In a Nutshell

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers more than 135 online, skills-based degrees and certificates designed to help working adults and servicemembers achieve their goals and succeed again. With affordable tuition, a generous transfer-credit policy, and a long history of serving our military community, UMGC combines accreditation, accessibility, and student support to make online education achievable and affordable.

Pros & Cons

University of Maryland Global Campus At-a-Glance

Why UMGC?

Affordability, convenience, flexibility, and a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate options that give students the skills that employers are seeking. These are just some of the benefits of attending UMGC. UMGC can help students balance job and life responsibilities with online programs and services that fit into their lives. UMGC is backed by the reputation of a state university and is a member of the University System of Maryland.

Learners benefit from rolling admissions, flexible ways to pay, scholarships for those who qualify, and generous transfer credit policies that allow students to transfer up to 90 credits toward an undergraduate degree and up to 12 credits toward a graduate program. UMGC’s dedicated faculty, staff, and advisors help ensure you have everything you need to achieve and become all that you envision. The university provides unwavering support at any stage of your career. UMGC helps students advance their education and plan for their next success, no matter where life takes them—even under the most challenging circumstances.

UMGC Special Features

Flexibility & Accessibility

UMGC offers rolling admissions with multiple start dates each term. UMGC’s online classes offer students the flexibility and convenience to learn on their own time, while enabling them to make the personal connections that create a rewarding and enjoyable learning experience.

Military & Veteran Support

Serving the military is in UMGC’s DNA. The university has been serving the armed forces for over 75 years and uniquely understands the challenges military-affiliated students face in earning a degree. That includes not only understanding the “ins and outs” of Tuition Assistance and veterans benefits, but also a commitment to providing best-in-class support services for its more than 60,000 military-affiliated students. These include a reduced tuition rate on most programs for servicemembers and their eligible spouses and dependent children and personalized advising and online support from knowledgeable advisors through Virtual Advising Rooms. UMGC is a military- and veteran-trusted university and was ranked No. 1 among primarily online universities in Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges list.

Credit for Prior Learning & Transfers

Students can transfer up to 90 undergraduate credits toward an undergraduate degree or up to 12 credits toward a graduate program. UMGC evaluates prior coursework, exams, certifications, work and volunteer experience, and military training, making it one of the most transfer-friendly institutions in the country.

Tuition & Discounts

Tuition rates are published annually, with separate tables for in-state, out-of-state, and military learners. Federal employees can receive up to 25% savings on out-of-state tuition for most programs or 5% on specialty graduate programs. UMGC also offers no-cost digital course materials in place of textbooks for most courses, reducing out-of-pocket textbook expenses.

Career & Student Services

Students gain access to tutoring and academic advising as well as library resources across the University System of Maryland. UMGC students have access to Lifetime Career Services including virtual career fairs, job search tools, and employer networking, whether a student is 10 days into their education journey or 10 years after graduation.

How It Works

1. Apply now. (Be sure to review the undergraduate and graduate admission requirements.)
2. Work with an advisor to find the right program for you and explore ways to pay for your education.
3. Select your start date and begin building your future.

Accreditation & Certification

UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This institutional accreditation ensures quality and supports credit transferability and financial aid eligibility.

What Former UMGC Students Have to Say

“Very affordable tuition and fees.” — Bridget A., MS in Healthcare Administration

“Convenient to my schedule.” — Vernon H., BS in Criminal Justice

“What I learned in the certificate program, the skills I gained, I could apply right away at work.” — Steven C., MS in IT: System Engineering

“UMGC offered me the skills, tools and professional development I needed to advance in my career.” — Aaron B., BS in Management Studies

“The reputation of a school goes a long way... That’s why I picked UMGC.” — Alvin B., BS in Cybersecurity Technology, Navy Veteran

“I love how military-friendly UMGC is. It made it a very seamless experience for me.” — Amanda P., MS in Management, Human Resources Management, Military Spouse

UMGC Support Center

• Phone: 855-655-8682 (advising, Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET).
• Chat: Live chat during business hours, 24/7 Chat Bot.
• Technical support: 888-360-8682, available 24/7 by phone, chat, and email.
• Email contacts: undergrad.advisor@umgc.edu, grad.advisor@umgc.edu
• Physical address: 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783 (administrative location).

Bottom Line

UMGC is an accredited, public university that has served the educational needs of adult learners and military servicemembers around the world for over 75 years. With rolling admissions, generous transfer credit policies, 135+ online, skills-based programs, tuition assistance and scholarships for those who qualify, and comprehensive student support services, UMGC continues to help hundreds of thousands of students succeed with their degree.

¹SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, UMGC.

AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.