University of Maryland-College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) stands as the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, renowned for its dynamic blend of academic excellence and profound research impact. As a public land-grant research university, UMD is classified among the "R1: Doctoral Universities – very high research activity" and proudly holds the "Public Ivy" distinction. Its strategic proximity to Washington, D.C. fuels unparalleled research collaborations with federal agencies like NASA, NIH, and the National Security Agency, making it a hub for innovation and discovery.

Students at UMD choose from an impressive portfolio of over 200 degree-granting programs, encompassing 113 undergraduate majors, 107 master's programs, and 83 doctoral programs across its eleven schools and colleges. This academic breadth is underpinned by a formidable research enterprise, with the university spending a combined $1.14 billion on research and development in 2021, ranking it 17th among American universities. Such robust investment provides students with unique opportunities to engage in groundbreaking work alongside leading faculty.

Founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College, UMD boasts a rich history, evolving into the state's largest university. Over the decades, it has been a site of significant cultural moments, including a famous visit from Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 to watch a football game. Today, the vibrant College Park campus, spanning 1,340 acres, offers a quintessential college experience. Home to the Maryland Terrapins, UMD's athletic teams compete vigorously in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Ten Conference, fostering a strong sense of community and pride among its over 40,000 students.