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81.6%Acceptance
$8,898Tuition
2,165Students
35%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$47,697Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is one of the nation's historically black universities, drawing 2,165 students to its campus in the small town of Princess Anne. The school has built a strong reputation in agriculture, marine science, and aviation programs since its founding in 1886. With an 81.56% acceptance rate, UMES welcomes students who want hands-on learning in specialized fields. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in programs that often lead directly to careers.

Students pay an average net price of $14,035 after financial aid, making this education relatively affordable. Over half of students (52.61%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $47,697 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,000 in debt. The employment rate of 93.2% shows that UMES graduates find work, even if the 34.60% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish their degrees.

The Hawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. With 77.83% of students identifying as Black, UMES maintains its identity as a place where African American students can thrive academically and culturally. The 66.26% retention rate indicates that most students who start here choose to stay.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore operates as a historically black public university with standout programs in agriculture, marine science, and aviation that draw students seeking specialized career training. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classroom environments where professors can provide individualized attention. However, the 37% four-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic and financial challenges completing their degrees on time. The school's location on Maryland's Eastern Shore provides unique opportunities for hands-on learning in marine and environmental sciences. UMES also offers strong programs in business and education, building on its agricultural heritage while expanding into modern professional fields that serve the region's economic needs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
9:1
Full-Time Faculty
71.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
36.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
34.6%
Retention Rate
66.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$47,697
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $119,486
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $101,964
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Bachelor $61,516
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $47,260
Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Master $46,478
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $42,682
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $37,568
Hospitality Administration/Management. Bachelor $32,658
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $31,854
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $30,771

View all 58 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore sits on 776 acres in Princess Anne, a small town about 90 minutes from Baltimore and two hours from Washington, D.C. With housing capacity for 1,689 students and total enrollment of 2,165, roughly three-quarters of students can live on campus if they choose. The Eastern Shore of Maryland brings humid summers where you'll need air conditioning and mild winters requiring a good jacket but rarely heavy snow gear.

As a historically black university founded in 1886, UMES maintains strong traditions around homecoming and Greek life that bind the campus community together. Students gravitate toward the Richard A. Henson Center for basketball games and campus events. With 77.83% of students being Black and 71.43% from Maryland, the campus has a close-knit feel where upperclassmen mentor newcomers. Weekend activities often center around athletics, with the Hawks competing in Division I sports, or trips to nearby Ocean City beaches during warmer months. The small-town setting means students create their own entertainment, from residence hall programs to impromptu gatherings at the student center.
Setting
Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity
1,689 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1886

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 5 4 0 0
Dating Violence 4 3 1 0
Rape 3 3 1 0
Aggravated Assault 4 2 0 0
Stalking 3 0 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Robbery 1 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–47°F
July Avg
64°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
44.8"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Students at this historically black university come primarily from Maryland and surrounding states, with 71% choosing to stay close to home. The student body is 78% Black, reflecting UMES's mission as an HBCU serving the African American community. Over half receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making education accessible for first-generation and lower-income students. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for many HBCUs where female enrollment has grown. The small student body of 2,165 creates tight-knit campus community where students often know their classmates across different majors and programs.
Men
45.5%
Women
54.5%
White
7.5%
Black
77.8%
Hispanic
4.4%
Asian
1.0%
In-State Students
71.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
52.6%

Location

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore sits in Princess Anne, a small town on Maryland's Eastern Shore about 90 minutes from Baltimore and Washington DC. This historically black university serves 2,165 students in a rural setting surrounded by farmland and marshes. The campus lies just 30 minutes from Ocean City's beaches and the Chesapeake Bay. Princess Anne has fewer than 4,000 residents, creating an intimate college town atmosphere where the university dominates local life. The Eastern Shore region is known for its agricultural heritage and maritime culture, which aligns with UMES's strong programs in agriculture and marine science. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare University of Maryland Eastern Shore with similar schools in the region.
Address
Princess Anne, Maryland 21853-1299
SSC Rotunda at UMES campus
SSC Rotunda at UMES campus
Thurgood-marshall-2
Thurgood-marshall-2
Post0061 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library
Post0061 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$47,697
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,138
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,100
Loan Repayment Rate
27.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Maryland Eastern Shore?

University of Maryland Eastern Shore accepts 81.56% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for students seeking admission. As a historically black public university, UMES welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds to its programs in agriculture, marine science, and aviation.

How much does University of Maryland Eastern Shore cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Maryland Eastern Shore is $14,035 annually. With 52.61% of students receiving Pell Grants and institutional grants averaging $12,431, the school makes higher education affordable for students from lower-income families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Maryland Eastern Shore?

University of Maryland Eastern Shore maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,165 total students. This small class environment allows students to build close relationships with professors, particularly valuable in specialized programs like marine science and agricultural research.

What are the graduation outcomes at University of Maryland Eastern Shore?

The six-year graduation rate at University of Maryland Eastern Shore is 34.60%, with graduates earning a median salary of $47,697 ten years after graduation. The school's strong programs in agriculture and aviation help prepare students for specialized career fields.

Where is University of Maryland Eastern Shore located and what is campus life like?

University of Maryland Eastern Shore sits in Princess Anne, Maryland, a small town setting with housing capacity for 1,689 students. The Hawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 10 varsity sports, creating school spirit on this historically black campus.

Is University of Maryland Eastern Shore known for any unique programs?

University of Maryland Eastern Shore has built a strong reputation for its marine science programs, taking advantage of its location on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Founded in 1886 as an HBCU, the school also excels in agriculture and aviation, with 93.2% of graduates finding employment after graduation.