University of Maryland-Baltimore County

80.6%Acceptance

$12,952Tuition

10,434Students

71%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$69,960Earnings

#3 in MarylandPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Maryland-Baltimore County

UMBC has built a reputation as a powerhouse for producing underrepresented minorities in STEM fields, earning national recognition for its modern programs in computer science, engineering, and natural sciences. The public research university serves 10,434 students on a large suburban campus outside Baltimore. Notable graduates include NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, whose calculations helped launch the first American astronauts, and civil rights leader Ben Jealous.

Students pay an average net price of $18,328 after financial aid, making it remarkably affordable for a research university. Graduates earn a median of $69,960 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $19,500. The return on investment is strong, with monthly loan payments of just $207. In-state students get an even better deal at $12,952 for tuition.

The student body reflects Maryland's diversity, with no single racial group forming a majority and women comprising 46% of enrollment. UMBC accepts about 81% of applicants with an average SAT of 1300, making it accessible while maintaining academic standards. The school retains 87% of freshmen, suggesting students find what they're looking for in this honors-focused environment that prioritizes undergraduate research and STEM excellence.

Academics & Faculty

UMBC operates as a public research university with a fierce reputation for launching STEM careers, particularly for underrepresented students. The school's computer science and engineering programs consistently rank among the nation's best at producing minority PhD recipients in these fields. With 10,434 students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay manageable while professors remain accessible for research opportunities. The university's 70.6% six-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though students work hard to earn their degrees. UMBC's natural sciences programs have produced notable graduates like NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. The school's research focus means undergraduates can dive into modern projects alongside faculty members.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 66.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 70.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 70.6%
Retention Rate: 87.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $69,960
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$76,460
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$76,460
Information Science/Studies.	Master	$75,383
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$73,112
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Master	$72,134
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$70,009
Chemical Engineering.	Bachelor	$63,600
Information Science/Studies.	Bachelor	$62,111
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$60,240
Curriculum and Instruction.	Certificate	$57,318

View all 153 programs →

Campus Life

UMBC sits on a sprawling suburban campus just 10 miles southwest of Baltimore, where students need both winter coats for snowy January mornings and shorts for humid August move-in days. With housing capacity for 4,000 students and total enrollment of 10,434, about 38% of students live on campus in residence halls and apartments scattered across the wooded grounds. The campus buzzes with the energy of serious STEM students, this is where future engineers debug code in the library at midnight and pre-med students form study groups that actually stick together.

Weekends often mean trips into Baltimore's Inner Harbor or Washington DC, both easily accessible by car or public transit. On campus, students gather for Retriever Activities Board events or cheer on the Division I Retrievers teams, though with 375 total athletes, sports take a backseat to academics here. The diverse student body (30.5% White, 23.9% Black, 23.9% Asian) creates a multicultural atmosphere where different perspectives fuel late-night discussions about everything from research projects to social justice.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 4,000 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

114 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	24	11
Rape	15	15
Motor Vehicle Theft	19	0
Fondling	7	5
Dating Violence	7	2
Burglary	6	1
Domestic Violence	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–43°F
July Avg: 72°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.7"
Annual Snowfall: 19.3"

Student Demographics

UMBC draws a remarkably diverse student body that reflects its mission as a research university focused on STEM excellence and social mobility. Nearly 90% of students come from Maryland, showing the school's strong reputation within the state for rigorous academics at an affordable price. The campus is almost evenly split between white students at 31% and Asian students at 24%, with Black students comprising another 24% of enrollment. Men slightly outnumber women at 54%, likely reflecting the heavy emphasis on engineering and computer science programs. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UMBC successfully serves middle-class families seeking quality education without crushing debt.

Men: 54.2%
Women: 45.8%
White: 30.5%
Black: 23.9%
Hispanic: 9.3%
Asian: 23.9%
In-State Students: 89.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.6%

Location

UMBC sits in the Baltimore suburbs, about 10 miles southwest of downtown Baltimore. The campus occupies 500 acres in Catonsville, giving students access to both urban internships and a quieter study environment. Baltimore offers major league sports, strong museums, and a thriving tech scene that aligns well with UMBC's STEM focus. The school draws 89% of its students from within Maryland, reflecting its strong reputation as the state's top public research university outside of College Park. The suburban setting provides modern facilities while keeping students connected to one of the East Coast's major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare UMBC with similar schools in the region.

Address: Baltimore, Maryland 21250

UMBC Performing Arts and Humanities Building

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $69,960
Median Earnings (5 years): $71,711
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Maryland-Baltimore County?

UMBC accepts 80.55% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1300. The university has built a reputation for welcoming students who are serious about STEM fields, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

How much does University of Maryland-Baltimore County cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $18,328, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,048. With in-state tuition at $12,952, UMBC offers strong value for Maryland residents seeking quality STEM education.

What is University of Maryland-Baltimore County known for academically?

UMBC has gained national recognition for producing minority students who earn advanced STEM degrees. The university excels in computer science, engineering, and natural sciences with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1.

What are the career outcomes like at University of Maryland-Baltimore County?

Graduates earn a median salary of $69,960 ten years after graduation with a 92.1% employment rate. The university's strong STEM focus translates into solid career prospects, though students graduate with a manageable median debt of $19,500.

Where is University of Maryland-Baltimore County located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Baltimore with housing for 4,000 students out of 10,434 total enrollment. As the Retrievers compete in NCAA Division I with 13 varsity sports, students get a mix of academic intensity and athletic spirit.

How diverse is University of Maryland-Baltimore County?

The student body is 30.51% White, 23.85% Black, and 23.86% Asian, making it one of the most diverse universities in Maryland. With 89.13% of students coming from in-state, UMBC serves as a crucial pathway for Maryland's diverse population to enter STEM careers.