Overview
Founded in 1947 as the College of Special and Continuation Studies to serve U.S. servicemen stationed in Europe after World War II, UMGC (formerly University of Maryland University College) has grown into one of the largest public providers of online higher education in the United States. It is part of the University System of Maryland but operates independently from the flagship College Park campus, with no traditional undergraduate residential population. UMGC is best known for its extensive military education network, serving active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families across dozens of countries, as well as its robust cybersecurity, IT, and business programs tailored to adult learners.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Adelphi, Maryland |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Total students | 90,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 43% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,400 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $12,336 |
| Room & board | N/A |
| Average financial aid | $6,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Cybersecurity
- Business Administration
- Information Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.