Launch your cybersecurity career with full tuition + stipend + paid pathways into public service.
Accepting applications for Fall 2026. Deadline February 15, 2026.
Apply via Scholarship Retriever
Quick Facts
- Full tuition + mandatory fees (eligible costs covered)
- Stipend support while enrolled: $27,000 undergrads, $37,000 grads.
- $6,000/year professional development fund (certifications, conferences, training, equipment etc.)
- Internship required (summer)
- Service commitment after graduation (Government —federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial— preferably federal)
- Cohort experience at UMBC (community + mentoring)
Why UMBC SFS
At UMBC, SFS is more than funding, it’s a community and a launchpad.
- Join a cohort of cybersecurity-focused scholars
- Get structured program activities and mentoring
- Learn with faculty and peers working on real security problems
- Access professional development funding to build credentials and career readiness
100+ UMBC SFS graduates
Top-5 nationally by number of SFS graduates
Strong record of placing graduates into cybersecurity roles supporting public missions
Who Should Apply
You should apply if you want to:
- Build deep cybersecurity skills
- Gain internship experience
- Commit to a cybersecurity career in service of the public interest
- Join a supportive cohort of peers
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident – citizen preferred (required by the scholarship program)
- Strong academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA requirement)
- Enrolled (or accepted to enroll) in an approved full-time UMBC degree program aligned with cybersecurity (typically CS, CE, IS, or Cyber) at the BS, MS, or PhD level
- Able to meet internship + post-graduation service commitment requirements
- Able to obtain a security clearance (at least secret, preferably top secret)
- Junior standing (60 credits) or higher at beginning of scholarship
New NSF requirement: AI + Cybersecurity focus: New SFS Scholars are required to complete four AI courses as part of the program plan.
What makes a strong applicant
- Demonstrated passion for cybersecurity
- Completed advanced technical courses with high grades
- Engagement in cybersecurity research or cyber defense teams
- Work experience in cybersecurity
- Ability and eagerness to contribute to the cohort
- Demonstrated commitment to public service
See full eligibility & requirements
How the Scholarship Works
Step 1 — Apply
Submit your application through Scholarship Retriever.
Step 2 — Review & selection
Applications are reviewed; finalists may be interviewed.
Step 3 — Learn as a cohort
Participate in cohort activities and professional development planning.
Step 4 — Internship
Complete a required internship (during summer).
Step 5 — Graduate & serve
After graduation, work in an approved Federal, State, Local or Tribal cybersecurity role for the required service period.
What You’ll Receive
Funding that removes financial barriers
- Tuition/fees support so you can focus on learning
SFS Stipend
- $27,000 / $37,000 paid per year (grad/ug) to cover living expenses, health care, etc.
Professional development money
- Up to $6,000/year for certifications, conferences, equipment, training, and career-building experiences
Career experience
- Internship opportunities connected to public-sector cybersecurity needs
Cohort + mentoring
- Structured program expectations, community support, and guidance on career readiness
Scholar Experience at UMBC
Cohort activities
Monthly community meetings and presentations (research, projects, or topics you’re exploring)
Research and learning community
Opportunities to engage with faculty-led work and peer learning
Career preparation
Guidance on internships, resumes, interviews, and post-graduation placement planning
Student Voices
“Quote 1.”
— SFS Scholar, UMBC
“Quote 2.”
— SFS Scholar, UMBC
“Quote 3.”
— SFS Alum, UMBC
Ready to Apply?
Apply via Scholarship Retriever
Questions? Check the FAQ and/or contact the SFS team. We’re happy to help you determine fit and walk through requirements.
Contact
Dr. Alan Sherman or Dr. Roberto Yus.