UT Austin vs University of Maryland-College Park (UMD)
|
![]() The University of Texas at Austin |
![]() 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% |
![]() |
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 |
|
|
|
||
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 |
|
|
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)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
|
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Physics (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
|
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


















































































































































































































































