Transfer Student Alliance

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.

Benefits

Before transfer,

Members receive:

  • $75 transfer admission application fee waiver
  • 25% tuition discount for one concurrent UMBC course per semester*
  • UMBC Campus ID Card
  • Access to UMBC’s campus facilities and services, including the computer labs and libraries
  • Participation in cultural and recreational student activities at UMBC

*Available after high school graduation or equivalency and the completion of 12 credits or more in good academic standing at a Maryland community college; not to exceed a total of three discounted courses.

After transfer,

Eligible members are guaranteed:

  • Admission to UMBC’s undergraduate programs
  • Annual $1,500 merit scholarship for up to two years
  • On-campus housing (UMBC’s home campus only)
  • Priority advising and registration at New Student Orientation

Are You Eligible to Become a TSA Member?

Applicants for TSA membership should be enrolled at a Maryland community college after obtaining a high school diploma or equivalency. Competitive applicants for membership have at least 12 college credits completed with a 3.0 GPA or higher and have about 2 semesters remaining prior to transferring to UMBC. Students should follow the application recommendations below to be able to fully utilize the program benefits prior to transferring to UMBC.

Application Recommendations:
Planning to transfer to UMBC in Spring 2025? Apply to TSA by April 1, 2024
Planning to transfer to UMBC in Fall 2025? Apply to TSA by November 1, 2024
Planning to transfer to UMBC in Spring 2026? Apply to TSA by April 1, 2025
Planning to transfer to UMBC in Fall 2026? Apply to TSA by November 1, 2025

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.