UMGC Global Media Center
Scholarship Will Reduce Cost of Bachelor’s to $20,000 for MD Comm. College Grads

ADELPHI, MD - Under a new scholarship program funded by University of Maryland University College (UMUC), a bachelor's degree in any of the university's undergraduate programs, including in-demand fields such as cybersecurity, business, health care, and public safety, is now even more affordable and attainable for Maryland's community college graduates.

The UMUC Completion Scholarship will reduce tuition and fees for recipients from $273 per credit to an average of $199. The total cost of a bachelor's degree (including the cost of the associate's degree) for UMUC Completion Scholarship recipients will be about $20,000.

"Community college graduates are a solid investment because they have already invested in themselves," said Javier Miyares, president of UMUC. "The new UMUC Completion Scholarship provides a well-deserved incentive to keep going and earn a four-year degree that will pay even greater dividends in the future—whether that is a new job, a promotion, or a whole new career."

The $199 tuition rate for scholarship recipients is guaranteed for up to 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree and for up to four years after entering UMUC.

"Once again, the State of Maryland is leading the way in offering high-quality, affordable higher education options that meet employer demands for the 21st Century workforce," said Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. "Together, with our highly-regarded community colleges and UMUC's innovative leadership, we will continue to expand opportunity and ensure Maryland students are not only able to compete nationally, but globally as well."

In addition to the financial support, UMUC Completion Scholars will be able to take advantage of a comprehensive advising program. Advisors will work with each student to develop a plan and guide them through the journey toward completion of their bachelor's degree.

"The UMUC Completion Scholarship will open even more doors of opportunities to students," said William E. "Brit" Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland (USM). "The program will build on UMUC's successful partnerships with Maryland's community colleges and help USM meet its commitment to increasing the number of Marylanders who earn degrees and are ready to meet workforce demands."

According to the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, about 500,000 people attend one of the 16 public community colleges in Maryland in both credit programs and continuing education and workforce development courses. In 2012, nearly 14,000 students earned associate's degrees.

"This cost-effective pathway to the bachelor's degree rewards the efforts of Maryland's community college graduates," said Bernard Sadusky, executive director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. "It presents an exceptional opportunity for our students to secure their advanced degrees, which for many would have been cost prohibitive. We applaud UMUC's innovative efforts to reduce the cost of higher education."

The earning power of a four-year degree is well documented. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average annual salary of a high school dropout is $20,241 and $30,627 for high school graduates. For those with an associate's degree, the average is $39,771 and for a bachelor's degree, the average jumps to $56,665.

For more information about the UMUC Completion Scholarship and for details about how to apply, visit www.umgc.edu/complete.

About University of Maryland University College

University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is a world leader in innovative educational models, with award-winning online programs in disciplines including biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology that are in high demand in today's increasingly technical, global workplace.

UMUC offers open access with a global footprint and a specific mission—to meet the learning needs of nontraditional students whose responsibilities may include jobs, family, and military service. The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees, a doctoral program, and certificate programs.

UMUC faculty comprise scholar-practitioners who have distinguished themselves in their fields as well as in the classroom. The university is renowned for its online student support services, which include 24/7 access to information and library services with more than 100 online databases. UMUC also offers evening and weekend courses on-site at more than 20 locations in the Maryland-Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and serves the educational needs of the U.S. military in 24 countries around the world.

A pioneer in distance education since 1947, UMUC today is harnessing the power of learning science and technology to deliver high quality education that is accessible and affordable.