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University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

30,246
Total Students
$12K
Tuition (In-State)
$40K
Tuition (Out-State)
$16K
Avg Net Price
45%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Graduation Rate
6-year
96%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Maryland-College Park

Maryland's Flagship: A Public Ivy Driving Innovation with D.C. Influence.

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) stands as the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, a powerhouse of public land-grant research, and a distinguished "Public Ivy." Located in College Park, Maryland, UMD offers an unparalleled educational experience, blending rigorous academics with a vibrant campus life, all within a stone's throw of the nation's capital.

Known for its "very high research activity" (R1 classification), UMD is a hub of innovation, with faculty collaborating extensively with federal agencies like NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Homeland Security. The university's commitment to discovery is evident in its substantial research and development spending, which ranked 17th nationally. Students benefit from access to over 200 degree-granting programs across its eleven schools and colleges, ensuring a diverse range of academic pursuits, from cutting-edge science to the liberal arts.

From its origins as the Maryland Agricultural College in 1856, UMD has evolved into a modern research university, embracing diversity with the enrollment of its first female students in 1916 and first Black students in 1951. It boasts a rich history, including a famous 1957 football game attended by Queen Elizabeth II. As a member of the Association of American Universities and the Big Ten Conference, UMD offers a dynamic student experience, whether excelling in the classroom, cheering on the Terrapins, or engaging in campus activism. Recent record-breaking donations underscore the university's growing influence and commitment to future generations of leaders and innovators.

Key Highlights

  • Flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and the largest university in the state.
  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – very high research activity" and recognized as a "Public Ivy."
  • Spent $1.14 billion on research and development in 2021, ranking 17th among American universities.
  • Offers over 200 degree-granting programs, including 113 undergraduate majors, 107 master's programs, and 83 doctoral programs.
  • A proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Big Ten Conference for NCAA Division I athletics.
  • Received a record-breaking $219.5 million donation in 2017, one of the largest philanthropic gifts to a public university.
  • Strategic proximity to Washington, D.C. fosters extensive research partnerships with numerous federal agencies.

Timeline

1856
Chartered as the Maryland Agricultural College
1859
First 34 students entered the Maryland Agricultural College
1864
Became a land-grant college
1916
State purchased and renamed it Maryland State College; first female students enrolled
1920
Became part of the existing University of Maryland; awarded first Ph.D. degrees
1951
First Black students enrolled at the university
1957
Queen Elizabeth II attended a football game (The Queen's Game)
1969
Elected to the Association of American Universities
1988
Designated as the flagship campus of the newly formed University of Maryland System
2017
Received a record-breaking $219.5 million donation
2020
Darryll J. Pines became the 34th president of the university

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