Information is current as of fall 2027 and applies to students beginning their enrollment at UMD for the spring and fall 2028 semesters.

Q: Am I considered an incoming first-year student or transfer student?
A: Incoming first-year students have completed or will complete a high school diploma or obtain a GED and then attend UMD. Students must have no previous college work or have only completed college credits while enrolled in high school.

Transfer students have graduated from high school and enrolled at another college or university.

Q: Am I eligible for scholarship consideration?
A: Students must apply for admission by the regular decision deadline for full merit scholarship consideration. There is no additional scholarship application required.

Q: Does UMD require ACT/SAT scores for scholarship consideration?
A: Although UMD is test-optional for admission, first-year applicants with a strong ACT or SAT score may be eligible for additional merit scholarships. Reach out to your Admissions Counselor with any questions.

Q: What if my high school doesn't provide class rank? Am I still eligible to receive the Best of Class Scholarship?
A: Students who attend a Minnesota school that does not rank or is unable to rank multiple students as #1 or #2 in their class, but still wish to be considered for the "Best of Class Scholarship" are required to submit an admissions scholarship appeal. Required documentation includes a signature and verification from a high school official stating that the student would have been ranked #1 or #2 in the class if the school ranked or would have been ranked #1 or #2 if the ranking of multiple students was allowed. If you would like to appeal your scholarship award, please contact an Admissions Counselor for next steps. Rank is only considered (based on the transcript received) at the time of application for admission. (Students who are homeschooled are not eligible for the Best of Class Scholarship.)

Q: Are there minimum requirements to be eligible for the Best of Class Scholarship? 
A: Yes. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.9 to be eligible for the Best of Class Scholarship. Additionally, students must apply by the Regular admissions deadline of January 15 to qualify for the scholarship.

Q: Does UMD combine admissions scholarships?
A:  Students may only qualify for one admissions scholarship from the Office of Admissions. Scholarships received through your high school, community, or other sources outside of the university, may be combined with your admissions scholarship.

Q: What if I graduate in less than four years?
A: Should a student graduate in less than four years, they are not eligible to receive the unused remainder of the scholarship. Students graduating (official degree posted) in less than four years cannot transfer the scholarship to non-degree, graduate, or professional school enrollment.

Q: I was awarded a scholarship and was planning to attend a different school, but my plans have changed, and I want to attend UMD. Can I still receive my scholarship?
A: This does not happen automatically; please email our office or contact an Admissions Counselor to have your award reviewed for reinstatement.

Q: How do outside scholarship and financial aid affect my merit scholarships?
A: Consistent with University policy, the total annual aid amount awarded to a student, including all scholarships and grants, cannot exceed the cost of attendance at UMD. Financial aid awards (e.g., loans, work-study, scholarships, or grants) may be reduced for students whose total aid exceeds the cost of their program for the academic year, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.

When you receive a scholarship from an organization outside of UMD, your existing financial aid award will be reviewed, and adjustments may be made based on the receipt of your scholarship(s). You may see a reduction in other types of aid, such as loans, work-study, or institutional aid. UMD will allow you to receive the maximum benefit of any scholarships within the US Department of Education guidelines.

See details on how to submit outside scholarships to UMD (second drop-down).

Renewal of admissions merit scholarships is contingent upon maintenance of a 3.0 University of Minnesota cumulative GPA and maintenance of full-time (12 credits or more) undergraduate status.