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Linehan Artist Scholars receive four-year scholarships ranging from $5,000 – $15,000 per academic year for in-state students, and from $10,000 – $22,000 per academic year for out-of-state students, to assist in covering tuition, mandatory fees, and other expenses. Out-of-state students are encouraged to apply.
The LAS scholarship is open to incoming freshman students only.
Each of the four arts departments selects students for the Linehan Scholarship through their audition/portfolio process. For more details, scroll down.
Click on our “How to apply” guide to open & download ->
Start Here
Prospective scholars must first apply for admission to UMBC. For best consideration, applicants are advised of the Early Action deadline of November 1st.
Your Campus ID will be sent approx. 5-7 business days after you have submitted your Common Application to UMBC. We strongly encourage you to complete your undergraduate application before November 1.
DOWNLOAD
Linehan Artist Scholars Checklist 2025/2026 & Accepting Your Linehan Artist Scholarship
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Next STEP
The arts departments evaluate and select scholars on their achievement in the arts and academic preparedness. Please visit your intended art department’s website for more information about their audition and portfolio process.
Register for Audition / Portfolio Review
Dates vary by arts departments. It is very important that you familiarize yourself with all the details and requirements uniqiue to the audition/portfolio review process of your chosen arts major.
Third STEP
Submit your application for the Linehan via Scholarship Retriever by the closing deadline of January 31st, depending on the audition and portfolio review process of your chosen arts major.
The Linehan Application collects general information and includes one short required essay question.
Linehan Application
Scholarship Retriever
Required short essay question (250-300 words):
The Linehan Artist Scholars Program is a community of artists exploring their artistic endeavors in a university setting. How will you contribute to this community?
OPTIONAL – Honors College Essay (600-650 words):
If you have already submitted an application to the Honors Colleges (such as through the Common App), you don’t have to complete this essay.
If you are interested in and have not yet applied to the Honors College, you can submit the long essay question; it will be automatically shared and reviewed by the Honors College committee.
American filmmaker, visual artist, and musician David Lynch once said, “Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you’ve got to go deeper. Down deep, the fish are more powerful and more pure.” In this essay, reflect on the message hidden in the
quote and describe how it resonates with you as an artist and learner.
Fourth STEP
Attend your audition or portfolio review.
IMPORTANT ↓
After completing your Scholarship Retriever application, ALL Scholarship Retriever communication will be sent ONLY to your new UMBC email. It is very important to check this email regularly for updates.
Scholar Selection Day – the final step in the Scholarship process.
Eligible applicants are invited via their UMBC email to attend Scholar Selection Day on February 21, 2026, where you will have the opportunity to hear from current scholars and faculty, learn more about the program, and complete an interview as the final step in the Scholarship process.
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DECISION
Successful applicants are notified via their UMBC email in March. Applicants have until May 1st to accept.
COMMUNITY
Visual and Performing Arts Living & Learning Community. Enroll and submit your housing application by May 1st.
Fall Admission
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Regular Decision: February 1
Honors College check the box on your Linehan Scholars Program application
Priority Deadline: November 1st
Regular Decision: February 1st
Financial Aid
Priority Deadline for FAFSA: March 1st
*Linehan Artist Scholars are encouraged to apply by this Priority Deadline
Request more information or use Contact info in left column of this page.