University of Maryland-College Park: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Career Outcomes

University of Maryland-College Park is a highly selective public research institution with a 44.8% acceptance rate, in-state tuition of $11,505 per year, and median earnings of $82,860 ten years after graduation—making it a strong value for Maryland residents and a competitive option for out-of-state students seeking a R1 research university experience. The school enrolls 30,246 undergraduates, maintains an impressive 95.7% freshman retention rate, and graduates 88.9% of students within four years.

Overview of University of Maryland-College Park

The University of Maryland-College Park is one of the flagship public universities in the United States and the primary research institution for the state of Maryland. Located just outside Washington, D.C., in the Washington metropolitan area, UMD sits at the intersection of academic rigor, research opportunity, and proximity to one of the nation's most dynamic job markets.

As a Carnegie R1: Doctoral — Very High Research institution, UMD is classified among the most research-intensive universities in America. This designation means undergraduates have genuine access to faculty-led research, state-of-the-art laboratories, and graduate-level coursework—advantages that set it apart from many peer institutions.

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and serves a diverse student body of over 30,000 undergraduates. With only 6.2% of students attending part-time, this is a traditional, residential campus experience where most students are fully engaged in campus life.

Academics and What the School Is Known For

UMD excels across engineering, computer science, business, and physical sciences—areas where research funding and industry partnerships are robust.

Engineering and Computer Science: The A. James Clark School of Engineering is nationally ranked and particularly strong in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. Students benefit from partnerships with tech companies in the nearby D.C. corridor and opportunities to work on cutting-edge research in robotics, cybersecurity, and aerospace.

Business: The Robert H. Smith School of Business offers undergraduate and graduate programs with strong connections to finance, consulting, and management sectors. The school's location near D.C. and Baltimore provides internship and networking advantages.

Physical Sciences and Mathematics: UMD's programs in physics, chemistry, and mathematics are research-intensive and well-regarded. The university hosts several federally funded research centers.

Life Sciences and Agriculture: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is one of the oldest land-grant programs in the country and remains a strength, particularly in food science, environmental science, and agricultural research.

Honors College: UMD's Honors College offers a selective, enriched curriculum for top students, including smaller seminars, priority course registration, and enhanced research opportunities. This is worth investigating if you're a high-achieving applicant.

The university's proximity to Washington, D.C. also creates unique opportunities for internships in government, policy, and nonprofit sectors—an advantage that shouldn't be underestimated for students interested in public service or policy work.

Admissions: Acceptance Rate, Test Scores, and What It Takes to Get In

Acceptance Rate: University of Maryland-College Park admits 44.8% of applicants, making it a selective but not ultra-competitive institution. This means strong students have a reasonable chance of admission, but grades and test scores matter significantly.

Test Scores:

• Average SAT: 1,463 (middle 50% likely ranges from approximately 1,400–1,520)
• ACT Midpoint: 32 (this appears to be a data anomaly; typical ACT midpoints for peer schools are 32–35, so verify current data on the UMD website)

For context, an SAT of 1,463 places you in the 94th percentile nationally. To be competitive, aim for:

• SAT 1,400+ or ACT 32+ (minimum competitive range)
• SAT 1,500+ or ACT 34+ (strong candidate range)

GPA Expectations: While not provided in the data, peer public research universities typically admit students with unweighted GPAs of 3.8–4.0. UMD likely expects a similar range for competitive applicants.

What Admissions Officers Look For:

• Strong academics: Rigorous course load (AP, IB, honors classes)
• Test scores: SAT/ACT scores aligned with the ranges above
• Extracurriculars: Leadership, sustained commitment, and demonstrated interest in your intended major
• Essays and recommendations: Authentic storytelling and strong letters of recommendation matter

Application Tips:

• Apply early (Early Action is available and non-binding)
• Demonstrate genuine interest in UMD—visit campus, attend virtual sessions, or connect with admissions staff
• If you're applying to engineering or computer science, highlight relevant coursework or projects
• For in-state applicants, the acceptance rate may be slightly higher than the overall 44.8% figure

Tuition, Financial Aid, and True Cost of Attendance

This is where UMD's value proposition differs dramatically based on residency.

In-State Students

Cost Component	Annual Cost
Tuition & Fees	$11,505
Room & Board	$15,416
Books & Supplies	~$1,200 (est.)
Personal Expenses	~$2,000 (est.)
Total Cost of Attendance	~$30,121
Average Net Price (After Aid)	$15,590

For Maryland residents, the average net price of $15,590 per year represents exceptional value. Over four years, that's approximately $62,360 in total out-of-pocket costs—significantly lower than private universities and even many out-of-state public options.

Out-of-State Students

Cost Component	Annual Cost
Tuition & Fees	$40,306
Room & Board	$15,416
Books & Supplies	~$1,200 (est.)
Personal Expenses	~$2,000 (est.)
Total Cost of Attendance	~$58,922

Out-of-state tuition is $40,306—more than 3.5 times the in-state rate. While the average net price after aid isn't separately broken out for out-of-state students, the sticker price is substantial. Out-of-state families should carefully evaluate whether UMD's value proposition justifies the cost compared to in-state public universities in their home state.

Financial Aid and Loans

• Median student debt at graduation: $19,000
• Estimated monthly loan payment: $201 (manageable for most graduates)
• Students taking federal loans: 22.7% (relatively low, suggesting strong institutional aid and family resources)

Key Takeaway: The low percentage of students borrowing federal loans suggests UMD's aid packages are competitive, but this may also reflect the student body's socioeconomic profile. Use the Net Price Calculator on UMD's website to estimate your family's specific aid package.

Student Outcomes: Graduation Rates and Earnings After College

Graduation Rates

• 4-year graduation rate: 88.9%
• 6-year graduation rate: 88.9%

These rates are exceptional. The fact that the 4-year and 6-year rates are identical suggests most students who graduate do so on time—a sign of strong academic advising, course availability, and student persistence. For comparison, the national average 4-year graduation rate for public universities is around 35–40%.

Earnings and Career Outcomes

Timeline	Median Earnings
6 years after enrollment	$67,785
10 years after enrollment	$82,860

What this means: A UMD graduate earns a median of $82,860 ten years after enrollment. This is approximately:

• $15,000+ above the national median for bachelor's degree holders (roughly $67,000)
• Competitive with or above earnings for graduates of many private universities

For engineering and computer science graduates, earnings are likely significantly higher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), software developers earn a median of $132,270 annually—well above the UMD average, reflecting the school's strength in these fields.

Return on Investment (ROI): For in-state students paying an average net price of $15,590 per year, the ROI is strong. Total four-year cost of ~$62,360 is recouped within the first few years of work. For out-of-state students, the calculation is more complex and depends on your major and career path.

Campus Life and Student Body

Diversity and Demographics

Demographic	Percentage
White	39.8%
Asian	24.0%
Black	12.9%
Hispanic	10.7%
Other/Multiracial	~12.6%

UMD's student body is notably diverse, with Asian students representing nearly a quarter of the undergraduate population and students of color comprising 60.2% of the student body. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and campus culture, though it's important to note that certain communities may face different experiences on campus.

Residential and Social Life

• Freshman retention rate: 95.7% (exceptional—students stay and thrive)
• Transfer-out rate: 6.2% (very low, indicating student satisfaction)

With 30,246 undergraduates, UMD is a large campus, but the 95.7% retention rate suggests students feel connected and engaged. The university offers over 1,000 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, Greek life, and recreational sports.

What to expect:

• Vibrant social scene: College Park has a lively downtown with restaurants, bars, and entertainment
• School spirit: Football and basketball games are well-attended; the campus has strong traditions
• Research opportunities: Undergraduates can participate in faculty research across all colleges
• Proximity to D.C.: The nation's capital is 30 minutes away by Metro, offering internship and cultural opportunities
• Housing: Most freshmen and sophomores live on campus; upper-level housing is more limited, with some students moving off-campus

Potential Considerations

• Large campus: With 30,000+ undergraduates, introductory courses can be large lectures (100–500 students). However, upper-level courses are smaller and more intimate.
• Competitive environment: As a selective institution, the student body is academically strong, which can create a rigorous academic environment
• Weather: Maryland winters are cold and sometimes snowy; if you prefer warm climates, this may be a consideration

Is University of Maryland-College Park Right for You?

UMD is an excellent fit if you:

• Are a Maryland resident seeking a top-tier public research university at an affordable price (in-state tuition is a major advantage)
• Want to study engineering, computer science, or business and benefit from strong programs and industry connections
• Value research opportunities and want access to faculty-led projects and state-of-the-art facilities
• Appreciate diversity and want a campus with significant representation across racial, ethnic, and international backgrounds
• Seek proximity to Washington, D.C. for internships in government, policy, tech, or nonprofit sectors
• Prefer a large, vibrant campus with strong school spirit and extensive student organizations
• Are willing to work hard in a competitive academic environment

UMD may not be the best fit if you:

• Are an out-of-state student without significant financial aid (the $40,306 out-of-state tuition is steep; compare it to in-state options)
• Prefer small class sizes and intimate settings from day one (large lectures are common in first two years)
• Want a rural or isolated campus (College Park is suburban, near a major metro area)
• Are undecided about your major and want more exploratory flexibility (UMD's colleges are somewhat siloed, though switching is possible)

Next Steps

If UMD interests you, take these actions:

1. Visit campus in person (or virtually) to get a feel for the environment
2. Use the Net Price Calculator on www.umd.edu/ to estimate your family's aid package
3. Explore specific colleges and programs (Engineering, Smith Business School, Honors College) to see if they align with your goals
4. Connect with current students through campus tours or information sessions
5. Compare UMD to peer institutions on GradeToGrad.com—schools like University of Virginia, Penn State, and University of Michigan offer similar experiences at different price points

University of Maryland-College Park is a strong public research university with excellent career outcomes, particularly for in-state students and those pursuing engineering or computer science. The 88.9% four-year graduation rate and $82,860 median earnings ten years after graduation reflect the quality of education and career preparation. However, out-of-state students should carefully weigh the $40,306 annual tuition against comparable options in their home state.

Ready to explore more schools? Use GradeToGrad.com to compare UMD with other public research universities, filter by tuition and location, and build a balanced college list that includes reach, target, and safety schools.