University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) vs Florida State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of College Park, Maryland, and Tallahassee, Florida, home to the esteemed University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) and Florida State University (FSU), respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they possess distinct characteristics that cater to different student preferences. UMD boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while FSU's smaller student body fosters a closer-knit community. Explore the nuances of each institution, from their popular majors and student demographics to graduation rates, in the comprehensive comparison table provided. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for an enriching and transformative college experience.

	Florida State University	University of Maryland-College Park
Overview
Location	Tallahassee, Florida	College Park, Maryland
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	94.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	37.1%	52.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1180 - 1340	1330 - 1510
ACT range	26 - 30	30 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	65.0%	34.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%	9.0%
Total number of applicants	65,235	50,183
Total number of admissions given out	24,183	26,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,619	6,072
Yield rate	31.5%	23.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	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: $23,476 Out of state: $36,606	In state: $30,997 Out of state: $58,678
Average net price	$12,684	$17,146
Tuition	In state: $4,022 Out of state: $16,540	In state: $9,000 Out of state: $36,681
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,020 Meal plan: $4,856	Room/dormitory: $8,072 Meal plan: $5,578
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	94.0% Average amount $10,620	56.0% Average amount $10,645
Students receiving federal student loan	19.0% Average amount $4,996	20.0% Average amount $5,065
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $13,430	4.0% Average amount $22,924

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	33,593 Men 42.9% Women 57.1%	30,922 Men 50.8% Women 49.2%
Graduate students	11,537 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%	10,350 Men 50.7% Women 49.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	15.7%	29.5%
International students	4.2%	10.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,709	11,846
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida Georgia New Jersey New York Illinois	Maryland New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Legal Profession	Engineering Business Education Computer and Information Science Social Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.2%	87.7%
Dropout rate	10.9%	4.0%
Transferred out	5.3%	7.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $86,926 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $102,429 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,442 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $89,448 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,610 Year 2: $68,305 Year 3: $78,263 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,971 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,057 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,179 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $77,718 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $78,794 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $77,527 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,567 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,845 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,881 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $74,476 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $74,364 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,216 Year 2: $60,325 Year 3: $72,686	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 key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Maryland (UMD) and Florida State University (FSU)?

UMD is located in College Park, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., offering easy access to a major metropolitan area with opportunities for internships, government jobs, and cultural experiences. The campus has a more traditional, collegiate feel. FSU is situated in Tallahassee, Florida, providing a warmer climate and a more relaxed, Southern atmosphere. The campus is known for its beautiful landscaping and is closer to beaches and outdoor recreational activities.
How do the academic programs at UMD and FSU compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UMD is particularly strong in STEM fields, including engineering, computer science, and biological sciences, as well as in government and public policy due to its proximity to D.C. FSU excels in programs like film, music, and the humanities, and has a strong focus on research. Both universities have reputable business schools and offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
What is the cost of attendance at UMD versus FSU?

Generally, the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is comparable between the two universities for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition at UMD tends to be higher than at FSU. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset the cost of attendance. It's recommended to check the specific tuition and fee schedules on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.
How would you describe the student life and extracurricular activities at UMD and FSU?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life. UMD has a large and active student body with numerous clubs, organizations, and Greek life opportunities. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., provides additional cultural and social experiences. FSU is known for its strong school spirit, particularly in athletics, and has a lively social scene. Both universities have a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service.
How do the athletic programs at UMD and FSU compare?

Both universities compete in Division I athletics. FSU is particularly well-known for its football program, which has a rich history of success. UMD has a strong athletic program as well, with notable achievements in basketball, soccer, and other sports. Both universities offer a variety of sports for students to participate in and support.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at UMD and FSU?

Both universities provide robust career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. UMD's location near Washington, D.C., offers unique internship opportunities in government, policy, and various industries. FSU also has strong career services and connections to employers, particularly in Florida and the Southeast. Both universities host career fairs and provide resources to help students find internships and jobs.
What is the acceptance rate and selectivity of UMD and FSU?

Both universities are considered selective, but the acceptance rates can vary slightly. Generally, UMD has a slightly lower acceptance rate than FSU, indicating a higher level of selectivity. Admission requirements, including GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and extracurricular activities, are considered in the application process at both institutions. It's important to review the specific admission requirements on each university's website.
How does the research environment differ between UMD and FSU?

Both universities are research-intensive institutions. UMD benefits from its proximity to federal research agencies and offers numerous research opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students, particularly in STEM fields. FSU has a strong research focus as well, with notable programs in areas like climate science, oceanography, and the arts. Both universities provide resources and support for students and faculty engaged in research.
What are the housing options like at UMD and FSU?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments. UMD has a large residential community, and housing is generally guaranteed for first-year students. FSU also provides a range of housing options, and the university encourages students to live on campus, especially during their first year. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available near the campus.
Which university is a better fit for me: UMD or FSU?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you're interested in STEM fields, government, or a location near a major city, UMD might be a good choice. If you prefer a warmer climate, a strong athletic program, and a focus on the arts and humanities, FSU could be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, researching their programs, and reflecting on your personal preferences to make an informed decision.

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