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University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, MD

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

“Facta, Non Verba”(Deeds, Not Words)

1886
Founded
Public historically black land-grant research university
Type
2,165
Total Students
2,467
Undergrad
696
Graduate
$26M
Endowment
(2017)
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$20K
Tuition (Out-State)
$14K
Avg Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate
35%
Graduation Rate
6-year
66%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

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

About University of Maryland Eastern Shore

UMES: Deeds, Not Words - A Land-Grant HBCU Forging Future Leaders!

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) stands as a proud public historically black land-grant research university, nestled in the serene rural setting of Princess Anne, Maryland. As a vital component of the University System of Maryland and classified among "Research Colleges and Universities," UMES lives by its motto, "Facta, Non Verba" – Deeds, Not Words – reflecting a profound commitment to impactful education and community engagement.

UMES boasts a rich and transformative history dating back to its establishment in 1886 as the Delaware Conference Academy. Born out of necessity during an era of segregation, it provided essential educational pathways for African Americans, evolving through various names like Princess Anne Academy and Maryland State College. Its journey as a land-grant institution was solidified with the Second Morrill Act of 1890, formalizing its mission to deliver comprehensive, accessible education in agriculture and mechanical arts, leading to its current designation as UMES in 1970.

Today, UMES offers a robust academic portfolio designed to prepare students for a dynamic future. Students can choose from 37 undergraduate areas of study, 15 master's degree programs, and 8 doctoral degree programs, with 27 of these programs holding accreditation. The university's expansive 1,138-acre campus, which includes a 385-acre research farm and the Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center, provides unique hands-on learning environments. Bolstered by significant philanthropic support, including record-setting donations from MacKenzie Scott in recent years, UMES continues to invest in its students and research, fostering a vibrant academic community where future leaders are forged through impactful deeds.

Key Highlights

  • ✦A Public Historically Black Land-Grant Research University, classified among "Research Colleges and Universities".
  • ✦Established in 1886, with over 130 years of history providing vital education and opportunities.
  • ✦Offers 37 undergraduate, 15 master's, and 8 doctoral degree programs, with 27 programs accredited.
  • ✦Motto: "Facta, Non Verba" (Deeds, Not Words), reflecting a commitment to action and impact.
  • ✦Features an expansive 1,138-acre rural campus, including a 385-acre research farm and a coastal ecology center.
  • ✦Received a $20 million donation in 2020 and a record-breaking $38 million gift in 2025 from MacKenzie Scott.

Timeline

1886
Opened as Delaware Conference Academy under the Methodist Episcopal Church.
1890
Second Morrill Act passed, leading to a state partnership for land-grant education.
1900
Widely known as Princess Anne Academy, also referred to as Morgan's "industrial branch."
1930
Maryland courts' ruling on desegregation prompts state to convert Princess Anne Academy to a public institution.
1936
Formally passed from church control to state ownership, 50 years after opening.
1948
Renamed Maryland State College, a division of the University of Maryland.
1970
Became the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) on July 1.
2020
Received a $20 million donation from MacKenzie Scott.
2025
Received the largest single gift in university history, $38 million from MacKenzie Scott.
🏛️
140 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Rondall Allen
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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