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44.6%Acceptance
$11,505Tuition
30,246Students
89%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$82,860Earnings
#1 in MarylandPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Maryland-College Park

Maryland attracts 30,246 students to its sprawling suburban campus just outside Washington DC. The university has built a reputation as a research powerhouse, particularly in engineering, computer science, journalism, and business. Notable graduates include Muppets creator Jim Henson and Google co-founder Sergey Brin. With a 44.61% acceptance rate, Maryland balances selectivity with accessibility for a large public university.

Students pay an average net price of $15,590, making this one of the better values in higher education. Graduates earn a median of $82,860 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt sits at just $19,000. The return on investment works out strongly, with monthly loan payments averaging only $201. In-state students get an strong deal at $11,505 for tuition.

The Terrapins compete in the Big Ten Conference across 18 varsity sports, bringing major college athletics to campus life. With a 95.66% retention rate, students clearly find what they're looking for here. The diverse student body includes 24.01% Asian students and draws from across the region, though 74.07% come from Maryland. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the typical public research university experience.

Academics & Faculty

Maryland operates as a major research university where undergraduates work alongside faculty conducting modern studies just miles from Washington DC. The school built its reputation on powerhouse programs in engineering, computer science, and journalism, with the Philip Merrill College of Journalism ranking among the nation's best. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, but students gain access to substantial research opportunities that smaller schools cannot offer. An impressive 88.93% of students graduate within four years, reflecting strong academic support systems. The business school and computer science department have produced notable tech entrepreneurs, while the engineering programs consistently rank in national top tiers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
81.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
88.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
88.6%
Retention Rate
95.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$82,860
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $112,923
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $106,102
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. Master $101,746
Business/Commerce, General. Master $94,408
Engineering, General. Master $94,112
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $84,653
Computer Engineering. Bachelor $80,466
Chemistry. Doctoral $73,949
Agricultural Engineering. Bachelor $73,164
Physics. Doctoral $72,899

View all 349 programs →

Campus Life

The sprawling campus sits just 30 minutes from Washington DC, putting internships and career opportunities within easy reach. With housing capacity for 12,479 students out of 30,246 enrolled, about 40% live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and newer apartment-style buildings. The rest commute from nearby College Park or surrounding Maryland suburbs.

Students bundle up for cold winters and enjoy mild springs and falls in the Mid-Atlantic climate. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, but Maryland's research focus creates plenty of lab and project opportunities. Weekends revolve around Big Ten football games at Maryland Stadium, where fans wear red and cheer for the Terrapins. Greek life has a presence but doesn't dominate social scenes. Students frequently take the Metro into DC for internships, museums, and nightlife. The campus transforms during basketball season, with students camping out for tickets to games against rivals like Duke. Route 1 offers typical college town dining and entertainment just steps from campus.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
12,479 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 141 2 0 0
Rape 22 21 3 0
Dating Violence 16 14 0 0
Fondling 14 7 1 0
Burglary 12 8 0 0
Stalking 16 4 0 0
Aggravated Assault 5 0 0 4
Domestic Violence 2 2 0 4
Robbery 6 0 0 2
Arson 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
25°–42°F
July Avg
67°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
44.0"
Annual Snowfall
15.8"

Student Demographics

Three-quarters of students come from Maryland, reflecting the university's role as the state's flagship institution. Asian students make up nearly a quarter of the campus, drawn by top-ranked engineering and computer science programs. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women across Maryland's diverse academic offerings. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class Maryland families seeking quality education at in-state prices. Students tend to be academically strong with median SAT scores of 1440, creating a competitive environment near the nation's capital.
Men
50.7%
Women
49.3%
White
39.8%
Black
12.9%
Hispanic
10.7%
Asian
24.0%
In-State Students
74.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.6%

Location

College Park sits in suburban Maryland, just 8 miles from Washington DC and 30 miles from Baltimore. The 30,246-student campus occupies a classic college town setting where university life dominates the local culture. Students benefit from easy Metro access to internships and jobs in the nation's capital while enjoying the tree-lined suburban campus atmosphere. The region offers both urban opportunities and college town charm, with nearby shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues catering to the university community. Maryland's location in the Mid-Atlantic provides access to major East Coast cities within a few hours' drive. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare University of Maryland-College Park with similar schools in the region.
Address
College Park, Maryland 20742
Google team group photo with Vanhanen-Sergey Brin cropped
Google team group photo with Vanhanen-Sergey Brin cropped
Larry David at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival 2
Larry David at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival 2
Michael D. Griffin
Michael D. Griffin

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$82,860
Median Earnings (5 years)
$80,584
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$50,100
Loan Repayment Rate
79.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$201/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Maryland-College Park?

University of Maryland-College Park accepts 44.61% of applicants with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1360 to 1520. The school attracts strong students who want access to top research programs just minutes from Washington DC. With 95.66% of students returning for sophomore year, most Terrapins find their academic fit.

How much does University of Maryland-College Park cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,590 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,603. In-state tuition runs $11,505 while out-of-state students face $40,306 before aid. Graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000 and monthly loan payments of $201.

What are the strongest academic programs at University of Maryland-College Park?

The university excels in engineering, computer science, journalism, and business with extensive research opportunities. Students benefit from the 18:1 student-faculty ratio and proximity to federal agencies and tech companies. Notable alumni include Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Muppets creator Jim Henson.

What do graduates from University of Maryland-College Park earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median salary of $82,860 ten years after graduation with a 94.7% employment rate. The school's 88.60% six-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support. Maryland's location near DC opens doors to government, tech, and media careers that boost earning potential.

Where is University of Maryland-College Park located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in College Park, a large suburban setting with housing for 12,479 students out of 30,246 total enrollment. As a Big Ten Conference member, the Terrapins field 18 varsity sports with 539 total athletes. The diverse student body includes 24.01% Asian students and draws 74.07% from Maryland.

Does University of Maryland-College Park have notable rivalry traditions?

Maryland maintains a heated rivalry with Duke University that extends beyond their Big Ten Conference athletics. The Terrapins compete across 18 varsity sports with $20,270,050 in athletic scholarships available. School pride runs deep with the motto 'Fatti maschii, parole femine' reflecting the university's bold academic and athletic ambitions.