The UMBC Best of Baltimore Grant, first awarded in fall 2025, provides significant financial assistance to eligible Baltimore City residents entering college for the first time. Students are automatically considered and grants are provided to students demonstrating significant financial need based on their FAFSA.
The grant provides financial assistance to cover any remaining billed costs* after all federal grants,
federal subsidized student loans, state and institutional grants and scholarships are provided. Grant
offers are made as part of the initial financial aid offer and are based upon estimated costs to live on
campus and the other aid provided to the student. Grant amounts may change if choosing to live off
campus or if additional federal, state, or institutional grants or scholarships are received after the initial financial aid offer. For the 2025-2026 academic year, grant amounts ranged from $1,100 to $22,000.
Recipients of the Best of Baltimore Grant will have the grant renewed for three years, provided their
FAFSA continues to demonstrate significant financial need and the student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
*Billed costs include tuition and mandatory tuition fees charged by the university. It also includes housing and meal plan costs for students living on campus. The grant does not cover book costs or course material
fees.
For questions about the Best of Baltimore Grant, please contact our financial aid team.