Transfer Students

Our Transfer Student Alliance (TSA) is a member benefit program for students intending to complete an associate degree at a Maryland community college prior to transferring to UMBC. From day one, TSA members enjoy a number of benefits at both UMBC’s home campus and UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland.

How Do I Remain an Eligible Member for TSA Benefits After Transfer?

Once you’ve joined TSA, in order to remain eligible for benefits upon transfer, you must:

• Earn your associate degree within four years of TSA membership
• Have at least a 3.5 composite GPA when applying to UMBC (calculated based on coursework at all institutions attended)
• Enroll in a UMBC degree program within one year of completing your associate degree without attending another 4-year institution
• Submit a final transcript indicating an earned associate degree from a Maryland community college

I’m Already a TSA Member. How Do I Use My Benefits?

From day one, TSA members enjoy a number of benefits at both UMBC’s home campus and UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove.

• UMBC Campus ID Card
  • Email admissions@umbc.edu with your Name, Date of Birth, and Intended Campus Location (Home campus or Shady Grove)
• 25% tuition discount for one concurrent UMBC course per semester*
  • Submit a Non-Degree Seeking Application (for Spring/Fall) or Visiting Student Application (for Winter/Summer) with all required documents and select the TSA application fee waiver. Once admitted, you will be able to register for class five days prior to the start of the Spring or Fall term or immediately for the Winter or Summer sessions. Once you’ve registered for the class, contact admissions@umbc.edu to receive the 25% tuition discount for one class per term/session. This benefit is available after the completion of 12 credits or more in good academic standing at a participating community college; not to exceed a total of three discounted courses.
• Access to UMBC’s campus facilities and services, including the Retriever Learning Center, computer labs and libraries
  • Swipe or show your UMBC Campus ID Card when asked
• Participation in cultural and recreational student activities at UMBC
  • Swipe or show your UMBC Campus ID Card when asked
• $75 transfer admission application fee waiver
  • Select TSA from the school-specific fee waiver options on the Common Application
• Guaranteed Admission to UMBC’s undergraduate programs
  • Submit a complete application and all supporting materials to UMBC by the Priority Deadline for the term you intend to apply
  • Have at least a 3.5 composite GPA when applying to UMBC (calculated based on coursework at all institutions attended)
  • Submit a final transcript indicating an earned associate degree from a participating Maryland community college prior to the start of the term you intend to first enroll at UMBC as a degree-seeking student
• Guaranteed Annual $1,500 merit scholarship for up to two years
  • Submit a complete application and all supporting materials to UMBC by the Priority Deadline for the term you intend to apply
  • Have at least a 3.5 composite GPA when applying to UMBC (calculated based on coursework at all institutions attended)
  • Submit a final transcript indicating an earned associate degree from a participating Maryland community college prior to the start of the term you intend to first enroll at UMBC as a degree-seeking student
• Guaranteed On-campus housing (UMBC’s home campus only)
  • Submit a complete application and all supporting materials to UMBC by the Priority Deadline for the term you intend to apply
  • Have at least a 3.5 composite GPA when applying to UMBC (calculated based on coursework at all institutions attended)
  • Submit a complete housing application online prior to May 1 for Fall housing and December 15 for Spring housing
  • Submit a final transcript indicating an earned associate degree from a participating Maryland community college prior to the start of the term you intend to first enroll at UMBC as a degree-seeking student
• Priority advising and registration at New Student Orientation
  • Submit a complete application and all supporting materials to UMBC by the Priority Deadline for the term you intend to apply
  • Have at least a 3.5 composite GPA when applying to UMBC (calculated based on coursework at all institutions attended)
  • Submit a final transcript indicating an earned associate degree from a Maryland community college prior to the start of the term you intend to first enroll at UMBC as a degree-seeking student
  • Register for orientation within two weeks of receiving your admission decision

How Do I Know My Community College Participates in TSA?

UMBC partners with community colleges across Maryland because students like you bring unique experiences and perspectives that enrich our campus community. If your current institution is listed on this page, you can apply to become a TSA member.

Questions? We’re Here To Help

Still have questions about TSA, or want to know if you’re eligible, or just want to chat? Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation at admissions@umbc.edu or find other ways you can connect with us.