University of Mary Washington Fall 2026 Scholarship Admissions Open
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has officially opened its application portal for the Fall 2026 intake, offering students worldwide the chance to join one of Virginia’s most dynamic universities. Applications opened on August 1, 2025, and students are encouraged to apply early, as those submitting by the early decision deadline on November 1 or the early action deadline on November 15 will receive priority consideration for UMW’s brand-new Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program.
The Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program
This competitive program is supported by the largest donation in UMW’s history—an extraordinary $36 million gift from Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59, a pioneer in electron microscopy. Thanks to her legacy, UMW will be able to fund 15 outstanding first-year students who are passionate about pursuing careers in science. Fellows will work closely with faculty mentors on groundbreaking research, gain opportunities to co-author publications, and participate in the Irene Piscopo Rodgers Summer Science Institute, a hands-on initiative designed to strengthen scientific skills and professional experience.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
Beyond the Science Fellows program, UMW continues to stand out for its strong financial support packages. The Washington Scholars Program offers a full-ride scholarship to high-achieving Virginia students, while the Alvey Scholars Program provides full tuition, housing, and meals for top-performing out-of-state students. In addition, UMW’s Tuition Promise guarantees that Virginia students eligible for Pell grants can study without paying tuition fees. Numerous departmental awards, grants from the National Science Foundation, and funding from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia further expand the financial opportunities available to incoming students.
Wide Range of Academic Programs
Students who join UMW will be able to choose from more than 100 majors, minors, and areas of study, ranging from biology, chemistry, and computer science to communication, psychology, historic preservation, and political science. UMW’s strategic location between Washington, D.C., and Richmond strengthens fields such as public policy and political science, while its acclaimed theatre and business programs showcase the university’s broad academic strengths. The institution’s excellence has been recognized nationally, with recent rankings placing UMW among the Top 20 universities for internships and social impact and among the Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the U.S.
Important Application Deadlines
For students planning to apply, several key dates should be kept in mind. Along with the early deadlines in November, the regular decision deadline is February 1, 2026, while transfer students must apply by October 15, 2025 for spring entry, March 1, 2026 for summer entry, or April 1, 2026 for fall entry. In recent years, more than 60% of UMW’s first-year students have applied early, with the majority receiving scholarships or financial aid.
Submit Application: https://www.umw.edu/news/2025/08/01/umw-application-opens-aug-1-for-fall-2026-including-undergrad-science-fellowships/.