Admit rate has ranged 61%–81% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
UMBC is a public research university that punches above its weight, known for its strong STEM programs, diverse student body, and a scrappy underdog spirit. With a 72% acceptance rate, it's accessible yet rigorous, offering a collaborative, 'do-it-yourself' campus culture where students carve their own paths.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
10,701
In-state tuition
$13,256
Out-of-state tuition
$31,275
Acceptance Rate
72%
Student-Faculty Ratio
18:1
6-Year Graduation Rate
70%
Post-Grad Success Rate
93% employed/grad school
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,960
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
4.2×
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
Graduation rate
70%
First-year retention
85%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
67%
Pell (lower-income) share
60%
First-generation share
27%
Endowment / student
$18,181
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer Engineering$73,112
Computer Science$70,009
Chemical Engineering$63,600
Information Science/Studies$62,111
Mechanical Engineering$60,240
Mathematics$48,823
Economics
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
14
Per 1,000 students
1.31
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
88
Summer high
85°F
Winter low
31°F
Annual rain
60.9"
Annual snow
13.9"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
470
Scholarly works
36,636
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Maryland-Baltimore County?
University of Maryland-Baltimore County's acceptance rate is approximately 72% (Baltimore, MD), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of Maryland-Baltimore County?
Admitted students at University of Maryland-Baltimore County typically score 1240–1420 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of Maryland-Baltimore County cost?
At University of Maryland-Baltimore County, the average net price (after aid) is about $16,467 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Maryland-Baltimore County?
University of Maryland-Baltimore County enrolls approximately 10,701 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Maryland-Baltimore County located?
University of Maryland-Baltimore County is located in Baltimore, MD.
Admissions
UMBC is moderately selective, with a 72% acceptance rate (61.1% for early applicants). The middle 50% of admitted first-years boast an average high school GPA of 4.06 and SAT scores between 1240–1420 (or ACT scores of 25–31). Notably, 79% of admitted students had a GPA of 3.75 or higher, signaling a preference for strong academic performers. The university uses the Common Application and has a regular decision deadline of February 1.
UMBC offers 100+ majors, minors, and certificates across three undergraduate schools: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Engineering & Information Technology; and Natural & Mathematical Sciences. The university is particularly strong in STEM, with notable programs in computer science, biology, and engineering. A collaborative, research-driven culture pervades, with opportunities for undergraduates to engage in cutting-edge projects. The Princeton Review notes UMBC attracts students who want 'research opportunities, but may also want a smaller school feel.'
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$47,260
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management$44,933
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Top majors: Visual and Performing Arts (5%), Health Professions (3%), Mathematics (3%), Interdisciplinary Studies (2%), History (2%).
UMBC’s vibe is self-directed and inclusive—'It is what you make of it,' as one Reddit user put it. The campus buzzes with clubs, Greek life, and events, but students must actively seek them out. The Center for Cultural Diversity and initiatives like 'Study Hall Sessions' foster belonging. Located just outside Baltimore, UMBC leverages its urban setting for internships and cultural outings, though some say the social scene is quieter than at Big Ten schools. The university emphasizes community co-creation, with students, faculty, and staff collaborating to shape campus culture.
UMBC’s 70% six-year graduation rate outpaces the national midpoint (59%), with 93% of graduates employed or in grad school within six months. The university excels at supporting underrepresented groups: its 58% six-year graduation rate for African-American students is well above the national average. Post-pandemic, rates dipped slightly (68% for the 2020 cohort), but UMBC’s outcomes remain strong for a public institution. The university secures $51 million annually in grants/contracts, fueling research opportunities that boost career readiness.
In-state tuition runs $13,539, while out-of-state students pay $30,622. However, 77% of students receive financial aid, with an average grant award of $8,068. The average net price (after aid) is $17,704—lower than many peers. UMBC’s Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps families estimate costs, and 50% of students qualify for school-specific grants. While not the cheapest option in Maryland, its ROI is solid, especially for STEM majors.
UMBC is a high-value, high-impact public university—think 'honors college energy at state school prices.' Its STEM prowess and undergraduate research focus rival far pricier institutions, while its diversity initiatives (like the Meyerhoff Scholars Program) set national benchmarks. The campus culture rewards self-starters: no hand-holding, but ample support for those who seek it. For students who want rigorous academics without cutthroat competition, UMBC delivers.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County logo · sourceUMBC Campus Maps And Location - UMBC: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County · sourceWelcome To UMBC - University Of Maryland, Baltimore County · sourceUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County - The Commons · Design Collective · source
