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The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has officially opened undergraduate admissions for Fall 2026. Applications are accepted through the Common Application or the UMW Admissions Portal. Students applying by the Early Decision (November 1, 2025) or Early Action (November 15, 2025) deadlines will be prioritized for the Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program, one of the most prestigious opportunities for STEM students at UMW.
About the Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program
Funded by a historic $36 million gift from Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59, a pioneer in electron microscopy, this fellowship represents the largest donation in UMW’s history.
Each year, 15 first-year undergraduate students are selected as Science Fellows, receiving:
Significant financial support
Exclusive research opportunities
Mentorship from distinguished faculty
Priority access to advanced STEM resources
Eligible Fields of Study
The fellowship places special emphasis on STEM disciplines, including:
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Computer Science
Physics
Mathematics
Additionally, Rodgers’ gift also funds the Alvey Scholarships (covering full tuition, housing, meals, and fees for out-of-state students) and supports UMW’s Summer Science Institute.
Other Scholarships and Financial Aid at UMW
Beyond the Science Fellows Program, UMW provides several funding opportunities for talented students:
Washington Scholars Program: Full-ride scholarship for Virginia residents.
Alvey Scholars Program: Full-ride scholarship for out-of-state students.
UMW Tuition Promise: Covers full tuition for Virginia students eligible for Pell Grants.
Merit-Based and Departmental Scholarships: Available across multiple academic programs.
Notably, over 60% of UMW applicants apply early, and the majority of students receive financial aid or scholarships.
Why Choose the University of Mary Washington?
The University of Mary Washington is nationally recognized for its academic excellence and student-focused environment.
Key highlights include:
100+ majors, minors, and academic programs
Strong offerings in psychology, business, communication, education, and historic preservation
Prime location in Fredericksburg, Virginia, midway between Washington, D.C. and Richmond—ideal for students interested in political science, history, and public policy
Recent Rankings
Best Undergraduate Business Schools – Poets&Quants (2025)
Top 25 Theatre Programs – Princeton Review (2025)
Top 20 National Ranking for Impact & Internships – Princeton Review Best Value Colleges (2025)
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all nationalities (domestic and international students).
Requirements vary depending on the scholarship or fellowship. Applicants are encouraged to review specific program criteria on the official UMW website.
Application Timeline (Fall 2026 Admissions)
Early Decision (Binding): November 1, 2025
Early Action (Non-Binding): November 15, 2025
Regular Decision: February 1, 2026
Transfer Admissions:
Spring: October 15, 2025
Summer: March 1, 2026
Fall: April 1, 2026
How to Apply
Students can apply through the Common Application or directly via the UMW Admissions Portal. Those interested in the Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program are strongly encouraged to apply by the early deadlines to maximize their chances.
FAQs
1. What is the Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows Program?
It is a prestigious fellowship at UMW funded by a $36 million donation, offering financial aid, research opportunities, and mentorship for STEM students.
2. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Both domestic and international students applying for undergraduate programs in STEM fields are eligible.
3. What are the early deadlines for UMW admissions?
Early Decision is on November 1, 2025, and Early Action is on November 15, 2025.
4. Does the fellowship cover full tuition?
While the Science Fellows Program provides significant funding, full-ride scholarships like the Alvey and Washington Scholars Programs are also available.
5. Which majors are eligible for the Science Fellows Program?
Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics are prioritized.
6. Are non-STEM students eligible for scholarships at UMW?
Yes. UMW offers merit-based and departmental scholarships across multiple disciplines.
7. What percentage of UMW students receive scholarships or financial aid?
Nearly all admitted students receive some form of scholarship or financial assistance.
8. Is the Science Fellows Program open to transfer students?
No, it is primarily designed for first-year undergraduate students.
9. Where is UMW located?
UMW is in Fredericksburg, Virginia, situated between Washington, D.C. and Richmond.
10. How do I apply for UMW scholarships?
Scholarship consideration begins with the admissions application submitted through the Common App or the UMW portal. No separate application is required for most scholarships.
