University of Maryland
Maryland, United States
Founded1856
Campus1,350 acres
Research$1.5B
Students31,000 UG / 10,500 PG
Acceptance7.5%
Updated February 6, 2026
Overview
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a premier public research and land-grant institution founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. As the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, it is dedicated to a mission of excellence in education, research, and community impact. The university is a major economic driver, generating an annual impact of $3.7 billion for the state of Maryland.
UMD is recognized for its comprehensive academic offerings, featuring over 100 undergraduate majors and 230 graduate programs across 12 specialized colleges and schools. These include highly regarded programs in engineering, business, journalism, and the social sciences. The institution is a member of the Association of American Universities and is known for its competitive admissions and commitment to social entrepreneurship.
Location
The university's main campus is a 1,350-acre site located in College Park, Maryland, within the Baltimore-Washington corridor. This strategic location provides proximity to major federal agencies and media hubs in Washington, D.C. The campus is noted for its Georgian-style architecture and extensive green spaces like McKeldin Mall.
In addition to the flagship College Park location, the university maintains a significant presence at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) in Rockville. This location offers 11 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs in a cohort-based format specifically designed to serve transfer students in the region.
College Park, United States
Also in: Rockville, United States
Campuses
College Park Campus
MainCollege Park· United States
The Universities at Shady Grove
Rockville· United States
Campus Culture
Student life at UMD is vibrant and diverse, with a community of over 41,000 students. More than 90% of first-year students live on campus across 39 residence halls. The university is well-known for its living-learning programs, such as the Honors College and College Park Scholars, which are ranked among the top 10 nationally. The campus features red-brick Georgian architecture and the iconic 16-acre McKeldin Mall.
The university supports over 800 clubs and organizations, including 55 social fraternities and sororities. UMD is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and its athletic programs have won 47 national championships. Additionally, the university is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, earning a 5-star rating on the Campus Pride Index, and is distinguished as the nation’s first "Do Good" campus, emphasizing social entrepreneurship and community impact.
Notable Alumni
The University of Maryland boasts a global alumni network of over 405,000 former students. This extensive community supports the institution's mission and provides a foundation for career outcomes across various industries. The university's location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor further enhances the professional reach and influence of its graduates.
Rankings
UMD is consistently ranked as a top-20 public research university. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked it No. 16 among public institutions and No. 42 nationally. Forbes placed the university at No. 10 among public universities, while the Chronicle of Higher Education highlighted its No. 6 graduation rate among primarily residential public universities.
The university's academic prestige is further evidenced by its membership in the Association of American Universities. Specific colleges, such as the A. James Clark School of Engineering and the Robert H. Smith School of Business, maintain elite national and global reputations. UMD also ranks No. 9 among public institutions for both research and development spending and for the number of patents awarded.
Research
As a top-tier research institution, UMD reported combined research expenditures of $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2024 in partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore. The university ranks No. 9 among public institutions for R&D spending. Research is conducted across more than 150 centers and institutes, focusing on diverse fields such as physics, astronomy, criminology, and information science.
The university maintains strong research partnerships with prominent federal agencies, including NASA, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the FDA. Notable facilities supporting these innovations include the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering and the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. UMD is also a leader in patents awarded, ranking 9th among public universities.