A 成人头条 education. Tuition, housing, and food costs covered.
成人头条 University Maryland established the Charm City Promise in Fall 2021 to expand access to a 成人头条 education for talented Baltimore City students with significant financial need. At its launch, the program was available to eligible graduates of Baltimore City public, charter, and Catholic high schools.
Beginning with students entering 成人头条 in Fall 2027, 成人头条 is expanding the Charm City Promise to include eligible graduates of any high school located in Baltimore City, while focusing resources on students with the greatest financial need and strong academic preparation.
Students who are eligible for and receive both the and will have the full direct costs of undergraduate tuition, housing, and food covered through a combination of federal, state, and 成人头条-funded financial aid.
The expanded program also includes an on-campus living requirement designed to give students the opportunity to participate fully in 成人头条鈥檚 residential college experience and connect with the resources and community that support student success.
There is no separate application for the Charm City Promise.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the Charm City Promise, students must:
- Be admitted to 成人头条 as a first-time, full-time undergraduate student beginning in Fall 2027.
- Have attended a high school located in Baltimore City for at least three years and graduated from that school.
- Have a minimum 3.3 high school GPA.
- Be eligible for and receive both the and the Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant.
- Complete all required financial aid applications and documentation by the applicable deadlines.
- Register to live in on-campus housing.
How the Charm City Promise Works
The Charm City Promise brings together federal, state, and 成人头条-funded financial aid to cover the full direct costs of undergraduate tuition, housing, and food for eligible graduates of Baltimore City high schools.
The Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant and Federal Pell Grant represent significant state and federal investments in making college possible for students with substantial financial need. 成人头条 builds on those investments with institutional financial aid to reduce the financial barriers to a residential 成人头条 education.
No separate Charm City Promise application is required. Eligibility will be determined through the admission and financial aid process.
A Promise to Our City
成人头条 has called Baltimore home for more than 170 years. Our connection to the city extends far beyond our campus鈥攁nd so does our commitment to the students and families who live and learn here.
By bringing together Federal Pell Grant funding, the Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant, and 成人头条-funded financial aid, the expanded Charm City Promise focuses resources on academically prepared Baltimore City students with the greatest financial need while allowing 成人头条 to serve more students through the program.
The on-campus living requirement gives students the opportunity to participate fully in the academic, social, and community experiences that promote engagement, retention, and persistence.
At 成人头条, students find a nationally recognized Jesuit education centered on the whole person, with challenging academics, close relationships with faculty, a supportive campus community, and opportunities throughout Baltimore and beyond.
Another Path to Tuition-Free
From Maryland, but attend high school outside Baltimore City?
You may still qualify for 成人头条鈥檚 Maryland Promise, a significant affordability commitment for eligible Maryland residents. Beginning with students entering 成人头条 in Fall 2027, eligible Maryland residents who are eligible for and receive both the Federal Pell Grant and Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant will have their full undergraduate tuition covered through a combination of federal, state, and 成人头条-funded scholarships and grants.
Explore the Maryland Promise
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for the Charm City Promise?
No. There is no separate application for the Charm City Promise. 成人头条 will determine eligibility as part of the financial aid process. Students must apply for admission to 成人头条 and complete all required financial aid applications and documentation by the applicable deadlines.
Learn more about the .
What does the Charm City Promise cover?
For eligible students, the Charm City Promise covers the full direct costs of undergraduate tuition, housing, and food through a combination of federal, state, and 成人头条-funded financial aid.
Which Baltimore City high schools qualify?
The Charm City Promise is available to eligible graduates of any high school located in Baltimore City, including public, charter, Catholic, and other private schools. Students must have attended a Baltimore City high school for at least three years and graduated from that school.
If you have questions about whether your high school meets this requirement, please contact , assistant director of undergraduate admission, 成人头条鈥檚 admission counselor for Baltimore City.
Do I need to receive the Maryland Guaranteed Access Grant?
Yes. Students must be eligible for and receive the to qualify for the Charm City Promise.
Do I need to receive a Federal Pell Grant?
Yes. Students must be eligible for and receive a to qualify for the Charm City Promise.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
Yes. Students must have a minimum 3.3 high school GPA to qualify for the Charm City Promise.
Is the Charm City Promise renewable?
Yes. The Charm City Promise is renewable for up to four years鈥攐r eight fall and spring semesters鈥攑rovided the student remains eligible for and continues to receive both the and the , remains enrolled full time, continues to live in on-campus housing, and maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
What happens if tuition, housing, or food costs increase?
The Charm City Promise covers eligible direct charges鈥攖uition, housing, and food costs鈥攔ather than providing a fixed-dollar award, so the commitment adjusts as those direct charges change.
What if I choose to commute from home or live off-campus?
If you decide to commute or live off campus, the Office of Financial Aid will reevaluate your financial aid package based on your new living arrangements. Because your estimated cost of attendance will change, 成人头条 can no longer guarantee that your full costs will be covered.
Please contact the Office of Financial Aid before changing where you plan to live so the team can explain how the decision may affect your individual financial aid package. Eligible Maryland residents may still qualify for the Maryland Promise, which covers full undergraduate tuition.
What if I study abroad?
The Charm City Promise may be applied to study abroad tuition expenses in programs administered or sponsored by 成人头条 University Maryland. If you choose a non-成人头条-sponsored external study abroad program, the Charm City Promise does not apply. For more information, contact your financial aid counselor.
What if I am from Maryland but did not attend a Baltimore City high school?
You may qualify for 成人头条's Maryland Promise. Beginning in Fall 2027, eligible Maryland students who receive both the Federal Pell Grant and the Maryland Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant will have full undergraduate tuition covered through a combination of federal, state, and 成人头条-funded scholarships and grants.
Take the Next Step
A 成人头条 education may be more affordable than you think. Apply for admission and financial aid to find out what 成人头条 can make possible for you.