Rutgers NB vs University of Maryland-College Park (UMD)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Rutgers University-New Brunswick and the University of Maryland-College Park?

  Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a large, public research university located in New Jersey, known for its strong programs in pharmacy, engineering, and business. The University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) is also a large, public research university, but it's located in Maryland, and is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, and business. UMD often emphasizes its proximity to Washington, D.C., offering unique opportunities for internships and research related to government and policy. Rutgers, while close to New York City, has a more decentralized campus feel across several towns.

• How do the academic reputations of Rutgers and UMD compare?

  Both Rutgers and UMD are highly regarded public universities. UMD generally holds a slightly higher national ranking, particularly in engineering and computer science. However, Rutgers has excellent programs across a wide range of disciplines, and its pharmacy program is nationally recognized. The 'better' reputation depends on your specific field of study; research the specific departments you're interested in at each school.

• Which university is more selective in its admissions process?

  The University of Maryland-College Park is generally more selective than Rutgers University-New Brunswick. UMD typically has a lower acceptance rate and higher average SAT/ACT scores for admitted students. However, admission standards can vary significantly by program within each university.

• What is the campus environment like at Rutgers versus UMD?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick has a more spread-out campus across several towns (New Brunswick, Piscataway, and others), creating a diverse environment with distinct feels in different areas. UMD's campus is more centralized in College Park, Maryland, offering a more traditional college town atmosphere. UMD's proximity to Washington, D.C., also influences its campus culture, with a greater emphasis on political engagement and government-related activities. Rutgers benefits from its proximity to both NYC and Philadelphia, offering a wider range of cultural experiences.

• How do the costs of attending Rutgers and UMD compare for in-state and out-of-state students?

  Generally, Rutgers is more affordable for New Jersey residents, while UMD is more affordable for Maryland residents. Out-of-state tuition at both universities is comparable, but it's essential to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website. Also, consider the cost of living in New Brunswick, NJ, versus College Park, MD, as this can impact the overall cost of attendance.

• What are the strengths of each university in terms of specific academic programs?

  Rutgers is known for its strong programs in Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management, and certain Engineering disciplines. UMD excels in Engineering (especially Electrical and Computer Engineering), Computer Science, Business, and Public Policy. Both universities have strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Researching specific departments and faculty within your intended major is highly recommended.

• What kind of research opportunities are available at Rutgers and UMD?

  Both Rutgers and UMD are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UMD benefits from its proximity to federal research institutions and government agencies in the D.C. area, offering unique research collaborations. Rutgers has strong research programs in areas like healthcare, environmental science, and advanced materials. Both universities offer numerous research grants and funding opportunities.

• How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between Rutgers and UMD?

  Both universities offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UMD's location near Washington, D.C., provides a significant advantage for internships and job opportunities in government, policy, and related fields. Rutgers benefits from its proximity to New York City and the pharmaceutical industry in New Jersey, offering opportunities in finance, media, and healthcare. Both schools have strong alumni networks that can aid in career development.

• What is the student life like at Rutgers versus UMD?

  Rutgers has a large and diverse student body, with a vibrant Greek life and numerous student organizations. Its decentralized campus means that student life varies depending on which campus you're on. UMD also has a large and active student body, with a strong emphasis on school spirit and athletics, particularly basketball and football. UMD's campus is more cohesive, fostering a stronger sense of community. Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports.

• How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

  Rutgers-New Brunswick's location in central New Jersey provides easy access to both New York City and Philadelphia, offering a wide range of cultural and entertainment options. The University of Maryland-College Park's proximity to Washington, D.C., provides unique opportunities for internships, research, and cultural experiences related to government, policy, and international affairs. The cost of living and the overall atmosphere of each location also differ, with New Brunswick offering a more suburban feel and College Park a more traditional college town vibe.