We’ve got you covered.
From affordable tuition to a worthwhile college experience, you’ve got the best-valued education possible at the University of Mary Washington. For Pell-eligible students in Virginia, funded through the federal Pell Grant, UMW will close any gaps remaining in your tuition funding through additional state grants and institutional support, providing a foundation for future success, with funding you don’t have to pay back.
Through UMW’s Tuition Promise, UMW will cover the full tuition for Pell-eligible students in Virginia, starting in the 2024-25 academic year.
About UMW’s Tuition Promise
The University of Mary Washington is proud to award federal Pell Grants annually. Starting in 2024-25, UMW will close the gap on any remaining tuition cost for Pell-eligible students, opening the door to more students having access to an affordable college experience.
Students and families in Virginia with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $100,000 or less are encouraged to start the application process for both UMW and the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Pell-eligible students will be considered for direct financial assistance toward their tuition and are eligible for immediate, responsive assistance for short-term emergencies too.
In order to be considered, Virginia students should apply for admission by UMW’s regular admission priority filing date of February 1 for first-year students or April 1 for transfer students. In 2024, the application date for this program has also been extended through the spring to allow extra time for families to complete the necessary steps to qualify.
Apply now through the Common App using the free fee waiver code: UMW50.
UMW is helping more students complete their education.
We know cost is important to you, and it is for us too.
1. Apply to UMW using the free fee waiver code on the CommonApp: Code UMW50
- Don’t worry about sending us your test scores, we look at your application holistically – when we say test optional, we mean test optional.
- Discover campus by taking a virtual tour or schedule a campus visit, you’re going to want to see this for yourself.
2. Review your family’s prior year Federal Income Tax Return to see if you qualify for the Pell Grant.
3. Complete a FAFSA form (use code 003746) to determine Pell Grant eligibility.
But that’s not all…
- After completing the FAFSA form, you may also discover other financial supports and scholarships available to you.
- You can also earn up to $2,000 – schedule an interview for the Taking Flight Scholarship. It’s completely virtual and you’ll have the opportunity to share your passions and what matters to you. Learn more and schedule your interview.
- Once you’re in, you’ll be welcomed to campus as a STARS student, introducing you to college life and fostering a sense of community, belonging, and support. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a 14-day, all-costs-covered summer immersion experience leading into your first-year on campus.
Ready to take the next step? We want you!
We can’t wait to get your application! Apply now through the Common App using the free fee waiver code: UMW50.
Please apply along with an essay, application fee, or approved waiver. We’ll email you when we receive it and let you know if anything’s missing. Please know that you are responsible for ensuring your file is complete and keeping copies of all application materials.
First-Year Applicants
Early Decision
Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
November
1
Notification Date: Mid-December
Early Action
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
November
15
Notification Date: by January 31
Regular Decision
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
February
1
Notification Date: by April 1
We can’t wait to get your application!
Please apply along with an essay, application fee, or approved waiver. We’ll email you when we receive it and let you know if anything’s missing. Please know that you are responsible for ensuring your file is complete and keeping copies of all application materials.
Transfer Applicants
Fall Admission
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
April
1
Spring Admission
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
October
15
Summer Admission
Non-Binding Application Agreement
Priority Filing Date
March
1
We can’t wait to get your application!
Please apply along with an essay, application fee, or approved waiver. We’ll email you when we receive it and let you know if anything’s missing. Please know that you are responsible for ensuring your file is complete and keeping copies of all application materials.
Apply now through the Common App using the free fee waiver code: UMW50.
UMW checks all the boxes.
We promise:
- 100% of tuition is covered for Pell-eligible students
- 100% of first-year students receive some form of financial aid and scholarships
- 100% of our classes are taught by faculty and industry experts, not teaching assistants
- In other words, you are getting the most value for your money at UMW
What matters to you in a college choice matters to us too:
- Affordability for you and your family
- Access to faculty who care
- Programs of study with career outcomes
- Hands-on learning experiences on campus and beyond
Frequently Asked Questions
Pell Grant eligibility is determined from the information that is reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For the 2023-24 award year, the maximum Pell Grant Award was $7,395, in addition to students finding assistance provided by UMW.
We recommend admitted first-year and transfer students with Virginia residency whose families have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $100,000 or less according to their family’s prior year Federal Income Tax Return submit the FAFSA to determine Pell Grant eligibility.
Students must apply for FAFSA by their respective priority dates to be considered for the UMW Tuition Promise. FAFSA timelines for first year and transfer students can be found here.
Students who do not file taxes may be eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise if their Student Aid Index, or SAI, as calculated by the FAFSA is less than $7,000.
Eligible students must be degree-seeking, enrolled full-time and attending the University of Mary Washington. Readmitted students are eligible as long as they meet all other conditions.
UMW’s Tuition Promise is need-based and related directly to the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by completing the FAFSA. Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, this changes to the Student Aid Index (SAI). Additional eligibility includes undergraduate students who have not earned a first bachelor’s or professional degree and are Pell eligible. Students who entered UMW through the Nursing dual-degree partnership plan are not eligible.
Amounts can change annually. In 2024-25 academic award year, the maximum award will be equal to in-state tuition. The amount awarded also depends on:
- Student’s financial need
- Status as full-time or part-time
- Attendance in the full academic year or less
On a federal tax return, adjusted gross income is located on line 11. On a Virginia tax return, it is located on line 9.
Students with a higher AGI will still be reviewed for merit-based aid through first-year scholarships in the form of grants, loans, or scholarships based on information submitted on the FAFSA.
Students whose families do not file taxes may be eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise. We recommend filing the FAFSA to determine Pell Grant eligibility.
Students considered independent for federal student aid purposes, may be eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise.
The UMW Tuition Promise only covers a student’s tuition. It does not apply to fees or housing and meals charges.
Students are eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise regardless of their housing plans.
The UMW Tuition Promise can only be used for tuition at the University of Mary Washington. Unfortunately, it cannot be used for tuition cost incurred through a study abroad program. We encourage you to explore other financial aid opportunities available for study abroad.
You can file your FAFSA beginning in December at studentaid.gov. We encourage you to check out our Financial Aid Office’s guide to Completing the FAFSA.
In order to qualify for the UMW Tuition Promise, your FAFSA must be received and processed by the Department of Education. Students with rejected FAFSAs are not eligible. Students selected for verification are eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise as long as all verification requirements are met.
Admitted students should confirm their enrollment by paying an enrollment deposit no later than May 1 for first-years and May 1 (or as close to May 1 as possible) for transfer students. In 2024, the deposit deadline has been extended to June 1 following FAFSA delays.
New students (incoming first-year and transfer students) who remain in good standing with the University and meet the financial aid satisfactory academic progress standards are eligible to receive funding for up to four years (eight semesters) as long as they continue to meet the priority FAFSA filing date and are determined to be Pell eligible.
Please note, eligibility for academic years after the 2024-25 academic year will be determined by prior-prior year (two years prior) tax information. For example, 2025-26 eligibility is determined by 2023 tax information. This is the same tax information that will be used for a student’s 2025-26 FAFSA.
Students are required to file a FAFSA annually by the priority deadline.
Please note, the 2024-25 academic year is the pilot year of the UMW Tuition Promise program and eligibility criteria may be adjusted in future academic years.
Current UMW students returning for 2024-25 are eligible to receive funding through the UMW Tuition Promise beginning in the Fall 2024 semester if they meet all other eligibility criteria. Please note, the 2024-25 academic year is the pilot year of the UMW Tuition Promise program and eligibility criteria may be adjusted in future academic years.
Current Mary Wash undergraduate students who apply for and receive in-state tuition rates may be considered for the UMW Tuition Promise in subsequent semesters if they meet Pell-eligibility requirements.
Non-Virginia residents who qualify for in-state tuition, including Academic Common Market and military provisions, are not eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise. Please reach out to the Financial Aid Office with questions about other tuition benefit programs.
The UMW Tuition Promise does not replace benefits such as:
- Virginia Military Survivors Dependents Tuition Waiver
- GI Tuition Benefits
Non-Virginia residents who qualify for in-state tuition, including Academic Common Market and military provisions, are not eligible for the UMW Tuition Promise. Please reach out to the Financial Aid Office with questions about other tuition benefit programs.
We’re here to help.
If you have questions regarding first-year admission, contact the Office of Admissions or request more information.
