BA Ancient Studies at UMBC: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Studies is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree designed for students interested in classical Greek and Roman civilizations. The program requires 36–48 credits with mandatory coursework in Greek or Latin language (minimum three courses). International undergraduates pay USD 32,735 per year (INR 31.18 Lakhs), with intake available for both fall and spring semesters. The program trains historians, classicists, archaeologists, and professionals for law school, medical school, and research careers. UMBC’s Ancient Studies programme distinguishes itself through faculty-led study tours each spring, archaeological fieldwork opportunities, and a track record of placing graduates into top-tier law and medical schools.

This degree suits candidates with strong English language proficiency, curiosity about classical antiquity, and interest in languages. Graduates excel on standardized tests (GRE, LSAT, MCAT) and report the highest professional school acceptance rate of any UMBC major. The programme is ideal for Indian students seeking a rigorous liberal arts education combined with hands-on archaeological experience and international study opportunities.

• Faculty-led spring study tours to classical archaeological sites in Greece and Rome; participants experience ancient landscapes and artifacts firsthand.
• Internship and archaeological fieldwork placements; students gain practical research and excavation skills in professional settings.
• Exceptional professional school outcomes; graduates achieve the highest acceptance rate to medical and law schools among all UMBC majors.

Also Check: UMBC Bachelor of Arts Ancient Studies Admission

University of Maryland Baltimore County Bachelor of Arts Ancient Studies Fees and Living Costs 2026

UMBC charges out-of-state and international undergraduates the same tuition. Annual costs include tuition, mandatory fees, and international student services. All amounts below reflect 2025–2026 rates published by UMBC; verify current rates on the official tuition page before applying.

Tuition is the largest expense for international students at UMBC. Mandatory fees cover student services, technology access, and health and safety resources. The international student fee provides support services tailored to visa holders, including immigration advising and cultural integration programmes.

• All international undergraduates are automatically enrolled in UMBC health insurance, with costs built into the international student fee and included in total above.
• Payment plans and instalments are available; contact UMBC Student Financial Services for options that split annual fees into monthly payments.
• Application fee (non-refundable): USD 75; orientation fee: USD 225; matriculation fee: USD 100 (first semester only).
• Enrollment deposit of USD 200 applies toward first-semester tuition once admitted.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

Key Insight: At USD 32,985 per year, UMBC’s Ancient Studies programme is competitively priced among public research universities in the USA. Four-year total tuition and fees: approximately INR 1.26 Crore (USD 1.32 Lakh).

Cost of Living in Baltimore for Bachelor of Arts Ancient Studies Students

Baltimore is a historic city with affordable living costs relative to other major US academic hubs. On-campus and off-campus housing options are available, with student residence halls offering the most economical choice for international undergraduates.

Cost Reality for Indian Students: Total annual cost (tuition + living) is approximately USD 56,883 (INR 54.22 Lakhs) for on-campus students. Four-year programme cost: approximately USD 227,532 (INR 2.17 Crore). Many Indian families access educational loans at 6–9% interest; verify current rates with State Bank of India or ICICI Bank.

Read More: Cost of Living in Baltimore for International Students

University of Maryland Baltimore County Bachelor of Arts Ancient Studies Admission

UMBC welcomes international undergraduates through a selective admissions process. Typical admitted students hold a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrate English language proficiency, and show academic strength in humanities. The university does not require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for domestic applicants as of 2026, but international applicants may submit them to strengthen their candidacy.

UMBC’s Ancient Studies programme attracts students with demonstrated interest in classical languages, history, or archaeology. The majority of admitted students hold GPAs between 3.2 and 3.8 (out of 4.0). The university reviews applications holistically, weighing grades, essays, and extracurricular engagement.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) for International Applicants

All international undergraduates whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following standardized tests. UMBC accepts all major examinations; the score thresholds below reflect typical admission benchmarks.

• Indian applicants typically prepare 8–12 weeks for TOEFL or IELTS; the IELTS exam is widely available in India and aligned with UK English conventions familiar to Indian students.
• A TOEFL score of 85+ or IELTS 7.0+ demonstrates strong ability to participate in seminars, write essays, and engage with peer-review activities.
• Applicants below these thresholds may be required to complete an English composition course during the first semester; this does not delay degree progress.
• Test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency to UMBC within 30 days of exam completion; no screenshot submissions accepted.

Honest Take: Indian applicants with IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80 are typically admitted to UMBC with standard conditions; scores above IELTS 7.0 significantly increase scholarship eligibility. Classical languages (Latin, Ancient Greek) studied in high school strengthen cultural fit for the Ancient Studies programme.

UMBC is ranked among the top 10 public universities in the USA for research output and innovation (US News & World Report 2026). The university’s research intensity and undergraduate engagement distinguish it within the public higher-education sector.

Check Out: UMBC University Profile and Programme Details

University of Maryland Baltimore County Bachelor of Arts Ancient Studies Application 2026

UMBC operates on a rolling admissions timeline for international undergraduates. Early applicants (by mid-December) receive decisions within 4–6 weeks. Late applications (January through March) may face extended review timelines or reduced scholarship availability.

International applicants must submit a complete application through UMBC’s online portal or through educational agents in India. Required documents include English-evaluated transcripts (WES), English language test scores, a personal essay (500 words), and two academic references.

• WES credential evaluation takes 7–14 business days; allow at least eight weeks before the application deadline for processing and any corrections.
• UMBC requires certified copies (not scans) of your high school and any college-level transcripts; digital submission through WES fulfils this requirement.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores must arrive at UMBC directly from the testing agency (ETS or British Council); self-submitted scores are not accepted.
• Personal essay prompt changes annually; check the application portal for the 2026–2027 essay topic after you create your account.

Application Tip: Submit your application by mid-January for maximum scholarship eligibility. Document processing for Indian students typically takes 3–4 additional weeks after admission for visa sponsorship letters (I-20 forms), so plan to apply 12–14 weeks before your intended enrolment date.

Also Check: UMBC Application Requirements and Timelines

University of Maryland Baltimore County Bachelor of Arts Ancient Studies Scholarships 2026

UMBC offers merit-based scholarships to international undergraduates based on academic achievement and test scores. Need-based aid is limited for international students; most financial support comes from institutional merit awards or external scholarships from Indian educational foundations.

Typical merit scholarships for international Ancient Studies undergraduates range from USD 2,000 to USD 15,000 per year. Admitted students with GPAs above 3.6 and TOEFL scores above 100 (or IELTS 7.5+) receive automatic consideration for the larger awards. Scholarship amounts are renewable annually if a minimum 3.0 GPA is maintained.

• Presidential Scholarship: up to USD 15,000 per year (top 5% of international applicants by academic merit); renewable for four years if GPA ≥ 3.2.
• International Merit Award: USD 5,000–10,000 per year for students with strong English proficiency and high school performance; renewable annually.
• Department of Ancient Studies Grant: up to USD 3,000 one-time award for incoming majors with demonstrated interest in classical languages or archaeology.
• External funding: Indian applicants may access Merit Scholarship Programme (MSP) from Ministry of External Affairs or Inlaks Scholarships for undergraduates pursuing humanities.

Scholarship Reality: Most international scholarships cover 15–30% of total cost (USD 5,000–10,000 of USD 32,985). Indian families typically finance the remaining balance through education loans, family savings, or a combination. UMBC does not offer full-ride scholarships to international undergraduates in the humanities.

Read More: UMBC Scholarships for International Students

University of Maryland Baltimore County Bachelor of Arts Ancient Studies Salary and Placements

Ancient Studies graduates pursue careers in law, education, archaeology, government, and cultural institutions. UMBC reports that 87% of Ancient Studies majors are accepted into law school, medical school, or graduate programmes within one year of graduation. Salary data is typically unavailable for liberal arts bachelor’s degree holders one year post-graduation, as many pursue advanced degrees.

Most UMBC Ancient Studies graduates pursue further education (law or medical school) rather than entering the workforce immediately. Those entering employment directly typically work in museums, cultural foundations, government agencies, or educational institutions. Typical entry-level roles include curatorial assistant, archivist, education coordinator, or paralegal.

• Gross salaries above reflect pre-tax income; US federal and Maryland state income tax typically reduce take-home by 20–28% depending on location and filing status.
• Use the IRS tax calculator at irs.gov to estimate take-home salary for any US role; state and local taxes vary significantly.
• Visa sponsorship (H-1B) for bachelor’s degree holders is challenging in the humanities; most graduates either pursue graduate school (which comes with full visa sponsorship) or return to India.

Honest Take: UMBC Ancient Studies graduates rarely remain in the USA on a bachelor’s degree alone due to limited H-1B sponsorship in the humanities sector. The programme’s strength is preparing students for law, medical, or doctoral programmes, which offer full visa sponsorship and career pathways in the USA or India.

Source: UMBC Career Services, institutional employment surveys (2023–2025), and US Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data.

Check Out: UMBC Career Outcomes and Alumni Network

United States Visa for Bachelor of Arts Ancient Studies Students

International undergraduates at UMBC study on an F-1 student visa. This non-immigrant visa permits full-time academic study and allows limited on-campus work (up to 20 hours per week during the school term) and full-time work during official breaks. As of June 2026, the visa system operates under Duration of Status (D/S), which permits students to remain in the USA for the full duration of their programme plus a 60-day grace period.

• F-1 visa sponsorship is automatic upon admission; UMBC issues an I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility) within two weeks of payment of the enrollment deposit.
• Post-study work is permitted under Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months after graduation for bachelor’s degree holders in STEM fields; humanities majors may receive 12 months OPT if their programme is classified under a STEM-adjacent classification.
• F-1 duration extends throughout your programme plus a 60-day grace period; monitor official immigration updates as the DHS has proposed a four-year fixed-term cap beginning September 2026.
• Spouse and dependent children may apply for F-2 dependent visas; they cannot work but can attend school with your financial sponsorship.

Visa Reality: F-1 visas are nearly always approved for admitted students. Processing takes 4–8 weeks from submission of the I-20 form; plan for visa interviews at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Hyderabad, or Mumbai 6–8 weeks before your intended arrival. Interview waiver eligibility applies to repeat visa applicants; verify your eligibility before booking an interview.

Read More: F-1 Visa Requirements and US Student Immigration