is a legend in the affordable housing industry, dedicating his life to improving accessibility to affordable housing and academic opportunity. The David Reznick Foundation works to carry on that legacy and further the vision that David was so dedicated to achieving. Learn more about the David Reznick Foundation.

Deadline and Process: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. Awards are dependent on available funds. Only applications that convey an interest in housing policy, community development and related policy issues will be considered for this award. To apply, click here then scroll down and click on the drop-down for "SPP Internship Program."

Graduate

Merit-based graduate fellowships are awarded to incoming students as part of the admissions process.

Additional awards for graduate policy students are listed below.
Prospective Students Deadline: April 4, 2025
Current Students Deadline: May 1, 2025 unless otherwise noted

Apply Now

Funds for Prospective Graduate Students

Allen Schick Scholarship/Fellowship Fund
Established in honor of Professor Allen Schick, the fund helps Public Policy graduate students gain knowledge outside the classroom necessary to excel in their future policy career through an unpaid internship, study abroad experience, or other academic opportunities

Jerry C. Lindh Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in memory of Jerry C. Lindh, the fund provides scholarship support for students who demonstrate academic excellence, are active in community service, and intend to dedicate their careers to our country's service.

Steny Hoyer Regents Fellowship
Established by Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer to support outstanding students.

Blair Lee III Fellowship Fund
Established in memory of Blair Lee III, who served as Maryland’s Secretary of State and Acting Governor, this fund provides fellowship support to outstanding students pursuing public sector financial management.

John J. Sexton Fellowship
Established in memory of John J. Sexton and his belief in the importance of a healthy political system, the fund supports students interested in and pursuing activities relating to state and local governments.

Willard Hackerman Graduate Assistantship in Housing Policy
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company established this Graduate Assistantship in December 2001 to provide graduate assistantships for research related to housing and community development and related public policy issues.

Graduate awards are highly competitive, and we suggest you also visit the Graduate School for additional funding opportunities and external fellowships.

Funds for Current Graduate Students

Green Fellowship in Environmental Policy Fund
The Green Fellowship Fund provides tuition support for master's degree students in the School of Public Policy who are interested in pursuing environmental policy and intend to pursue a career in environmental policy at the federal level. It was generously established by the Green Fund in honor of Frances Kelley Green's efforts on behalf of the environment through education and enlightened public policy.

Ellis E. Meredith Fellowship Fund
The Ellis E. Meredith Fellowship Fund provides annual support to an outstanding graduate student in the School of Public Policy.

Millard E. Tydings Regents Fellowship Fund
Created in the memory of the late Senator Millard E. Tydings, this fellowship supports a public policy graduate student each year to further his life-long dedication to public and civil service.

Joseph D. Tydings Fellowship Fund
Friends and family of Joseph D. Tydings established the Joseph D. Tydings Fellowship in December 1984 to support a fellowship in the School of Public Policy. Joseph Tydings is an emeritus trustee and former member of the Board of Regents. As a student at Maryland, he was an outstanding lacrosse player. He is also the step son of the late Millard E. Tydings, for whom the building that houses the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is named.

Willard Hackerman Endowed Assistantship
Established in 2001 by the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the Willard Hackerman Endowed Public Policy Graduate Assistantship supports students at the School of Public Policy specializing in housing, community development, and related public policy issues.

Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

Awarded annually to up to five students who satisfactorily completed Peace Corps service

Learn More

Graduate Assistantships

The School awards full and partial assistantships to meritorious students. Graduate assistants typically assist a professor with research or teaching or work in an administrative capacity in one of our offices or research centers. A typical assistantship covers some tuition expenses and provides a stipend to partially offset living expenses. Additionally, graduate assistants are charged tuition at the in-state rate and have the option to participate in a subsidized health insurance program and other benefits. (Available to U.S. and international students.)

Current Students
Each spring, SPP issues a call for applications for student fellowships that support currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate Public Policy students.

Learn more about graduate assistantships

Internship Funding

Additional grants and scholarships are available to support SPP students' experienced-based learning in nonprofit, community-based, and governmental organizations. Students enrolled full-time at the UMD School of Public Policy may spend up to one academic semester working part-time, or one summer working full-time, on projects that allow them to apply the analytical skills they gain in class to challenges faced by nonprofit, governmental and community-based organizations. Students are paid by SPP through funds set up by The William Donald Schaefer Internship Program and donor funding. These opportunities are available to U.S. and international students.

Learn more about internships funding opportunities here, or contact Bryan Kempton, Director of Career Services.

Learn more about internship funding

Certificates

Fellowship funding is available to cover a portion of certificate program tuition. To be eligible for fellowship funding, students will first need to be admitted into a graduate certificate program. Please note that fellowship funding is not available for individuals who receive tuition remission or students pursuing a degree program at UMD.

Nonprofit Management and Leadership

The School of Public Policy provides support for aspiring and current nonprofit professionals to access education and training programs. Due to the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations, funding is available to cover a portion of the Nonprofit Management & Leadership Certificate program (NPML) tuition. Students who apply will automatically be considered for general tuition funding. No separate application is required. Admitted students will also be considered for the following fellowship opportunities, which offer additional developmental opportunities in addition to tuition support.

Nonprofit Management and Leadership Fellowship
This fellowship is awarded to career professionals within or outside of the nonprofit sector who exhibit a strong passion or track record for social innovation, public leadership/service and or social entrepreneurship. Fellowships can cover up to 50% of tuition costs.

Marriott Fellowship
The Marriott Fellows Program is a collaboration between the Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation, and the Do Good Institute, School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, aimed at educating and developing our early to mid career nonprofit professionals currently residing in the Washington, DC metro area. Marriott Fellows bring a range of experiences and interests to the program and pursue exciting course work built on real-world application, unique professional development opportunities, and receive financial support of up to half of tuition. Throughout the program, Fellows will have the opportunity to work with leading nonprofits, attend professional development events with D.C. area leaders and work alongside UMD faculty in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.

In addition to the required coursework for the NPML program, Marriott Fellow are expected to:

Attend two fellows programs per semester, offered both virtually and in-person
Attend fall and spring CNML program orientation
Enroll continuously in either one or two Graduate Certificate classes each semester through completion of the program. Students who fail to remain continuously enrolled could lose this Fellowship for future semesters
Complete the annual program survey in May as well as be responsive to Do Good Institute staff requests for funder-related inquiries

Do Good YBGB Fellowship
This unique collaboration between the Do Good Institute and the Young, Black, and Giving Back Institute (YBGB) offers an exceptional educational opportunity tailored for nonprofit leaders eager to invest in their growth and professional development. Fellows are identified by the YBGB Institute based on their experience leading nonprofits that service underrepresented communities, and become eligible to receive funding from the Do Good Institute and YBGB to support tuition costs that may cover up to 90% of tuition costs.

YBGB Fellows benefit from cohort community-building opportunities, fostering a vibrant and supportive network of peers and mentors that is crucial for the development of strong, effective nonprofit leadership. This unique collaboration provides invaluable resources, empowering fellows to complete the program and significantly advance their leadership and impact in the nonprofit sector.

In addition to the required coursework for the NPML program, YBGB Fellows are expected to:

Attend one fellows programs per semester, offered both virtually and in-person
Provide up to 10 hours of capacity-building support to YBGB per semester
Attend fall and spring CNML program orientation
Enroll continuously in either one or two Graduate Certificate classes each semester through completion of the program. Students who fail to remain continuously enrolled could lose this Fellowship for future semesters
Complete the annual program survey in May as well as be responsive to Do Good Institute staff requests for funder-related inquiries

Full List of Fellowships

Alexander and Cleaver Fellowship Award
The law firm of Alexander & Cleaver, P.A. established the award in July 1998 to support outstanding students in the School of Public Policy who are economically disadvantaged, excel in a wide range of endeavors and demonstrate the promise of becoming tomorrow's leaders.

Allen Schick Scholarship Fund
Created in honor of Professor Allen Schick, the Schick Endowed Scholarship fund supports merit-based scholarships for graduate students in the School of Public Policy. This support helps SPP students gain the knowledge outside the classroom necessary to excel in their future policy career through an unpaid internship, study abroad experience, or other academic opportunities.

Blair Lee III Fellowship Fund
The Blair Lee III Fellowship was established by his family in 1988 to provide fellowship awards to one or more students in the School of Public Policy. Mr. Lee was the acting Governor of Maryland from 1977 to 1979 and served as Secretary of State of Maryland from 1969 to 1971.

CPT William P. Cole III Peace Fellowship Fund (USM)
The Cpt. William P. Cole III Peace Fellowship was established in 1982 in memory of Cpt. Cole, who was killed during World War II. The Fund provides fellowship assistance for research into the preventative measures of war and the development and preservation of peace among all nations.

Ellis E. Meredith Fellowship Fund
The Ellis E. Meredith Fellowship Fund provides annual support to an outstanding graduate student in the School of Public Policy.

Gladys Noon Spellman Fellowship Fund (USM)
Established by the family and friends of Congresswoman Gladys Noon Spellman, a dedicated public servant and champion for the people of the State of Maryland, the fund supports fellowships for students in the School of Public Policy.

Green Fellowship in Environmental Policy Fund
The Green Fellowship Fund provides tuition support for master's degree students in the School of Public Policy who are interested in pursuing environmental policy and intent to pursue a career in environmental policy at the federal level. It was generously established by the Green Fund in honor of Frances Kelley Green's efforts on behalf of the environment through education and enlightened public policy.

James F. Hoobler Fellowship Award Fund (USM)
Created in memory of distinguished alumnus, Dr. James Hoobler (MA `67, Ph.D. `80), the James F. Hoobler Fellowship award supports an annual award for a student pursuing a graduate degree emphasizing public policy and management either in the School of Public Policy or the Department of Government and Politics.

Jerry C. Lindh Memorial Scholarship Fund (USM)
The Jerry C. Lindh Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, are active in community service, and intend to dedicate their careers to our country's service.

John J. Sexton Fund (USM)
Established by friends and family of John J. Sexton in 1983, this fellowship is used to support students in the School of Public Policy and, in particular, to fund activities relating to state and local governments. The purpose of this fellowship is to help increase the understanding of students and the public of the importance of a healthy political system.

Joseph D. Tydings Fellowship Fund (USM)
The Joseph D. Tydings Fellowship was established in December 1984 to support a fellowship in the School of Public Policy. Joseph Tydings is an emeritus trustee and former member of the Board of Regents. As a student at Maryland, he was an outstanding lacrosse player. He is also the step son of the late Millard E. Tydings, the namesake of the building that houses the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Rhonda M Williams Graduate Fellowship Fund
Rhonda M. Williams joined the faculty of the University of Maryland in 1986 as an assistant professor of Afro-American studies and economics. While serving as director of the Afro-American Studies Program, Dr. Williams was widely published and was an active consultant and instructor in curriculum transformation. She spent nine years working with the Afro-American Studies Program’s Multicultural Teacher Education Training Institute for Prince George's County public school teachers. In her honor, this fund supports BA/MPP students in their final year of study at Maryland.

Robert L. Mitchell Leadership Scholarship Fund
The Robert L. Mitchell Leadership Fellowship Endowment Fund supports undergraduate and graduate students within the School of Public Policy. The Robert L. Mitchell Leadership Fellows Endowment was initially established as the Robert Mitchell leadership Scholarship Fund in February 2001 by the Maryland National Capital business Industry Association, in honor of the retirement of the National Association of Home Builders President, Robert L. Mitchell.

Steny Hoyer Regents Fellowship Fund (USM)
Established by Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer, the Hoyer Regents Fellowship Fund supports outstanding graduate students within the School of Public Policy.

William Donald Schaefer Chair and Internship Program in Public Policy
The William Donald Schaefer Internship Program was established in honor of William Donald Schaefer in 1994 as the Schaefer Chair within the School of Public Policy. He was the former Governor of the State of Maryland, Mayor of Baltimore City, and Comptroller of the State of Maryland during his over fifty-year career in public service. The internship program was established to provide School of Public Policy students the experience they need to excel in future policy careers.

Willard Hackerman Endowed Assistantship
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company established the Willard Hackerman Endowed Public Policy Graduate Assistantship in December 2001 to provide graduate assistantships for research related to housing and community development and related public policy issues.

Alan and Dafna Fleichmann Fellowship Fund
The Alan and Dafna Fleichmann Fellowship Fund was established to provide fellowship support to a current public policy student.

Catherine M. Kelleher Fellowship Fund for International Security Studies
The Kelleher Fellowship Fund provides full support to international security policy graduate students who further the role of women in the field.

The Rosalie Reilly Gubernatorial Fellowship
Rosalie Reilly was one of Maryland's most extraordinary and exemplary public servants who was a role model for young women entering politics and was a champion for educating young leaders as they prepared to enter public life. This fellowship was created to honor the memory of Reilly by enabling students to carry on her legacy of public service and leadership. Learn More

Joseph W. Rogers Fellowship Fund
The Joseph W. Rogers Fellowship fund was established to provide fellowship support to a current public policy student.

SPP Alumni Internship Program Fund
The SPP Alumni Internship Fund was established to support current SPP students as they gain experiential knowledge through unpaid internships. Whether they intern in the federal government, a non-profit organization, or an NGO, our students venture outside the classroom and gain the knowledge to excel in their future policy career.