Scholarships and Academic Honors

Students are considered for these scholarships on the basis of their application submissions to the university and their financial need. In addition to the many scholarships administered through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the College of Arts and Humanities offers the following scholarships for fall semester incoming first year students.

The deadline for first year scholarship consideration is March 23.

Students can apply for all scholarships by using this application.

• Dean’s First Year Scholars: A scholarship for academically talented, well-rounded students awarded for full time students attending the University of Maryland as a declared ARHU major.
• The Elizabeth Cannon Scholarship: A renewable scholarship for incoming first year students from Maryland, with a preference for students from the Eastern Shore with a declared ARHU major.
• The Humanities Scholars Endowment (donor Charles S. Hirsch): This is a renewable, need-based scholarship for incoming first year students with a declared ARHU major with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
• The Kevin M. Davis and Jane S. Davis Scholarship:  This is a renewable, merit-based scholarship for incoming students with a declared ARHU major from the following counties in Maryland:  Charles County, Saint Mary's County, or Calvert County.

Please see individual department websites or talk to your major advisor for additional information on scholarship opportunities.

• Creative & Performing Arts Awards (CAPA): Awarded to incoming Art, Dance, Music and Theatre majors by audition or portfolio review. Please contact department for additional information.
• Himelfarb Scholarship: This is a four-year, need-based scholarship for incoming first year students with a minimum 3.5 GPA; preference is given to History majors. Please contact department for additional information. 

Students are considered for these scholarships on the basis of their application submissions to the university and their financial need. Students transferring to UMD from another institution qualify to apply for the following scholarships.

• ARHU Bridge Scholarship: For first-generation and/or students who are eligible for the University System of Maryland Nonresident Tuition Exemption and/or hold DACA status with the state of Maryland. Application and deadline for ARHU Bridge Scholarship are forthcoming.

Scholarship information and applications are made available each spring semester and awarded for the following fall semester; the Bridge Scholarship is offered each semester. To be considered for an award, most scholarships require students must be enrolled in 12+ credits for both the fall and spring semesters of the 2026-2027 academic year. Students must remain an ARHU major and maintain the GPA requirement for each scholarship. Renewable scholarships are offered for a maximum of 8 consecutive semesters. Scholarship amount is subject to change. 

NOTES: Students may submit applications for the 2026-2027 year beginning Monday, March 23, 2026

Students may review detailed eligibility criteria and required documents prior to starting the application.

Applications will close on Friday, April 17, 2026

• Arundel Mills Scholarship: For Theatre, Music and/or Dance majors
• ARHU Bridge Scholarship: For first-generation and/or students who are eligible for the University System of Maryland Nonresident Tuition Exemption and/or hold DACA status with the state of Maryland and/or students who are returning to UMD after a two or more year separation
• Catherine Mackin Memorial Scholarship: For current first-year students in ARHU majors
• Catherine Vuozzo Scholarship:  For ARHU majors in need of financial assistance
• CHT Travel Award in ARHU:  For students studying abroad from the following majors:  Art, Cinema and Media Studies, Immersive Media Design-Emerging Creatives, Music, Music Education, and Theatre
• Dean’s Fund for the Arts: For students in Art, Cinema and Media Studies, Dance, Immersive Media Design-Emerging Creatives, Music, and/or Theatre majors (application will open in Fall 2026)
• Douglas and Holly Jacobs Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to incoming ARHU students who transferred from a community college
• DACOR Bacon House Metro Foundation Scholarship: For ARHU majors interested in a career in international affairs
• Doris E. Patz Regent's Scholarship: For ARHU students who actively engage in community service activities (application will open in Fall 2026)
• Hugh F. & Glen Hannah Cole Financial Aid Scholarship: For ARHU majors with demonstrated financial need; eligible students will be invited to apply (application will open in Fall 2026)
• James F. Harris Arts & Humanities Visionary Scholarship: For ARHU majors with outstanding academic achievement
• Minesinger Engaged Scholars Abroad:  For ARHU majors studying abroad with demonstrated leadership activities (application will open in Fall 2026)
• Stringer Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship: For Theatre, Music, and/or Dance majors

Please see individual department websites or talk to your major advisor for information on scholarship opportunities.

As part of the ARHU Be Worldwise. Get Worldready (BWGW) initiative, the college provides scholarships for students engaging in various experiential learning opportunities. These scholarships are available each semester and over the summer.

• ARH-U Ready and Foxworth Unpaid Internship Scholarships: For ARHU students participating in unpaid internships for academic credit
• Minesinger Engaged Scholars Abroad:  For ARHU majors studying abroad with demonstrated leadership activities (application will open in Fall 2026)
• Additional ARHU Study Abroad scholarships are available directly through the Education Abroad website