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Admitted Students

Congratulations, Welcome Class of 2026! 

Welcome, Future Policy Terp! We’re excited to welcome you into our family of fearless changemakers.

Please use this website as your guide as you explore everything the School of Public Policy has to offer!

What's Next?

Are you ready to make it official? Follow these next steps to confirm your enrollment and begin your journey as a Policy Terp!

As a newly admitted UMD student, you and your family are invited to join us for an Admitted Student Open House. During the event, you’ll hear from faculty and staff from your admitted college, and connect with students and campus representatives as you learn more about the university’s special programs and exciting student life.

For more information, explore the events linked below or check out UMD's Undergraduate Admissions page. 

 

Newly admitted students are invited to join us for an in-person Admitted Student Visit Day!  The School of Public Policy will be on hand to meet you in person on the dates below from 3:00 – 4:00.  You may register for the UMD Portion HERE and the Public Policy Q and A HERE. Dates are: March 14 and April 1, 7, 11, 22, 29. 

Want to explore all that UMD's campus has to offer without leaving your home?

Use YouVisit to take a virtual tour of Maryland's beautiful campus. 

Interested in learning more about SPP's student life, research, and career and academic offerings?

Check out SPP's Events page to see upcoming events, and be sure to sign up for any that pique your interest! 

You're almost there, Policy Terps! To make your enrollment official, respond to your offer of admission by completing the Decision Form located in your Terps Application Portal. You will also need to submit your enrollment deposit. This nonrefundable, $400 deposit will reserve your place in the incoming class and will be applied to your tuition. It may take up to two business days for your confirmation to be processed. 

For more instruction on the enrollment process, check the Admitted Fall Freshman Checklist. 

Have questions about the undergraduate program or want to hear more about Public Policy?

Reach out to us at plcyundergrad@umd.edu for more information. 

Check out SPP's new home! 

We're proud to announce that you will be one of the first classes housed in our brand new policy building! Set to be completed in 2022, the building will feature an architectural deliberation chamber modeled in the spirit of rooms at the United Nations, spaces for students to gather and engage in spirited discussions, and distinguished venues to host local, national and international leaders.

Read more

Why SPP?

The decision is in your hands now - so why should you choose SPP? 

Explore the tabs below to learn what makes SPP stand out from other policy schools! 

The U.S. News & World Report recognized the School of Public Policy (SPP) as a top-ranked graduate school, earning additional distinctions for the national security, international policy, nonprofit management, public finance and budgeting, public management, and policy analysis subsidiary programs. The honor distinguishes SPP for its innovative leadership, interdisciplinary engagement and unique curriculum design. 

Read more about SPP's awards and distinctions here. 

US News & World Report badges 2021

UMD is located close to the heart of national and state politics. Just a short drive from Washington, DC and Maryland's capital, Annapolis, students have a world of career opportunities available to them at UMD. 

 

We know you want a successful career, and we're here to help you get there! 

The SPP Career Center is available to you as a student and alum for one-on-one career counseling, group events, internship and fellowship opportunities, mentorship programs, and other opportunities to grow in your career and broaden your network. 

Once a Policy Terp, always a Policy Terp! 

After four decades, SPP has created an active, diverse and impressive alumni network. As a student and an alum, you'll have the opportunity to connect with other policy professionals and learn and grow as a member of this inclusive community. Alumni help to open doors for current students and their alumni peers by leading events, fostering industry connections and joining the alumni board. 

Explore the SPP News page to read spotlights on some of SPP's notable alumni! 

Interested in pursuing a graduate degree? Check out SPP's accelerated master's program

The dual bachelor's with a Master of Public Policy allows you to earn both degrees in less time and is more cost-effective than if you pursued them independently. 

Upcoming Admissions Events 

Explore the events below for opportunities to connect with current students, faculty and alumni. 

Scholarships

SPP offers a variety of scholarships to undergraduate students - including prospective students! Explore some of SPP's many aid offerings below. 

Established by the family and friends of Congresswoman Gladys Noon Spellman, a dedicated public servant and champion for the people of the State of Maryland, the fund supports fellowships for incoming undergraduate students in the School of Public Policy. Multiple awards will be given in the amount of $1,000 to  $2,000.

Apply now! 

The Robert L. Mitchell Leadership Fellowship Endowment Fund supports outstanding undergraduate and graduate students within the School of Public Policy. The Robert L. Mitchell Leadership Fellows Endowment was initially established as the Robert Mitchell leadership Scholarship Fund in February 2001 by the Maryland National Capital business Industry Association, in honor of the retirement of the National Association of Home Builders President, Robert L. Mitchell. 

Apply now! 

SPP offers over 20 fellowship opportunities, scholarships, and internship funding to both undergraduate and graduate students. 

Read more about SPP's financial aid here. 

 

Share your exciting news! 

Policy Terps are bold problem solvers and fearless change makers, so share your accomplishment with your friends, family, and network! 

Use #PolicyTerps and #NowATerp on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to announce your commitment!