Overview
Founded in 1966, UMBC was established as a new campus of the University of Maryland System to serve the growing Baltimore metropolitan area. It has rapidly built a reputation as a leading public research university, particularly known for its rigorous programs in the sciences, engineering, and information technology. UMBC gained national prominence under longtime president Freeman Hrabowski III for its Meyerhoff Scholars Program, a groundbreaking initiative that has become a national model for increasing the number of underrepresented minorities earning PhDs in STEM fields.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Total students | 13,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 62% |
| Graduation rate | 70% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $11,300 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $26,300 |
| Room & board | $13,200 |
| Average financial aid | $15,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 80% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1220-1420 |
| ACT range | 26-32 |
| Average GPA | 3.90 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Top Programs
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Biological Sciences
- Information Systems
- Chemistry & Biochemistry
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.