Overview
Founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College, the University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. has fostered deep partnerships with federal agencies like NASA, NIST, and the NSA, fueling its reputation as a leader in computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, and public policy research. UMD is classified as an R1 research university with extensive research expenditures spanning STEM, social sciences, and the humanities.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | College Park, Maryland |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Total students | 40,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 44% |
| Graduation rate | 86% |
| Average starting salary | $68,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $11,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $40,300 |
| Room & board | $13,200 |
| Average financial aid | $18,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 60% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1300-1500 |
| ACT range | 29-33 |
| Average GPA | 4.20 |
| Regular deadline | January 20 |
Top Programs
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Journalism
- Business (Smith School)
- Public Policy
- Criminology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.