About University of Maryland Eastern Shore
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
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
| Program | Level | Median 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 |
Campus Life
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
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public 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
- 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
- Address
- Princess Anne, Maryland 21853-1299
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.