Special Applicants

The University of Maryland (UMD) acknowledges that not all students fit into the freshman or transfer applicant categories. There are several unique application processes for such audiences. To learn more about the processes below, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions Special Audiences page.

Golden Identification (Golden ID) Program

The Golden ID Program allows eligible senior citizens to take advantage of the wide variety of course offerings at the university. To be eligible to participate, the individual must be 60 years of age or older, a legal resident of the state of Maryland and retired (not engaged in gainful employment for more than 20 hours a week).

To participate in the Golden ID program, students must submit an undergraduate admissions application. If admitted to the university, students can then register on a space-available basis for credit courses as a regular or special student in any session. Students must pay an administrative fee for each semester registered.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Students interested in taking courses at UMD without pursuing a degree must apply for admission as non-degree seeking students using the undergraduate admissions transfer application.

Non-degree seeking students who've already received a baccalaureate degree may enroll in undergraduate courses for which they possess the necessary prerequisites, but may not enroll in courses restricted to graduate students only. Credits earned while enrolled as a non-degree seeking student cannot be applied to a graduate program at a later date. Students who wish to take courses at the graduate level (600 and above) must contact the Graduate School for information concerning admission requirements for Advanced Special Student status.

For more information on required application materials, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions Special Audiences page.

Returning Students

Applicants who have not attended school for more than five years should contact the Student Success Office. 

Students returning to UMD after a separation of five calendar years may petition the appropriate dean to have a number of grades and credits from courses previously taken at UMD removed from the calculation of their cumulative grade point averages and from the credits applied toward graduation requirements. See information under Registration and Academic Records and Regulations. 

Special Freshman Audiences

For information about early admission options, high school equivalency evaluation, home-schooled students and prior learning credits, please visit the Freshman Admission section.

U.S. Veterans

First and foremost, UMD thanks all veterans for their service. UMD considers a veteran any individual who is currently enlisted or has served in the U.S. armed forces or one of its reserve units. As a Principles of Excellence Program institution, we are committed to helping veterans continue their education. For more information on required application materials, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions Special Audiences page.

Veterans can also contact the University of Maryland Veterans Certification Services at 301-314-8239 for more information on the university’s veteran services.