Overview
University of Maryland-College Park is a moderately selective public four-year institution in College Park, Maryland. The school accepts 44.6% of applicants and enrolls 30,246 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 44.6%
- Average SAT
- 1,440
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,360–1,520
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 32
- Total Enrollment
- 30,246
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
University of Maryland-College Park operates on rolling admissions, so submit your application early in the fall for the best chance at acceptance and merit scholarships. Your application gets stronger consideration when submitted by November rather than waiting until the January deadline.
The honors college requires a separate application with additional essays, and acceptance opens doors to smaller seminar classes, priority registration, and dedicated housing. Apply even if your stats feel borderline since the honors program considers your full profile beyond test scores.
Strong applications highlight specific connections to Maryland's location near Washington D.C. Write about internships at federal agencies, research opportunities at nearby institutions like NASA Goddard, or how you plan to leverage the proximity to political and tech hubs. Generic essays about school spirit or campus beauty won't distinguish you here.
The computer science and engineering programs draw heavily from the D.C. metro area's tech corridor, so mentioning relevant projects, competitions, or internships carries extra weight. Agricultural engineering applicants should reference the school's research farms and sustainability initiatives that few other universities can match.
Maryland's campus culture centers around Terps pride and big-time athletics, but academic intensity runs high in STEM fields. You'll find a mix of commuter students from the Baltimore-Washington area and residential students from across the country. The school works well for students who want major university resources without losing themselves in an enormous student body.
Your essays should address Maryland specifically rather than using generic language that could apply anywhere. Research particular professors, labs, or programs that align with your interests. The campus sits between two major cities, so students here tend to be professionally minded and externally focused rather than insular.
Submit your housing application immediately after admission acceptance since popular residence halls fill quickly. The campus requires freshman to live on campus unless they're local commuters, so housing choice affects your first-year experience significantly.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $15,590/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $11,505
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $40,306
- Students Receiving Aid
- 19%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 88.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $82,860/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 95.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Maryland-College Park require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
University of Maryland-College Park requires either SAT or ACT scores for first-year applicants. The school does not have a test-optional policy.
What is the application deadline for University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park has an early action deadline of November 1 and a regular decision deadline of January 20. Early action is non-binding and provides an admission decision by January 31.
Can I transfer to University of Maryland-College Park from community college?
University of Maryland-College Park accepts transfer students and has articulation agreements with Maryland community colleges. Transfer applicants need at least 12 completed college credits and must submit college transcripts.
Does University of Maryland-College Park have direct admission to business or engineering programs?
University of Maryland-College Park admits students directly to the Robert H. Smith School of Business and A. James Clark School of Engineering. Students apply to these competitive programs as part of their initial application.