Re: outside scholarships. You need to check NYU policies regarding these and how they affect need based aid. You are required to report all outside scholarships to the college. In most cases, an outside scholarship will reduce your financial need, and therefore reduce your need based aid. Some colleges allow stacking of outside scholarships and their aid up to the cost of attendance. I don’t think NYU allows this stacking.
UMD is a great school at a much more affordable price. It’s a great option.