US University · Ranked #46
University of Maryland: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Maryland is a moderately selective university in College Park, Maryland, admitting around 44% of those who apply. Ranked #46 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
UMD is a flagship public university near Washington, D.C., known for its strong engineering, computer science, and business programs, and proximity to government agencies.
This guide breaks down University of Maryland's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Maryland admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 44%
- SAT range
- 1260–1460
- Average GPA
- 3.75
- In-state
- $11,233
- Out-of-state
- $38,636
- Enrollment
- 31,034
- Type
- Public
- Location
- College Park, Maryland
How hard is it to get into University of Maryland?
With 44% of applicants admitted, University of Maryland is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, University of Maryland is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Maryland typically score between 1260 and 1460 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1260 and a quarter above 1460. A score at or above 1460 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1360 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.75. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1260) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Marylandapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 20
University of Maryland offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 20. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 20.
Notable programs at University of Maryland
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Journalism — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
- Criminology — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
University of Maryland is particularly known for Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Journalism, and Criminology.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Maryland
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Maryland costs significantly less for Maryland residents: in-state tuition is about $11,233 per year versus roughly $38,636 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $27,403 annually. If you are not a Maryland resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of Maryland an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of Maryland: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Maryland?
- University of Maryland has an acceptance rate of 44%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, University of Maryland is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Maryland?
- Admitted students at University of Maryland typically score between 1260 and 1460 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1460 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1260 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Maryland?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Maryland is approximately 3.75 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.75 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Maryland?
- University of Maryland's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 20. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Maryland a public or private university?
- University of Maryland is a public university. In-state students from Maryland pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Maryland?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Maryland costs significantly less for Maryland residents: in-state tuition is about $11,233 per year versus roughly $38,636 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $27,403 annually. If you are not a Maryland resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.