Attendance Grants

We recognize the financial commitment required for families to attend Family Weekend. While participants are able to attend many events during Family Weekend at no additional charge (beyond the Family Weekend Registration Fee), there are costs associated with other programs throughout the weekend. These additional fees prevent some families from attending Family Weekend due to extenuating circumstances.

The Family Weekend Attendance Grant is a need-based award that provides financial assistance to defray the expense of attending Family Weekend. The Grant provides funding for:

• General registration for up to six people, including any UMD students
• Tickets to the President's Open House
• BBQ Buffet tickets at the Terp Family Festival & Tailgate
• It does not cover football tickets or game day parking permits.

This Grant is designed to provide assistance to the families of students with high financial need as demonstrated by the student’s financial aid award package. Students and families of students receiving the maximum 2026-27 Federal Pell Grant ($7,395) or with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of -1,500 are eligible to apply.

As part of the application, a copy of the student's College Financing Plan for the 2026-2027 academic year must be submitted. Students can obtain this document in their FinAid account. 

1. Once logged in, hover over Financial Aid Offer (located at the top of the screen). 
2. Select View/Print as College Financing Plan.
3. Save or print the document as a PDF.

The financial aid award information must reflect the Student Aid Index (SAI) listed above. 
Grant applications will NOT be considered until this information is received.