Thanks so much goebelb, Brewmaster and PublicService.
@Brewmaster the fundning offer came with the admission letter. @goebelb I got offer from CIPA, GWU, GSPIA (Pittsburgh), Humphrey (Minnesota). All of them are making me wait for their funding decision so thus far UMD is the only REAL offer I have since funding is my biggest concern.
I feel pretty relieved after reading PubliService's reply. At least there's a way to do what I want to. Thanks everyone again- this forum does help blood pressure level to fall!