UT Austin vs University of Maryland-College Park (UMD)

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed institutions: The University of Texas at Austin and University of Maryland-College Park. Both universities offer a world-class education, but they also possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Discover the differences in acceptance rates, tuition fees, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant culture of Austin or the proximity to the nation's capital, this side-by-side analysis will guide you towards the university that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.
The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

University of Maryland-College Park logo

University of Maryland-College Park

Overview

Location Austin, Texas College Park, Maryland
Campus setting City: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 96.0% 95.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 28.7% 52.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1230 - 1500 1330 - 1510
ACT range 27 - 33 30 - 34
Students submitting SAT score 56.0% 34.0%
Students submitting ACT score 26.0% 9.0%
Total number of applicants 66,077 50,183
Total number of admissions given out 18,994 26,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,060 6,072
Yield rate 47.7% 23.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $29,788

Out of state: $59,032
In state: $30,997

Out of state: $58,678
Average net price $16,589 $17,146
Tuition
In state: $11,752

Out of state: $40,996
In state: $9,000

Out of state: $36,681
Room & board $12,768
Room/dormitory: $8,072

Meal plan: $5,578
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

51.0%
Average amount $12,725
56.0%
Average amount $10,645
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,961
20.0%
Average amount $5,065
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $16,366
4.0%
Average amount $22,924

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6%
30,922
Men 50.8% Women 49.2%
Graduate students 11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5%
10,350
Men 50.7% Women 49.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 9.2% 29.5%
International students 9.1% 10.3%
Campus local/setting City: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 7,809 11,846
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois Maryland New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Education
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 18:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.8% 87.7%
Dropout rate 11.7% 4.0%
Transferred out N/A 7.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $130,952
  • Year 2: $131,707
  • Year 3: $149,763
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,716
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $131,523
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,909
  • Year 2: $120,124
  • Year 3: $127,068
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,526
  • Year 2: $100,607
  • Year 3: $120,559
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,082
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $119,993
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,247
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $108,654
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,293
  • Year 2: $88,723
  • Year 3: $99,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,133
  • Year 2: $79,558
  • Year 3: $97,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,714
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,999
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,984
  • Year 2: $80,550
  • Year 3: $92,064
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,765
  • Year 2: $106,102
  • Year 3: $116,295
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $125,155
  • Year 2: $112,923
  • Year 3: $112,074
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,533
  • Year 2: $94,112
  • Year 3: $102,555
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,018
  • Year 2: $94,408
  • Year 3: $101,716
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $84,727
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $99,501
Physics (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $72,899
  • Year 3: $92,830
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $88,418
  • Year 2: $80,466
  • Year 3: $92,230
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,675
  • Year 2: $72,762
  • Year 3: $83,667
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,798
  • Year 2: $71,761
  • Year 3: $82,867
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,391
  • Year 2: $66,485
  • Year 3: $82,784

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between UT Austin and UMD College Park?

    UT Austin, located in the heart of Texas, is a large public university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and natural sciences. It boasts a vibrant campus culture and a strong connection to the Texas economy. UMD College Park, situated near Washington D.C., is also a large public university, but it excels in areas like computer science, public policy, and journalism. Its proximity to the nation's capital provides unique opportunities for internships and research.

  • How do the academic reputations of UT Austin and UMD College Park compare?

    Both UT Austin and UMD College Park are highly regarded universities. UT Austin is generally considered to have a slightly stronger overall academic reputation, particularly in engineering and business. However, UMD College Park is a leader in computer science and has a growing reputation in other fields. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests.

  • What is the cost of attendance at UT Austin versus UMD College Park?

    The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. Generally, UT Austin is more affordable for Texas residents, while UMD College Park is more affordable for Maryland residents. Out-of-state tuition at both institutions is comparable, but UT Austin may have a slightly lower overall cost of living due to the lower cost of living in Austin compared to the D.C. area.

  • What is campus life like at UT Austin and UMD College Park?

    UT Austin has a lively and spirited campus culture, known for its strong school spirit and numerous student organizations. Austin itself is a vibrant city with a thriving music and arts scene. UMD College Park also offers a diverse campus life with many clubs and activities. Its proximity to Washington D.C. provides students with access to cultural events, museums, and historical sites.

  • Which university is better for specific majors like engineering or computer science?

    UT Austin is renowned for its engineering programs, particularly in petroleum and aerospace engineering. UMD College Park is highly regarded for its computer science program, benefiting from its location near numerous tech companies and government agencies. While both universities offer strong programs in both fields, UT Austin holds a slight edge in engineering overall, and UMD College Park has a stronger reputation in computer science.

  • What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UT Austin or UMD College Park?

    Both universities offer excellent career opportunities. UT Austin graduates benefit from strong connections to the Texas economy, particularly in the energy, technology, and business sectors. UMD College Park graduates have access to a wide range of opportunities in the D.C. area, including government, technology, and consulting. Your career prospects will depend on your major and chosen career path, but both universities provide a solid foundation for success.

  • How do the locations of UT Austin and UMD College Park impact the student experience?

    UT Austin's location in Austin, Texas, offers a unique blend of college town atmosphere and big-city amenities. The city is known for its live music, outdoor activities, and tech industry. UMD College Park's proximity to Washington D.C. provides students with access to internships, cultural events, and a diverse range of experiences. The D.C. area offers a more urban environment compared to Austin.

  • What are the admission requirements for UT Austin and UMD College Park?

    Both UT Austin and UMD College Park are competitive universities with selective admission processes. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), essays, and extracurricular activities. UT Austin places a strong emphasis on Texas residency, while UMD College Park prioritizes Maryland residents. Check each university's website for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

  • How do the research opportunities compare at UT Austin and UMD College Park?

    Both UT Austin and UMD College Park are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UT Austin has a strong research focus in areas like engineering, natural sciences, and energy. UMD College Park excels in research related to computer science, cybersecurity, and public policy. Students at both universities can participate in research projects with faculty members and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries.

  • What is the student-faculty ratio at UT Austin and UMD College Park?

    The student-faculty ratio is an important indicator of the level of personalized attention students may receive. While the exact ratio can fluctuate, both UT Austin and UMD College Park have relatively high student-faculty ratios due to their large size. However, both universities offer opportunities for students to connect with faculty through office hours, research projects, and smaller class sizes in upper-level courses.

Compare Similar Colleges

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