“Since day one of my presidency, I have emphasized the importance of increasing financial support and access to our university. Every Maryland student deserves an equal opportunity to attend the state’s flagship university, and the Terrapin Commitment grant is one more measure we are taking to ensure that a University of Maryland education is affordable to all residents of our state.” —UMD President, Darryll J. Pines
This Terrapin Commitment, the largest single-year investment in need-based scholarships in our university’s history, is designed to ensure that a UMD education is affordable to all residents of our state. The goal of the Terrapin Commitment grant is to reduce the gap between a student’s total financial aid package and the actual cost of an education. Terrapin Commitment began in January 2023, ensuring that UMD’s standard in-state tuition and fees are fully covered for Pell-eligible, in-state students who are enrolled full-time and have unmet financial need, dramatically reducing the financial barriers to obtaining a higher education for low-income Marylanders.
“In alignment with our Fearlessly Forward strategic plan, we continue to find new and meaningful ways to invest in people and communities. Our investments in need-based financial aid better position us to serve the people of our state—opening the door for more Marylanders to attend a world-class flagship institution.” —UMD Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice
If an eligible UMD student’s funding sources—including scholarships, grants and the student aid index—fall below standard in-state UMD tuition and mandatory fees, Terrapin Commitment will pay the difference. Additional information about eligibility and frequently asked questions can be found below.
To be considered for the Terrapin Commitment grant, students must meet the following criteria:
- File the FAFSA by March 1 every year.
- Be classified as an undergraduate, degree-seeking in-state student.
- Enroll full-time (12+ credits) per semester (Fall/Spring).
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and qualify to receive the Federal Pell Grant, or have a Total Family Income of $75,000 or less.
- If ineligible for federal financial aid, complete the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) and qualify to receive the state's Educational Assistance Grant or the Guaranteed Access Grant.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
In-state first-degree students who are eligible for Pell Grants regardless of their Total Family Income are eligible, and in-state first-degree students enrolled full-time in a degree or certificate program and who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with unmet financial need and a total family income of $75,000 or less are eligible.
Total Family Income is calculated using the FAFSA data from dependent and independent students. For Dependent students, the student's and the parent's taxable and untaxed income are used in calculating the Total Family Income. For Independent students, the student’s and spouse’s (if applicable) taxable and untaxed income are used in calculating the Total Family Income.
Eligible students must submit the FAFSA each year before UMD’s priority deadline (March 1) to be considered for Terrapin Commitment.
Eligible students who are awarded Terrapin Commitment funding will be notified via their UMD email. The email will direct students to the Financial Aid Portal for further details.
Terrapin Commitment will cover UMD standard in-state tuition and mandatory fees ($12,290 for 2025-26) after using all scholarships, grants and the student aid index. In addition to providing support to cover tuition and fees, Terrapin Commitment provides additional funds to offset other allowable costs for eligible students with remaining unmet financial need.
Students who meet all the eligibility requirements will be considered for Terrapin Commitment.
Eligible undergraduate students must file the FAFSA each year by March 1 and meet all the eligibility criteria. Recipients must register for a minimum of 12 credits (full-time) per semester (Fall/Spring) and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above.
For eligible students, we have consolidated UMDG with Terrapin Commitment and awarded it under the Terrapin Commitment program.