APPLY FOR ADMISSION
SOAR ABOVE AND BEYOND
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) seeks to admit students whose academic preparation is strong, who desire to succeed, and who are highly motivated academically, professionally, and personally. Most successful freshman applicants will have completed a college prep curriculum. Careful consideration is given for course selection and grades earned in addition to SAT/ACT scores where applicable. Admission to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is granted to those applicants whose academic qualifications indicate the potential for succeeding in college.
What We Look For The classes you take and the grades you receive in them matter. We typically look for students who have taken more challenging classes and have done well in them. We take into account that classes can vary from school to school.
Minimum High School Courses Required English: 4 units | Mathematics: 4 units | Natural Sciences: 3 units | Social Sciences: 3 units
GPA For freshmen, a 2.5 GPA is preferred. There are special admission programs and pathways to assist students that fall below the preferred GPA. Transfer students must have at least a 2.0 GPA for admission. UMES also considers the following factors when making admissions decisions which, include but are not limited to, class rank, pattern of courses completed, educational objectives, record of past conduct, and standardized test scores (we are test optional).
Optional Submissions Recommendation letters and personal statements are not required; however, we encourage our applicants to submit the materials that paint the best picture of themselves.
Admissions Decision Decisions for admissions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year. We strive to notify prospective students of a decision within 1-2 weeks from receiving a complete application and all required documents. Please note, only completed applications will be reviewed to receive an admission decision.*
CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM
UMES offers undergraduate, certificate, graduate and professional degrees —including master’s, and doctoral degrees. Take courses in different disciplines to get a feel for our various undergraduate degrees. Find the one that’s right for you and your career goals! We are excited that you’re interested in earning your degree here and we look forward to your contributions to campus culture. Make sure that you are selecting the right program at the time of your application.
- Bachelor’s degree: Choose from one of our various undergraduate programs to complete your degree. Earn your bachelor’s degree from UMES at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, MD.
- Career & Technical Education (CTE): For professionals needing coursework to qualify for the Professional and Technical Education (PTE) Certification.
- Dual-degree programs: These programs are made possible through the shared resources of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and Salisbury University (SU).
- Certificate Programs: Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are available.
- Virtual Programs: Earn your degree online with one of our fully remote degree programs.
- Graduate Studies: Obtain your post-graduate degree after completing your bachelor degree program.
- Readmission: If you’ve been a student previously at UMES, completed the withdrawal process, and want to continue your degree program, complete the registrar’s office readmission application.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
| Universities at Shady Grove | Earn your bachelor’s degree from UMES at the Universities at Shady Grove (Rockville, MD). The two available options are Hospitality & Tourism Management, or Construction Management Technology. Applicants must select this degree and campus option at the time of admission! |
| Career & Technical Education (CTE) | UMES offers programs in Career and Technology Education that satisfy the criteria for Professional and Technical Education (PTE) teaching licensure from MSDE, undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in Work-Based Learning and Career Counseling that meet the criteria for the MSDE Work-Based Learning Coordinator endorsement, a master’s degree in Career and Technology Education (CTE), and a bachelor’s degree in Technology and Engineering (T&E) education. Read more about our program offerings at UMES-Baltimore Museum of Industry. |
| Dual degree | Earn two separate degrees from our university and Salisbury University. *UMES Sociology/ SU Social Work *UMES Engineering/ SU Physics |
| Certificate Programs All certificate program applications are due by the following academic semester listed below: *Summer session is due by May (Example: Summer 2027 application deadline is May 19, 2027) *Fall session is due by August (Example: Fall 2027 applications deadline is August 19, 2027) *Spring session is due by January (Example: Spring 2027 applications deadline is January 5, 2027) | UMES is committed to providing high-quality education through the establishment of certificate programs. These certificate programs are designed to enhance academic rigor and ensure alignment with industry needs and educational best practices. The policy ensures that graduate certificates offered meet the highest standards of quality and relevance. Recommended application deadlines for admissions are listed below; however, applications will be accepted and reviewed at any time throughout the year. Applications may take up to a month or less to process and approve based upon applicant submission of all required documents. Reminder: Please communicate with the academic department to verify all required documents for the specific certificate program. |
| Virtual Programs | Looking for fully remote program degree options? View our virtual programs (send all inquiries to VirtualDistanceED@umes.edu). |
| Graduate Studies | UMES have various pathway programs that allow you to complete your post graduate degree directly after completing your bachelor degree program! From advanced master’s degrees to doctoral programs, our courses span fields such as cybersecurity, marine and environmental sciences, education leadership, and food and agricultural sciences. To apply for graduate school, please visit the School of Graduate Studies for more information. |
| Readmission | A student who voluntarily withdraws or who is administratively withdrawn from the University for reasons such as medical, personal, financial, lack of interest, and employment may apply for readmission to the University by completing and filing the Application for Readmission after Voluntary Withdrawal. View the readmission application guidelines. |
IMPORTANT DATES
STAY UP TO DATE
| Application Priority Deadline | November 15th |
| Fall Application Deadline | February 15th |
| Enrollment Deposit/College Decision Day | May 1st |
| Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) UMES School Code: 002106-00 | Oct 1st |
| Fall Semester | Semester begins towards the end of August* Applications close on August 1st |
| Spring Semester | Semester begins towards the end of January* Applications close December 1st |
Reminder: To stay up-to-date with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, please view our Academic Calendar for any other departmental deadlines and campus closures.
READY TO SOAR?
How To Apply Click on your applicant type below to start your application. If you’re ready to soar, review our application requirements, and click apply now!
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
STEP 1: Submit your online application.
STEP 2: Pay the non-refundable application fee of $35.
STEP 3: Send your required and supporting documents to the Office of Admissions & Recruitment (submit your official copy of your high school and/or college transcripts). Official transcripts must be submitted and sent directly from all schools attended, so that our Office of the Registrar can complete the official credit evaluation. Uploading or submitting a copy of your final transcript(s) to the Hawk Portal or to our main admissions email will not suffice, as it is still considered unofficial.
Transcripts can be sent electronically via:
- your school’s designated online transcript system
- Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse [Select “UMES undergraduate admissions” ONLY. If you do not see this option, please scroll to the next page. Keep a confirmation receipt for follow-up purposes].
- Baltimore Schools: https://bcsmd.scriborder.com/
STEP 4: Check your Hawk Portal for any missing action items. If you are missing any important information (transcripts, proof of residency, etc), it will delay your admissions decision!
STEP 5: Monitor the email address you provided on your application for important admissions information. Please add futurehawk@umes.edu to your contact list and check your spam and promotions folders, so you do not miss out on important information.
STEP 6: If you have completed and submitted all application documentation, and have already ordered and submitted your final transcripts, be advised that you must do the following to be matriculated in our system. For any next steps, respond to your admissions offer in the Hawk Portal by selecting enroll and paying your non-refundable $100 enrollment fee deposit.
Reminder: Please note, only completed applications will be reviewed and receive an admission decision.
SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM
The Summer Bridge Program (SBP) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a five‑week residential program for students with conditional admission acceptance. View the Center for Access and Academic Success (CAAS) Summer Bridge Program.
Applicants who are high school students that want take courses to supplement their high school instruction.
ADULT LEARNER
Non-Traditional Students Program (NTS) is a holistic wrap-around service that helps adult learners finish their program of choice.
FRESHMAN STUDENT
Applicants applying during their final year of high school, a high school graduate who has never attended college, or has earned less than 12 transferable college credits after high school graduation.
A student who has attended any accredited institution of higher education will be considered a transfer student. At the time of submitting an application, transfer students must have at least 27 credits or more.
UMES is fully accredited for accepting Veteran students and assisting you in your needs for education certification. Credit is given for military experiences relative to your field of study. We welcome veterans, their spouses, and their dependents!
Students who do not have a U.S. citizenship or resident alien status. Apply to UMES as an international student for an inclusive and diverse campus experience.
GOLDEN ID PROGRAM
The purpose of the Golden Identification Program is to make courses available to retired citizens who are 60 years old or older and are residents of the state of Maryland. Once admitted to the University, the Maryland resident will be eligible to register for credit courses (maximum of 6 credits) as a regular or a special student and pay the mandatory fees. This benefit is only for students who attend classes at the home institution and is applied during the Fall and Spring semesters only. Tuition, per semester, will be waived.
The program is designed to expand access to affordable higher education by offering the UMES Regional Tuition Rate to eligible undergraduate students from states and U.S. territories without a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). This program begins Fall 2027.
WHAT’S NEXT AFTER ADMISSION?
NEXT STEPS
- Celebrate your admission!
- Confirm your enrollment (the link to confirm your enrollment can be found in your FutureHawk Portal).
- The $100.00 enrollment deposit is non-refundable.
- UMES Student ID Check your admission letter for your UMES Student ID Number. Memorize it or save it in your phone (you’ll need it later).
- Residency Verify your residency information on your acceptance letter. If you believe you are in-state and have been classified otherwise, contact us at umesadmissions@umes.edu.
- Add UMES to your FAFSA Submit your FAFSA application. You must complete and submit the FAFSA in order to be considered for financial aid and certain scholarships. Resources are listed online at the Office of Financial Aid.
- New Student Account Creation After admission, use your UMES Student ID Number to set up your UMES New Student Account. After it is created, make note of your username and password to start receiving important information. Be sure to log into your myUMES to check your UMES student email (check your student email regularly).
- Transcript Requests Official final transcripts are required before you can attend class. Uploading or submitting a copy of your final transcript(s) to the Hawk Portal or to our main admissions email will not suffice, as it is still considered unofficial. Deadlines for submissions: Spring – December 1st | Fall – August 1st!
- Your school(s) should submit your final high school and/or college transcript(s) directly. If you’ve completed dual enrollment, transcripts must be separately requested and sent electronically from the college attended.
- If you’ve earned college credit by taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams while in high school, you can provide official transcripts to UMES (AP and IB transcripts are in addition to your official final high school transcript).
- Transcripts can be sent electronically via:
- your school’s designated online transcript system
- Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse [Select “UMES undergraduate admissions” ONLY. If you do not see this option, please scroll to the next page. Keep a confirmation receipt for follow-up purposes].
- Baltimore Schools: https://bcsmd.scriborder.com/
- Contact your advisor Your advisor will be listed in your HawkWeb account to get your class schedule. Access via the MyUMES login. If you have trouble finding this information contact the Center for Access and Academic Success (CAAS).
- Select Hawk Web (student center)
- Select student center
- On the right-hand side, you will see a section that says advisor
- On-Campus Housing Complete your housing reservation online using the following steps from Office of Residence Life (ORL) :
- Log in to MyUMES on a computer (not a mobile device). Click on the Hawkville icon (the maroon icon that has the image of a bed/house). Select and complete the correct application
- Pay the $300 deposit with a debit/credit card
- If you are requesting an exemption, complete the Office of Residence Life On-Campus Exemption Form.
- Find a Roommate If you’re looking for a roommate, download the ZeeMee app. You will be added to the UMES community and to the channel to chat with other prospective students who are also in search of a roommate during their college admissions process. College visits and UMES campus tours are a great chance to meet potential friends and roommates as you prepare to move to campus.
- Mandatory Orientation New Hawk Day Orientation registration is required. Register in your Hawk Portal. New Hawk Day will be your official welcome to the Hawk Family! You will meet key members of the campus community, register for your courses, and take care of any other outstanding business.
- Hawk Payments Pay your student bill found on HawkWeb App.
- Select Hawk Web (student center)
- You can make a payment under the Finance tab
- Complete your Health and Immunization forms Submit to the Health Center by the deadline indicated on the form. You may have provided your medical records to your high school before you were able to enroll. Please request that your school forward your medical records to UMES, or provide them to you, before your graduation from high school. This will save you substantial delays in your enrollment process once you begin at UMES.
- Schedule a time to visit your new home.
- Take the Next Step. Congratulations again for joining the Hawk family! If you have questions about any part of the college admissions process or how to set up college visits, please reach out to us.
- Stay connected with our student lead social media team.
DEPARTMENT RESOURCE LIST
LOCATED IN THE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SDC)
| Office of Financial Aid | All financial aid information and available funding sources are listed on the website. Have more questions about applying for financial aid? View the student financial aid website, and/or contact the Office of Financial Aid via phone at (410) 651-6172 (select option 3), to speak with one of our financial aid counselors. |
| Office of the Registrar | The Office of the Registrar serves as the official university repository for academic records and supports students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the university community through the administration of academic records and related services. For more information, please view their list of services. If you have any further questions, contact the department at (410) 651-6414 to speak with our registrar staff. |
| Center for Access and Academic Success (CAAS) | For academic advising, our CAAS staff are willing to assist you! If you have any advising, tutoring, and/or academic coaching concerns, please reach out to the CAAS department via phone at (410) 651-6457. |
| Comptroller’s Office/ Student Accounts | Tuition is broken down into scheduled fees and expenses. For more information on tuition rates and fees, view the Comptroller’s Office website. You can view the essential information for any academic year. There is information listed regarding payments, payment plans, and more! If you have any student account/billing questions or concerns, contact Student Accounts (410) 651- 6092 or 6093 (select option 7 for payments or option 8 for Student Accounts), to speak with one of our comptroller staff. |
| Counseling Services | UMES cares for and supports students. The counseling services department offers flexible mental health counseling services and resources to our students. View the counseling department website or contact the department for more information at (410) 651-6449. |
LOCATED IN OR NEAR THE STUDENT SERVICES CENTER (SSC)
| Office of Residence Life (ORL) | Make UMES your new home! We have a variety of residential housing options available to new students. Make sure that you are being aware of residential housing deadlines and requirements. Only students who are matriculated will be able to complete any housing requirements via the MyUMES login. If you have any housing questions or concerns, contact the department at (410) 651-6144 to speak with our residence life staff. We are committed to ensuring that our campus remains inclusive and equitable for all students. If you require any housing accommodations, please visit our Student Accessibility Services (SAS) website or contact the department at (410) 651-6135 to speak with your SAS staff. |
| Auxiliary & Business Services | Our auxiliary services department is important for your UMES journey! This is where you can find details regarding your parking permit, HAWK Card, meal plans, university post office services, and more. Contact auxiliary if you need more information at (410) 651-7757. |
| UMES Book Store | Visit our one-stop shop! You can grab your course materials, textbooks, UMES apparel, and all other student essentials. Contact the bookstore at (410) 651-6437. Our Hawk Pack Program gives you access to all of your course materials, no need to shop around! Students are automatically enrolled, and the only way to not be a part of the Hawk Pack Program is to opt out. |
| Career and Professional Development Center | UMES prepares students for the workforce through career counseling, job coaching, resumé help, internships, and networking opportunities. Career fairs are held every semester. If you want to excel academically, as well as professionally, make sure that you get acquainted with our career and professional development center staff! Contact the department at (410) 651-6447. |
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
| UMES Merit Grant | This merit grant is a one-time award granted upon admission. It is not renewable, and receiving the award depends on your GPA and completed application. If applicable, details will be listed in your Hawk Portal, as well as on your admissions acceptance letter. Freshmen can be eligible for up to $5,000, as long as the GPA falls within the GPA range (amounts are applied directly to tuition and fees). Other merit and need-based scholarship information is listed on the Official of Financial Aid website. |
| Richard A. Henson Honors Program | The Richard A. Henson Honors Program unites talented, driven students in a close-knit scholarly community that offers rigorous honors coursework, mentorship from faculty, priority registration, dedicated honors housing, and exclusive funding for research and conference travel. Enjoy tailored advising, leadership roles through the Honors Vanguard, and automatic membership in the Honors Student Association—all designed to amplify academic success, professional growth , and civic engagement. Apply early Fall (separate application required)! Must have less than 60 transferable credits* (410) 621 -3070 | honorsprogram@umes.edu |
| David A. Scott Scholarship Program (formerly known as UMES Land-Grant Scholarship Program) | The David A. Scott Scholarship Program provides up to $15,000 (in-state) or $25,000 (out-of-state) annually to students majoring in agriculture, food, natural resources, or related sciences. Funded by the USDA, it includes mentorship, and internships. Apply by Mid-Spring (separate application required)! (410) 651 -6072 | umeslandgrantscholarship@umes.edu |
CONTACT US
For any questions about your application, please contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment.
Normal Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Office of Admissions and Recruitment
1 College Backbone Road (SDC-Suite 1140) Princess Anne, MD 21853
PHONE: (410) 651 – 6410 | EMAIL: UMESADMISSIONS@UMES.EDU | FAX: (410) 651 – 7922 |
