Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
College Park, Maryland
44.8% Acceptance Rate
University of Maryland-College Park — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
44.8%Acceptance Rate
3.84Avg GPA
1463Avg SAT
34Avg ACT
$28,073Annual Cost
$82,860Grad Salary
18.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
44.8%
Avg GPA
3.84
Avg SAT
1463
Avg ACT
34
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1370–1520
ACT Middle 50%
32–35
Avg Net Price
$15,590
Need-Based Aid
18.6% receive Pell
University of Maryland-College Park The University of Maryland-College Park, founded in 1856, is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and a premier public research university. As an R1 institution with very high research activity, Maryland excels in fields like computer science, engineering, and public policy. The 1,340-acre campus near Washington D.C. features state-of-the-art facilities including the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Innovation and the new Hallmark Arts District. The university consistently ranks among the top public universities by U.S. News & World Report and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Maryland's athletic teams, the Terrapins, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big Ten Conference.
Maryland takes pride in its diverse student body and strategic location near the nation's capital, providing unparalleled internship and research opportunities. The campus offers modern amenities like the E.A. Fernandez IDEA Factory for innovation and the Stamp Student Union. Recent developments include the new Health Sciences Center and Cole Field House transformation. Maryland's faculty include Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners, offering students access to world-class scholars. The university's combination of academic excellence, research impact, and prime location makes it one of the most dynamic public institutions in the Mid-Atlantic region.
University of Maryland-College Park Acceptance Rate
University of Maryland-College Park admits roughly 44.8% of its applicant pool, keeping it competitive without being out of reach for a solid student.
What University of Maryland-College Park Admissions Looks For
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
- Test Scores Help: Where submitted, scores near or above the middle 50% strengthen an application.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 44.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
A GPA a bit under the average isn't disqualifying at this tier. A solid test score or clear leadership record can offset it.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.84 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.64 – 3.83
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.39
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Maryland-College Park Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark January 20 for University of Maryland-College Park (Regular Decision — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by April 1.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 165 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
January 20
Decision by: April 1
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Maryland-College Park GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Maryland-College Park is 3.84. That makes admissions here extremely selective. Most admitted students carry straight A's, with very little room for a B.
If your GPA sits between 3.54 and 3.84, a high SAT or ACT score is the most reliable way to compensate.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 4.04–4.24.University of Maryland-College Park GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.84 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.64 – 3.83
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.44 – 3.63
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.43
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Uses six "complete this sentence" prompts (650 characters each) instead of a traditional supplemental essay.
- Limited Enrollment Programs (business, engineering, computer science, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience) have separate, more selective admission from general freshman admission.
- Freshmen directly admitted to an LEP face a 45-credit performance review with a 2.0 minimum GPA; failing means dismissal with no reapplication.
- Early Action is the recommended window for LEP hopefuls since these seats are more limited than general admission.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Maryland-College Park
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of Maryland-College Park's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Maryland-College Park Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at University of Maryland-College Park. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into University of Maryland-College Park Without SAT or ACT?
University of Maryland-College Park considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Maryland-College Park Average SAT Score: 1463
Admitted students at University of Maryland-College Park average a 1463 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1463 — Very Competitive
University of Maryland-College Park's SAT average sits comfortably in the upper range nationally.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1520 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Maryland-College Park allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1370? A retake is worth it at University of Maryland-College Park. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 740 | 700 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 705 | 670 | 740 |
| SAT Composite | 1463 | 1370 | 1520 |
A score under 1370 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1520+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1450
Can I get into University of Maryland-College Park with a 1500 SAT?
At 1500, your SAT is squarely in University of Maryland-College Park's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
University of Maryland-College Park ACT Requirements
University of Maryland-College Park's admitted students average an ACT of 34.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 34 — Extremely Competitive
Very few institutions post an ACT average this high — 34 is elite-tier.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 32 | 29 | 35 |
| ACT English | 34 | 32 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 32 | 35 |
Can I get into University of Maryland-College Park with a 35 ACT?
At 35, you're in the top quarter of University of Maryland-College Park's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, University of Maryland-College Park weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Maryland-College Park
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
Competitive positioning at University of Maryland-College Park means clearing the academic bar comfortably, then using the rest of your application to show genuine fit.
Draft all six short-answer prompts in one sitting
UMD uses six "complete this sentence" prompts, 650 characters each, instead of a normal supplemental essay. With no room for setup, draft all six together so they build a varied picture (curiosity, humor, values) rather than repeating the same idea.
Apply Early Action if you want a Limited Enrollment Program
Business, engineering, computer science, biochemistry, chemistry, and neuroscience are Limited Enrollment Programs with tighter, separate admission from general freshman admission. Apply by Early Action since LEP seats are more limited than general seats.
Know your gateway courses before you enroll
If you're not directly admitted to your target LEP, you land in Letters & Sciences and must clear specific gateway courses to transfer in. Research your major's exact gateway list and required grades now - failing the later review means no reapplication.
Use the extra letter allowance if you're already enrolled
Current UMD students switching into an LEP like business may submit up to 3 letters of recommendation directly to the LEP office - a lever general freshman applicants don't get. Use it deliberately if you're aiming for an internal major switch.
Expert Insight:
Students often treat "getting into Maryland" and "getting into the major" as the same event. Freshmen admitted to the university but not a specific LEP are assigned to Letters & Sciences and face a 45-credit performance review - failing it means dismissal from the major with no reapplication.
University of Maryland-College Park Profile
Full Name
University of Maryland-College Park
City
College Park
State
Maryland
ZIP Code
20742
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a University of Maryland-College Park Degree Worth It?
Whether University of Maryland-College Park is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $90,000, and graduates see a 2.73% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from University of Maryland-College Park Cost?
Listed tuition runs $28,073/year at University of Maryland-College Park. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $15,590.
At University of Maryland-College Park, 18.6% receive a Pell Grant and 22.7% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming University of Maryland-College Park on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a University of Maryland-College Park Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates report a median income of $82,860, about 104% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Maryland-College Park. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 1443 | 32 |
| Bates College | Lewiston, ME | 1446 | 32 |
| Babson College | Wellesley, MA | 1435 | 32 |
| Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | 1422 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Maryland-College Park. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 1473 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Maryland-College Park. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Claremont, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 1513 | 34 |
Degree Programs at University of Maryland-College Park
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Maryland-College Park Admissions
Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park earn a high median salary of $82,860/year, varying by field.
Tuition at University of Maryland-College Park is relatively affordable, around $28,073/year.
18.6% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. University of Maryland-College Park skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
University of Maryland-College Park's acceptance rate is 44.8%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of Maryland-College Park students is 3.84, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.54 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of Maryland-College Park. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.44 or below makes admission tougher at University of Maryland-College Park, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
University of Maryland-College Park weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1463, and within the 1370–1520 range, keeps you competitive.
University of Maryland-College Park's deadline is January 20 (Regular Decision), with decisions out by April 1.
University of Maryland-College Park charges an application fee of 75; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before November 1, 2026. That's University of Maryland-College Park's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all Maryland Colleges
Average SAT Score of Maryland Colleges
Average ACT Score
Admissions deadlines of Colleges in Maryland
Bachelor Programs in Maryland
Test Optional Colleges in Maryland
SAT Score Wise Best Colleges
ACT Score Wise Best Colleges
Rolling Admissions Colleges in Maryland