Tri-State Scholarship

The Delaware–District of Columbia–Maryland Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (DE-DC-MD ASFAA) awards a minimum of three $1,000 scholarships each year. This scholarship is made possible through the dedication and generosity of DE-DC-MD ASFAA members. Each year, funds are raised during the Association’s Fall Conference, where members participate in special events, activities, and giving opportunities that directly support the scholarship fund. These efforts allow our community of financial aid professionals to invest in students across our region and help them pursue their educational goals.

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, students must:

• Attend an eligible institution in Delaware, the District of Columbia, or Maryland during the July 1–June 30 academic year.
• Attend an institution with at least one active DE-DC-MD ASFAA member.
• Demonstrate financial need as defined by the FAFSA and the institution.
• Meet GPA requirements:
• Undergraduates: minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or the equivalent.
• Graduate/Professional students: minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent.
• Be enrolled full-time as defined by their institution.
• Completed applications, including the required essay, must be submitted to the student’s Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Director must certify the student’s eligibility before the application can be forwarded for consideration.

Application Guidelines

Essay: Submit a brief 100–250 word essay describing how this scholarship will help you achieve your academic or career goals. You may include information about your educational and career goals, jobs held while in college, volunteer or community service performed, or any special circumstances that you would like the Scholarship Committee to consider.

*Certification Process: *Each institution may certify only one eligible applicant. The Financial Aid Director must submit the certified application to the Awards & Scholarship Committee Chair within one week of the application deadline.

Applicants will be notified of their selection status. Scholarship funds will be issued to the student’s institution and applied to the spring semester.

APPLICATION AVAILABLE: JANUARY 5, 2026

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 13, 2026

INSTRUCTIONS:

To retain all fillable fields in the application:

Download the scholarship application to your computer or phone. Do not complete the application in the web browser.
Complete and sign the application.
Once you have ALL documents, please submit your completed application to scholarships@umbc.edu. UMBC’s Merit Scholarships Unit is not responsible for ensuring you have submitted all documents required so please be sure to double check you have submitted everything being requested.