University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) vs University of Maryland-College Park (UMD)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between UNC Chapel Hill and University of Maryland-College Park?

  UNC Chapel Hill is a highly regarded public liberal arts university known for its strong undergraduate focus, particularly in journalism, business, and medicine. It's located in a classic college town environment. University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) is a large public research university with a broader range of programs, including strong engineering, computer science, and business schools. UMD offers a more urban, diverse experience with closer proximity to Washington, D.C.

• Which school is more selective: UNC Chapel Hill or University of Maryland-College Park?

  UNC Chapel Hill is generally more selective than University of Maryland-College Park. UNC typically has a lower acceptance rate and higher average SAT/ACT scores for admitted students.

• How do the academic reputations of UNC Chapel Hill and UMD compare?

  Both UNC Chapel Hill and UMD are highly respected universities. UNC Chapel Hill is particularly well-regarded for its journalism, business, and medical programs, and its overall liberal arts education. UMD is known for its strong STEM programs, especially in engineering and computer science, and its business school. Both are considered top public universities.

• What is the campus environment like at UNC Chapel Hill versus UMD?

  UNC Chapel Hill offers a traditional college town experience in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It has a strong sense of community and school spirit. UMD, located in College Park, Maryland, provides a more urban environment with easy access to Washington, D.C. The campus is larger and more diverse, offering a wider range of activities and opportunities.

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

  For in-state students, UNC Chapel Hill is generally more affordable than UMD. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition costs are more comparable, though UMD may be slightly higher. It's important to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website for the most accurate information.

• What are the strengths of UNC Chapel Hill's academic programs?

  UNC Chapel Hill excels in journalism, business (Kenan-Flagler Business School), medicine, public health, and law. It also has strong programs in the humanities and social sciences. Its undergraduate experience is highly valued.

• What are the strengths of University of Maryland-College Park's academic programs?

  UMD is renowned for its engineering, computer science, and business (Robert H. Smith School of Business) programs. It also has strong programs in public policy, criminology, and information science. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. provides unique opportunities for internships and research.

• What kind of student would thrive at UNC Chapel Hill?

  A student who enjoys a close-knit community, a strong liberal arts education, and a traditional college town atmosphere would thrive at UNC Chapel Hill. Students interested in journalism, business, or medicine will find excellent programs. A strong sense of school spirit and tradition is also a plus.

• What kind of student would thrive at University of Maryland-College Park?

  A student who prefers a larger, more diverse campus with access to urban opportunities would thrive at UMD. Students interested in STEM fields, particularly engineering and computer science, will find excellent resources. The proximity to Washington, D.C. is a major advantage for students seeking internships and career opportunities in government and related fields.

• How does campus life differ between UNC Chapel Hill and UMD?

  UNC Chapel Hill has a strong emphasis on Greek life and a vibrant social scene centered around Franklin Street. UMD offers a wider range of extracurricular activities and clubs due to its larger size and proximity to a major metropolitan area. Both schools have active student governments and diverse student organizations.

• What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill versus UMD?

  UNC Chapel Hill graduates often find opportunities in the Southeast region, particularly in North Carolina, in fields such as journalism, business, and healthcare. UMD graduates have access to a broader range of opportunities, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region and Washington, D.C., in fields such as technology, government, and consulting. Both universities have strong alumni networks to support career development.

• How does the research environment compare between UNC Chapel Hill and UMD?

  Both UNC Chapel Hill and UMD are major research universities. UMD has a larger research budget and a stronger focus on STEM research, while UNC Chapel Hill has significant research activity in medicine, public health, and the humanities. Both offer numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects.