• Awarded to Incoming Freshmen: Specifically targets high school seniors applying for their first year of undergraduate study at UMD.
• Merit-Based: Selection is based on a comprehensive review of the undergraduate admission application, focusing on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular engagement, and essays.
• No Separate Application: Students are automatically considered for the Banneker/Key Scholarship if they meet the specific application requirements for UMD's admissions.
• Duration: The scholarship is typically awarded for up to a maximum of eight consecutive semesters (four years of undergraduate study), provided recipients meet renewal criteria.
• Honors College: All freshman applicants admitted to the University of Maryland's Honors College are considered for the Banneker/Key Scholarship.

Note: A list of all undergraduate programs can be found here.

• Application Deadline for Consideration: You must apply for admission to the University of Maryland by the Early Action deadline, which is November 1st for fall admission. Applications submitted by the Regular Decision deadline are not considered for this scholarship.
• Semifinalist Notification: Semifinalists for the scholarship are typically invited for an interview in late February or early March. Invitations are often sent by March 1st.
• Interviews: Interviews with the Banneker/Key Scholarship Selection Committee are conducted for semifinalists. For Stamps Banneker/Key Scholars, interviews also involve representatives from the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation.
• Final Scholarship Notification: Scholarship offers are typically communicated to recipients by April 1st.

• Admission to UMD: Must be an incoming freshman applicant to the University of Maryland.
• Early Action Application: Must submit a complete admission application by the November 1st Early Action deadline.
• Exceptional Academic Achievement: Demonstrated high levels of academic accomplishment in high school, including rigorous coursework (e.g., AP or IB classes).
• Leadership and Extracurricular Engagement: Proven leadership roles and significant engagement in extracurricular activities.

• Completed Online Application Form
• Application Fee
• Official High School Transcripts
• Essay(s) (as required by the UMD application)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume
• Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) – Note: UMD has a test-optional policy, meaning scores are not required but can be submitted if you believe they will enhance your application.

This scholarship is primarily awarded to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.

The Banneker/Key Scholarship offers two levels of funding:

• Full Banneker/Key Scholarship: Covers the entire cost of tuition, mandatory fees, room, board, and a book allowance each year for four years of undergraduate study.
  • Note on Room & Board: Since Fall 2020, the room and board amount has been dependent on the student's living arrangement (on-campus, off-campus, or at home with family).
• Partial Banneker/Key Scholarship: Provides $8,000 for in-state students and $12,000 towards tuition for out-of-state students annually, plus an additional book allowance each year.
• Stamps Banneker/Key Scholars: A select subset of Banneker/Key Scholars who receive the full scholarship also have the opportunity to apply for an additional $5,000 for approved enrichment opportunities (e.g., research, internships, professional meetings, study abroad).

• Choose your program
• Complete the University of Maryland Application: Submit a complete application for undergraduate admission, including all required documents
• Pay the application fee
• Automatic Consideration: All freshman applicants who apply by the Early Action deadline and are admitted to the Honors College are automatically considered for the Banneker/Key Scholarship. No separate scholarship application is needed.

• Application fee: $75, and non-refundable