Rose-Hulman vs University of Maryland-College Park (UMD)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences between Rose-Hulman and University of Maryland-College Park?

  Rose-Hulman is a private, primarily undergraduate institution focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It's known for its small class sizes and hands-on learning approach. University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) is a large, public research university with a broader range of academic programs, including humanities, arts, and social sciences, in addition to STEM. UMD offers a more diverse campus environment and extensive research opportunities at the graduate level.

• Which school is better for engineering?

  Both Rose-Hulman and UMD have strong engineering programs. Rose-Hulman consistently ranks highly for undergraduate engineering education, emphasizing practical application and close faculty interaction. UMD's engineering programs are also highly regarded, particularly at the graduate level, and benefit from significant research funding and state-of-the-art facilities. The 'better' choice depends on your learning style and career goals. If you prefer a smaller, more focused environment with a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching, Rose-Hulman might be a better fit. If you desire a larger university with more research opportunities and a wider range of specializations, UMD could be preferable.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  Rose-Hulman has a smaller, more intimate campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. The focus is primarily on academics and extracurricular activities related to STEM. UMD's campus in College Park, Maryland, is much larger and more diverse, offering a wider range of social, cultural, and athletic opportunities. UMD benefits from its proximity to Washington, D.C., providing access to internships, cultural events, and government resources.

• What is the student-faculty ratio at each school?

  Rose-Hulman boasts a very low student-faculty ratio, typically around 13:1, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. UMD has a higher student-faculty ratio, generally around 18:1, which is typical for a large public university. While UMD's ratio is higher, many departments still offer opportunities for close interaction with faculty, especially in research settings.

• How do the costs of attending Rose-Hulman and UMD compare?

  Rose-Hulman, as a private institution, generally has a higher tuition cost than UMD, especially for out-of-state students. UMD offers lower tuition rates for Maryland residents. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on financial aid packages, scholarships, and living expenses. It's essential to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) for both schools based on your individual circumstances.

• What types of research opportunities are available at each school?

  Rose-Hulman offers undergraduate research opportunities through various programs and faculty-led projects. The focus is often on hands-on research experiences that complement classroom learning. UMD, as a major research university, provides extensive research opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. UMD's research programs are often funded by government agencies and private organizations, covering a wide range of disciplines.

• What are the career prospects for graduates of Rose-Hulman and UMD?

  Graduates from both Rose-Hulman and UMD are highly sought after by employers. Rose-Hulman graduates are particularly well-regarded in the engineering and technology sectors due to the school's strong reputation and practical curriculum. UMD graduates benefit from the university's strong alumni network and proximity to major employers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Both schools have career services offices that provide resources and support to help students find internships and jobs.

• How do the admission requirements differ between Rose-Hulman and UMD?

  Both Rose-Hulman and UMD have selective admission processes. Rose-Hulman typically looks for students with strong backgrounds in math and science, as demonstrated by their high school coursework and standardized test scores. UMD also considers academic performance, but places a greater emphasis on a broader range of factors, including extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. UMD's admission process is generally more holistic due to the larger applicant pool.

• What is campus life like at each institution?

  Rose-Hulman's campus life is centered around academics and STEM-related activities. There are numerous clubs and organizations focused on engineering, science, and technology. UMD offers a more diverse campus life with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities catering to various interests, including sports, arts, culture, and social issues. UMD also has a more active Greek life scene.

• Which school is better for a specific major, like Computer Science?

  Both Rose-Hulman and UMD offer strong Computer Science programs. Rose-Hulman's program is known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on software development and computer engineering fundamentals. UMD's Computer Science program is larger and offers more specialized tracks, such as cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. UMD also benefits from its proximity to government agencies and tech companies in the D.C. area, providing more internship and research opportunities in these specialized areas. The 'better' choice depends on your specific interests within computer science.