University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) HBCU Initiative Policy<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicable Group(s): Undergraduate Domestic Students (First-Time, First-Year and Transfer Students) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Responsible Office: Office of Admissions and Recruitment at Phone: 410-651-6410 or Email: umesadmissions@umes.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Policy Statement<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The UMES HBCU Initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to out-of-state students from regions lacking a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). This initiative facilitates access to higher education by offering a reduction in tuition rates for up to four consecutive years. It is a vital opportunity for students from regions without an HBCU, aiming to expand the educated workforce and provide recruitment leverage for the university. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Purpose of Policy<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The purpose of the UMES HBCU Initiative is to promote higher education access by offering out-of-state students a financial incentive to attend UMES. This initiative targets students from areas without an HBCU and aims to enhance retention and academic success. The reduced tuition and campus residency requirements are designed to increase student access to an affordable college education, facilitate workforce development, and promote cultural diversity within the university community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This reduced tuition initiative represents a crucial opportunity for students from regions lacking HBCUs. By establishing clear guidelines and eligibility criteria, UMES aims to promote transparency and support for all prospective students. As students, they rent apartments, buy goods and services, attend entertainment and cultural events, and patronize local businesses and restaurants. Upon graduation, these non-resident students contribute to the educated workforce, providing Maryland companies with a skilled talent pool. We have seen alumni offer career opportunities to out-of-state students, keeping them in Maryland. Moreover, offering a reduction in tuition for qualifying out-of-state students, coupled with our access to major metropolitan areas like Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia, and large federal and corporate industries, gives UMES a recruitment advantage that is difficult for other institutions to match. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For further inquiries, please contact the UMES Office of Admissions and Recruitment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Definitions<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Complete Policy Language<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n UMES has 3 different ways to apply the Common App<\/a>, the Common Black College App<\/a>, and the UMES Standard Application<\/a>. You only need to choose one platform to submit an application.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n For an application to be considered complete, our office must <\/strong>receive the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n OPTIONAL:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note, only completed applications will be reviewed and receive an admission decision.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n The fall priority deadline is February 15th<\/strong>, the fall commitment deadline is May 1st<\/strong>. The spring deadline is December 1st<\/strong>. However, UMES continues to evaluate applications on a space-available basis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n Once you have completed an application and submitted it, you can email personal statements (250 words or less) and letters of recommendation to umesadmissions@umes.edu<\/a>. You can also fax the documents to (410) 651-7922. Please be sure to include your first name, last name, and birth date in the email or fax.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In order to be considered a transfer student, you must have earned 24 <\/strong>college credits and have a 2.0 <\/strong>GPA.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n A: After you submit an application at www.umes.edu\/apply<\/a>, an official transcript must be sent to us from any higher education institution you have attended. Once the transcript(s) from the institution(s) has been received, we will evaluate your eligibility for admission. Transcript(s) will then go to the Registrar\u2019s Office and a Transfer Credit Evaluation will be done. Once the Registrar\u2019s Office has determined which credits\/ classes transfer, they will send you a copy of this Transfer Credit Evaluation and they will also post it in your HawkWeb Student Service Center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n List of Acceptable Agencies to review Foreign Transcripts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If you have earned less than 24 college credits, you must provide a copy of your high school transcript(s) along with your application.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n To ensure a smooth transition, please make sure you complete all of the checklist items below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes<\/strong>, UMES does require a $100 non-refundable enrollment deposit. Additionally, if you plan to stay on campus, you will have to submit a housing deposit when you submit your housing application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just log in to your FutureHawk portal <\/a>then complete and submit the Enrollment Form and deposit (located within the Enrollment Checklist). <\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n International applicants are students who do not hold United States citizenship or resident alien status. If you fit this classification, you should apply as an international student.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The Office of Admissions & Recruitment requires the following information from an international applicant to be considered for undergraduate admission:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Office of Admissions & Recruitment Undergraduate Certificate program application process overview:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n *The recommended application deadlines for admissions are listed below; however, applications will be accepted and reviewed at any time throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n *Applications may take up to a month or less to process and approve based upon applicant submission of all required documents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n *Please communicate with the academic department to verify all required documents for the specific certificate program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All certificate program applications are due by the following academic semester listed below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Have other questions? Can’t find the answers you were looking for? Contact the Office of Admissions & Recruitment and we would be happy to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours of Operation: Phone: 410-651-6410\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/03\/2025-03-11_11-09-24.jpg\")
Application Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do I apply to UMES?<\/strong><\/summary>
What do I need for my application to be complete?<\/strong><\/summary>
\n
\n
What is the application deadline?<\/strong><\/summary>
How do I submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation?<\/strong><\/summary>
Transfer Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the requirements for a transfer student?<\/strong><\/summary>
How do I find out which classes transfer?<\/strong><\/summary>
What if I have earned less than 24 college credits?<\/strong><\/summary>
Admitted Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are my next steps after I’ve been admitted?<\/strong><\/summary>
\n
\n
Do admitted students have to submit a deposit?<\/strong><\/summary>
International Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do I know if I am classified as an international student?<\/strong><\/summary>
What are the steps to apply as an international student?<\/strong><\/summary>
\n
SpanTran Request Form for UMES<\/a> Also view the List of Acceptable Agencies to review Foreign Transcripts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
For more information, please contact our DSO Denitta Gladding, Admissions Specialist Telephone: (410) 651-6416 Email: dgladding@umes.edu<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nUndergraduate Certificate Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Certificate Program Application Overview<\/summary>
\n
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Email: umesadmissions@umes.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nKeep up with the Hawk Family on social media!<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n