Discover the UMD Advantage: 10 Compelling Reasons UMD Stands Out

As the flagship university in the state, studying at UMD places you at the center of a world-class educational environment. With vital academic programs, diverse campus life, and access to unparalleled research opportunities, you’ll find that UMD provides the resources and experiences needed for your personal and professional growth.

Located just a few miles from Washington, D.C., UMD takes full advantage of its unique geographical position. You’ll benefit from the university’s connections to academic programs and learn from the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning faculty drawn to UMD’s esteemed reputation. This exceptional learning experience, combined with various living-learning communities and over 300 study abroad destinations, ensures that you’ll graduate well-equipped to impact the world.

Academic Excellence

Diverse Programs

At the University of Maryland, you’ll find various academic programs to suit your interests. With over 200 degree programs available, you can explore various fields and disciplines to find the perfect fit for your career goals. UMD is recognized for its diverse offerings and ranks highly in fields such as Computer Science Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Game/Simulation Development.

Leading Research Facility

As a student at UMD, you will benefit from the university’s strong commitment to research. With over $1.1 billion in combined research expenditures, UMD is one of the top public institutions for research and development. Notably, it ranks 10th among public institutions and 16th overall in the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey. The university’s location within the Washington, D.C. beltway provides ample opportunities for collaboration and engagement with national institutions and federal agencies, making it an ideal choice for ambitious students.

Highly Qualified Faculty

UMD’s academic excellence is further enhanced by its highly qualified faculty. The experienced and accomplished professors at the university are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and challenging educational experience. With their guidance, you can build a solid foundation for your future, whether it involves advanced study, a workplace career, civic engagement, or a fulfilling and productive life. Their expertise and support will be crucial to your growth and success at UMD.

Vibrant Campus Life

Active Student Organizations

As a student at the University of Maryland, you’ll be amazed by the vast array of over 700 active student organizations catering to various interests and hobbies. This vibrant campus life guarantees something for everyone, and you’re sure to find your niche, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals from a diverse student body. Involvement in these clubs and organizations will help expand your horizons, develop leadership skills, and form lasting friendships.

Greek Life

Greek life is significant at the University of Maryland, with numerous fraternities and sororities on campus. They provide an outlet for social interaction, philanthropy, and personal growth. You will have opportunities to network, form strong bonds with your brothers or sisters, and be actively involved in charitable work and community service, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to giving back.

Overall, the vibrant campus life at UMD is an enriching experience where you can explore, grow, and create lasting memories while pursuing your academic goals.

Sports and Recreation

Division I Athletics

At UMD, you can experience the excitement and competitiveness of the athletic scene as a member of NCAA Division I sports teams. UMD offers a wide range of sports for both men and women. Participating in these sports can showcase your athletic prowess and contribute to the school’s winning reputation.

Intramural and Club Sports

Do not worry if you are not participating at the varsity level; the University of Maryland offers various opportunities to indulge in sports and stay active through intramural and club sports. These programs provide a more relaxed and social atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff to participate in structured leagues, tournaments, and events. You can join the friendly basketball, soccer, or volleyball competition and enjoy the camaraderie while staying in shape.

At the Eppley Recreation Center (ERC), you’ll find even more options to engage in healthy activities. With hours on weekdays from 6 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to midnight, it’s easy to find time for your favorite fitness pursuits, including weight training, cardio exercises, and group fitness classes. Varied functional training spaces, weight rooms, and cardio fitness centers are also available at Ritchie Coliseum.

Taking advantage of the sports and recreation facilities helps you feel more connected to the vibrant University of Maryland community and maintain a healthy lifestyle during college.

Career Development

Internship Opportunities

The University of Maryland offers numerous internship opportunities to enhance your practical experience and professional skills. According to UMD’s 2021 Graduation Survey, 85 percent of Scholars students participated in an internship during their undergraduate career, compared to 75 percent of the broader UMD undergraduate student body. Furthermore, 41 percent of Scholars students had three or more internships at UMD. This demonstrates UMD’s commitment to providing you with access to valuable hands-on experience and potential employment prospects.

These internships span various industries, enabling you to explore and pursue your career interests confidently. By participating in internships, you can establish connections within the professional world and gain essential work experience before graduating.

Strong Alumni Network

The University of Maryland boasts a vibrant and influential alumni network, providing you with opportunities to connect with fellow professionals in your chosen field. Engaging with UMD’s alumni community enhances your career development and offers valuable guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals.

As a UMD student, you can use the University Career Center & The President’s Promise to connect with alumni. This valuable resource offers tools and services to help you network with alumni, learn about job trends and student outcomes, and achieve your career goals during and after your time at UMD.

By joining the UMD family, you gain access to an extended network of supporters eager to share their experiences, wisdom, and connections to help you succeed professionally.

Accessible Location

The University of Maryland boasts an exceptionally accessible location for students due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. This prime location provides countless opportunities to network, explore internships, and further your education. Furthermore, being just a few miles outside of the nation’s capital allows you to connect with companies, organizations, and industry professionals more efficiently.

In addition, UMD is conveniently situated within the thriving metropolitan area of the Washington D.C. Beltway. This means you have an extensive range of transportation options, including public transit, buses, and a reliable metro system. These transportation options can save you time on your commute and help you access the myriad of resources available within and around the campus.

Finally, the University of Maryland allows you to engage in a rich and diverse cultural experience. As a student at UMD, you can have the opportunity to enjoy some of the major events, art galleries, and museums that are just a short distance away in Washington, D.C., as well as the surrounding communities. By choosing to study at UMD you are selecting not only a top-ranked research institution but also an environment that fosters personal growth, exploration, and connections to various industries and professionals.

Cultural Diversity

At the University of Maryland, you’ll find an environment that embraces and celebrates cultural diversity. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is seen in various aspects of campus life and is a core value of the institution. It’s a place where you can learn and thrive alongside students, faculty, and staff from all walks of life.

One of the reasons the University of Maryland stands out is its high racial and ethnic diversity among the faculty. The university creates a richer learning experience by having diverse faculty members, exposing you to new perspectives and ideas. According to College Factual, UMCP offers high racial and ethnic diversity among faculty.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Maryland is crucial in fostering an inclusive campus environment. Their mission is to provide leadership and expertise to help the university achieve its diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. This means you’ll have access to resources and support to help you succeed in your academic journey.

The university also has a diversity statement for the College of Education, demonstrating the value placed on inclusive practices at the institution. This sentiment is echoed throughout other colleges and programs at the University of Maryland, promoting positive interactions on campus.

No matter your background, you can feel confident that the University of Maryland is a place where cultural diversity is valued and nurtured. This enriching environment allows you to broaden your perspectives, learn from others, and contribute your unique experiences to the campus community.

Affordability and Financial Aid

Studying at UMD can be more affordable than you might think. As an out-of-state student, the average net price after aid and scholarships is around $43,864 per year, while in-state students can expect an average cost of $15,887 per year. UMD offers a variety of financial aid options to help students offset the costs, making the university an economically viable choice.

Financial aid at UMD comes in the form of institutional scholarships and grants. These awards given by the university do not need to be repaid and fall into two categories: merit-based and need-based. Merit-based aid is awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements, while need-based aid is provided to those with financial challenges.

One unique need-based financial aid program at UMD is the Terrapin Commitment. This program is offered to low-income, full-time undergraduate students who are Maryland residents and demonstrate financial need. You must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered.

With a 47% acceptance rate and an average GPA of 4 for accepted students, the University of Maryland is competitive but within reach for many applicants. By prioritizing affordability and offering financial assistance to many students, UMD is committed to reducing financial barriers and making a college education accessible to all.

In summary, UMD’s affordability and financial aid programs make it an attractive choice for prospective students. By exploring the institutional scholarships and grants, need-based programs such as Terrapin Commitment, and completing the FAFSA, you can make your dream of studying at this prestigious university a reality.

Environmental Sustainability

You’ll find a strong commitment to environmental sustainability at the University of Maryland. The university aims to become a net carbon-neutral campus by 2025. It is implementing strategies to help reach this goal, which can make studying here an excellent choice for environmentally conscious students.

One of the key strategies being implemented is the Climate Action Plan. This plan focuses on reducing the university’s carbon emissions, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2025. By choosing to study at the University of Maryland, you’ll be part of a community actively working towards reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship.

In addition to the Climate Action Plan, the university offers many opportunities for students to engage in sustainability initiatives. By subscribing to the SustainableUMD Newsletter, you’ll receive updates on events, opportunities, and ideas for entertaining in sustainable actions while on campus.

The Environmental Science and Policy program at the University of Maryland is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to tackle today’s pressing environmental challenges. If you’re passionate about environmental science and policy, this program provides a strong foundation for future leaders in the field.

Finally, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science researches some of the most pressing environmental issues, such as global climate change. Studying at the University of Maryland exposes you to innovative ideas and research that can help shape a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, choosing the University of Maryland for your studies means you’ll be part of a community actively working towards a more sustainable future. With its commitment to environmental sustainability, cutting-edge research, and opportunities for student engagement, the University of Maryland is an excellent choice for those who care about the planet.

Community Involvement

At the University of Maryland, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for community involvement. UMD emphasizes the importance of engaging with local and global communities, aiming to create well-rounded students who make a positive impact in diverse settings.

Students get involved in the community through their family or personal connections. These connections encourage you to be a part of something bigger than yourself and create opportunities to give back to your roots or make new connections.

UMD’s general education program emphasizes the significance of studying societal problems from various perspectives. By exploring issues from both disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, you’ll develop essential communication skills, which can also be applied in your community engagement efforts.

As a student at this accredited institution, you can access various academic programs and research opportunities. This allows you to align your community involvement with your academic interests, leveraging your knowledge to address critical issues and make a difference.

In addition, UMD emphasizes community engagement in its various professional schools. For example, the School of Medicine hosts an annual initiative focusing on the HIV crisis, bringing together faculty and students, and allowing you to collaborate in addressing pressing social issues.

With numerous pathways for community involvement at the University of Maryland, you can develop your skills, forge meaningful connections, and contribute positively to a better world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get into UMD with a 3.5 GPA?

Yes, carrying a 3.5 GPA or higher will elevate your probability of securing a place at the University of Maryland as a transfer student. Even though there isn’t a minimum concrete GPA required for admission, historical evidence implies that students boasting a higher GPA have a more significant chance of getting through UMD’s challenging transfer program.

Is UMD a good university?

Yes, the University of Maryland holds a respectable position as a quality educational institution. It holds the #55 spot among National Universities in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges. The institution’s exceptional academics, cultural diversity among students, and lively campus environment all play significant roles in affirming its elite status within the educational landscape of the United States.

What is UMD known for?

The University of Maryland is a distinguished institution celebrated for its prestigious business and criminology programs, an engineering school that ranks among the best, and an exceptional political science department. It has many opportunities, fostering a productive educational environment for its students. The students can fully leverage these varied options, enriching their academic journey.

What sets UMD apart from other universities?

The University of Maryland stands out for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, robust research opportunities, and strong community. Additionally, the university’s location in College Park provides students with access to numerous internship and networking opportunities in nearby Washington, D.C., affording them valuable real-world experience.

How much is the tuition for in-state and out-of-state students?

Tuition at the University of Maryland varies depending on your residency status. In-state students generally pay less than out-of-state students. For the most up-to-date tuition information and financial aid opportunities, it’s best to check the university’s website.

The Terps may undoubtedly boast of their accomplishments. UMD has everything you want, from excellent academics to lively student life. Therefore, the University of Maryland should be your first choice if you want to have the best possible college experience. Take care, and keep aiming for the stars until we begin our next exciting blog adventure!