University of Maryland

University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is the flagship university of the state of Maryland. Founded in 1856, UMD began as the Maryland Agricultural College, but grew to offer a comprehensive academic curriculum, including highly respected programs in education, engineering, and business. Notable alumni include comedian and screenwriter Larry David, Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Florent “Flo” Groberg, and Nobel Prize winner Raymond Davis, Jr.

Ranked 60 in the country, UMD is a selective school. Its acceptance rate is 51% and its graduation rate is 85%. UMD’s in-state tuition is $4,848 per year, plus fees; its out-of-state tuition is $18,966 per year, plus fees. Over 41,200 students are enrolled, and the university offers 102 undergraduate majors and nearly 200 postgraduate programs. UMD follows a semester-based academic calendar.

UMD’s 1,335-acre campus is located between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Effectively combining a suburban environment with access to big-city resources and experiences, UMD provides a dynamic college experience. Students can participate in more than 800 clubs and organizations, including almost 60 fraternities and sororities. The Maryland Terrapins compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The mascot, Testudo, is a Diamondback terrapin turtle, paying homage to the state’s official state reptile. To bring themselves good luck before exams, students are known to rub the nose of one of several Testudo sculptures on campus. UMD has earned praise for its sustainable and clean energy initiatives, such as campus-wide efforts to compost dining hall waste. The university plans to be carbon-neutral by 2050.