University of Maryland Eastern Shore logo

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

Empowering futures with a legacy of 'Deeds, Not Words' at this historic Maryland research university.

Nestled in Princess Anne, Maryland, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance. As a public historically black land-grant research university and a proud member of the University System of Maryland, UMES is recognized among "Research Colleges and Universities." Embodying its powerful motto, "Facta, Non Verba" (Deeds, Not Words), UMES is dedicated to tangible impact through education, research, and community engagement.

The university's journey began in 1886 as the Delaware Conference Academy, evolving through various names like Princess Anne Academy. Its transformation into a public, state-owned institution was a direct response to the era's segregation, leveraging the Second Morrill Act of 1890 to ensure access to land-grant education for African-American students. This rich history underscores UMES's enduring commitment to providing educational opportunities and fostering growth, overcoming challenges to become the vibrant institution it is today.

Today, UMES offers a diverse and robust academic portfolio, including 37 undergraduate areas of study, 15 master's degree programs, and 8 doctoral degree programs, with 27 accredited. Beyond the classroom, students thrive in a rural, expansive campus spanning 1,138 acres, complemented by a 385-acre research farm and the Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center. The spirit of the Hawks, draped in maroon and gray, unites the student body, fostering a close-knit community focused on discovery, leadership, and making a difference in the world.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1886, a historically black land-grant research university.
  • Motto: "Facta, Non Verba" (Deeds, Not Words), reflecting a commitment to impactful action.
  • Offers 37 undergraduate, 15 master's, and 8 doctoral degree programs, with 27 accredited.
  • Classified among "Research Colleges and Universities" within the University System of Maryland.
  • Operates an expansive 1,138-acre rural campus, a 385-acre research farm, and a coastal ecology center.
  • Recipient of significant philanthropic support, including a record-setting $38 million gift in 2025 from MacKenzie Scott.

Timeline

1886
Founded as Delaware Conference Academy on September 13.
1890
The Second Morrill Act catalyzed its development into a land-grant institution for African-American students.
Early 1900s
Widely known as Princess Anne Academy.
1936
Formally transitioned from church control to state ownership.
1948
Renamed Maryland State College, a division of the University of Maryland.
1970
Reached its current designation as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on July 1.
2005
Added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
2020
Received a $20 million donation from MacKenzie Scott.
2025
Received the largest single gift in its history: an additional $38 million from MacKenzie Scott.
🏛️
140 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Rondall Allen
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search