Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, and we've got answers. Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about The Bob Parsons Scholarship.
If you are unable to find the answers to your questions below, or if you would like more information, contact the Office of Admission at 410.837.4777 or admission@ubalt.edu.
Frequently asked questions about The Bob Parsons Scholarship
What is the scholarship?
The Bob Parsons Scholarship Fund was established to help Pell Grant-eligible, transfer and military/veteran students complete their bachelor's degree. By giving this gift, Mr. Parsons has provided UBalt with the resources to invest in your success, and to reaffirm UBalt's commitment to transfer and military students.
Can I apply this scholarship toward any degree program at UBalt?
Yes, you can enroll in any undergraduate degree program at UBalt. However, the scholarship can not be applied toward:
- a second bachelor's degree
- a certificate program
- a graduate degree or any graduate-level courses you may take as part of your undergraduate studies.
When is the scholarship available?
Funding is now available and awarded on an on going basis.
What is covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship will provide money to cover in-state tuition and fees only. Individual classroom lab and online class fees can be included. However, you must accept all Pell Grant money, state institutional aid, and use any military benefits (if eligible) before the Parsons Scholarship becomes available. Textbooks,parking, housing,and other auxiliary expenses are not included.
Who is Bob Parsons?
Bob Parsons is best known as the founder of GoDaddy, but he also served in the Marine Corps, and is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He received his bachelors degree from UBalt in 1975 and was awarded a D.H.L. in 2008. Through the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, he has been instrumental in the founding of UBalt's Veterans Center and Veterans Advocacy Clinic, both of which carry his namesake.
Questions about applying for and being eligible for the scholarship
What is the Pell Grant? Do I qualify for it?
The Pell Grant is a federal student loan program which provides you money to pay for college. This grant does not need to be paid back, and is only available to those who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount you will receive depends on your financial need, costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. These variables mean that you may qualify for Pell money as an UBalt student even if you did not as a community college student. Completing the FAFSA is essential to determining your eligibility.
Do I need to be full Pell Grant eligible?
You do not need to be full Pell Grant eligible, but you do need to be Pell-eligible. To determine if you are eligible for the Pell Grant, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and send it to UBalt (school code 002102).
Am I eligible to receive this grant as a part-time student?
Yes, part-time students taking 6 credits or more for fall and spring semesters are eligible.
Am I eligible to receive this scholarship for summer semester?
If you continue to meet all eligibility requirements and are enrolled in at least 6 credits for summer terms, you are eligible to receive the scholarship. Please note that summer semester enrollment is not required to maintain eligibility for fall and spring semesters.
What happens if I have to stop out at any point during my studies?
Students must be continuously enrolled at UBalt (excluding winter and summer sessions) to continue receiving the scholarship. If you are called up for military-related duty, you may continue to receive the scholarship for the qualifying remaining length of time upon your return to the institution.
Am I eligible to receive other institutional aid in addition to the Parsons Scholarship?
You will not be eligible for additional institutional aid such as merit-based scholarships, but you may be awarded UBalt Foundation scholarships. If you do receive additional aid, the Parsons Scholarship award will be adjusted accordingly.
Do I have to use my TA or VA Education Benefits?
There are many different scenarios involving using VA education benefits (including the Post 9/11 GI Bill®). Before choosing the Bob Parsons scholarship, we recommend that you contact Josiah Guthland, the Director of the Bob Parsons Veterans Center, with whom you can discuss your particular circumstance and who can guide you in making the most beneficial decision.
I’m pursuing my second bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible to receive the Parsons Scholarship?
Only those pursing their first bachelor's degree are eligible for this scholarship. You may, however, be eligible for other forms of financial aid. We encourage you to speak with the Office of Financial Aid to learn more.
What documents do I need to submit for admission and verification?
Information about how to apply to UBalt is available on our transfer student admission page. If applicable, a copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST) should also be submitted. The Office of Financial Aid may require additional information if you have a military affiliation, or if required as part of the financial aid awarding process.
Is there a deadline to apply for the scholarship?
Students who complete their application for admission prior to June 1 (for the upcoming fall semester only) will be given priority consideration. Given the limited number of scholarships available, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Do I have to submit separate applications for the scholarship and admission to the University of Baltimore?
No, there is no separate application for the scholarship. Anyone who submits the application for admission, and who meets the published criteria, will be reviewed for scholarship eligibility.
Will I be considered for the scholarship if I do not have an associate's degree? What if I am in the process of earning it?
To be eligible, you must have earned an associates degree, or the equivalent number of credits (for military, veteran, national guard or reservists only). We may conditionally award you the scholarship if your associate degree is pending, but we will not apply the money to your bill until a transcript showing the earned award is received by the Office of Admission.
I plan on taking classes online or at the Universities at Shady Grove. Can I still receive the scholarship?
Yes, the scholarship will cover tuition and fees for our main campus in Baltimore, online classes or classes offered at the Universities at Shady Grove. As always, make sure you indicate your intention on your admission application.
I am not a U.S. Citizen, am I eligible?
Non-citizens who are eligible for the Pell Grant may qualify for the scholarship. Non-citizens are Pell Grant eligible if they are a permanent resident, a parolee for one year or longer, an asylee, a recognized refugee, or a Cuban-Haitian entrant.
Questions about receiving and accepting the scholarship
How long do I have to use the scholarship, once awarded?
Funding will be provided for three academic years from your initial date of enrollment at UBalt.
How long does the scholarship last?
You are eligible to renew the scholarship for up to three academic years following your initial semester of enrollment if you complete the FAFSA each year, continue to be Pell-eligible and accept any offered Pell Grant, enroll at UBalt as a full-time student(consideration for final-semester enrollment at less than full-time status will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis), maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher, and maintain continuous enrollment at UBalt (excludes winter and summer terms).
Are there any limitations on the scholarship?
Yes, it can not be used as part of the Early-Entry Law program nor can it be combined with any other institutional scholarships.Also,it will only cover full in-state tuition and fees.
How will I know if I am awarded the scholarship?
If selected, a representative from of Office of Admission will contact you to review the details.
Do I have to accept the scholarship by a certain date?
You have three weeks from the date of notification to accept the award.
Do I have to enroll by a certain date?
You should enroll as soon as possible after accepting the scholarship. UBalt reserves the right to rescind the award if you do not enroll in classes, or fail to communicate your intent to register, after a period of time.
How do I accept the scholarship?
To accept, please log into the MyUBalt portal. From the My Student Center link, click on Financial Aid and scroll down to accept the award. If you need help, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
What happens after I accept?
By accepting this scholarship, recipients agree to participate in select communications the University prepares for Mr. Parsons and for The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation. Participation may include sharing a photograph and quote of gratitude, writing a thank you note, or participating in footage for a thank you video. You will be notified by UBalt's Office of Donor Relations at a later date with details.
If I do not receive the Parsons Scholarship, what other options do I have?
If you do not receive the scholarship, you may still be eligible for UBalt's merit-based scholarships. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to learn more.