University of Maryland-Baltimore County admits 74.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This moderately selective admission rate provides reasonable access for qualified students while maintaining academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows UMBC is slightly more selective than typical four-year institutions in its comparison group, with a difference of 3.9 percentage points. This level of selectivity means that students with solid academic credentials have good prospects for admission, though competitive programs may have higher standards. The combination of accessible admission with exceptional test score profiles creates opportunities for students who demonstrate strong academic preparation. For prospective students, this suggests building a college list that includes UMBC as a realistic option while also considering more selective alternatives for reach schools and more accessible options for safety schools. The moderately selective tier indicates that admitted students typically demonstrate above-average academic preparation, but the institution remains accessible to a broad range of qualified applicants rather than only the highest-achieving students.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at UMBC demonstrate exceptional standardized test performance, with SAT scores among the highest we track nationally. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1220 and 1410 on the SAT, with a midpoint of 1299. SAT Math scores range from 610 to 710, while SAT Verbal scores span 610 to 700, showing balanced strength across both sections. ACT scores range from 23 to 30 with a midpoint of 28, placing admitted students well above national averages. Compared to peer institutions, UMBC enrolled students score 101 points higher on the SAT and 3 points higher on the ACT, demonstrating significantly stronger academic preparation than similar universities. These ranges indicate that most admitted students score between the 25th and 75th percentiles of enrolled students, though students outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. Students scoring below 1220 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the middle 50% range, you are academically competitive for admission to University of Maryland-Baltimore County. The exceptional test score profile reflects the institution's ability to attract high-achieving students despite maintaining moderately selective admission standards. Prospective students should consider whether their academic credentials align with this profile when evaluating their likelihood of admission and building their overall college application strategy.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Maryland-Baltimore County enrolls a diverse student body with significant representation from various backgrounds. The institution serves 29.6% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly three in ten students come from lower-income families qualifying for federal financial aid. First-generation college students represent 27.4% of enrollment, showing substantial access for students whose parents did not complete college degrees. Transfer students comprise 28.8% of the student body, indicating UMBC welcomes a significant proportion of students from community colleges and other institutions. This composition suggests the university prioritizes educational access alongside academic achievement, creating pathways for students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. The substantial Pell and first-generation shares demonstrate that UMBC serves students who might face additional challenges in accessing higher education, while the significant transfer population indicates flexibility in accepting students from various educational pathways. First-generation students should know that more than one in four enrolled students share their background, providing peer support and institutional familiarity with their unique needs. Students from lower-income families should consider the 29.6% Pell share when assessing whether they will find a supportive community of students with similar economic circumstances. The diverse composition reflects University of Maryland-Baltimore County's mission as a public institution serving broad educational access while maintaining strong academic standards.
Given UMBC's 74.2% acceptance rate, most academically qualified students have reasonable admission prospects. However, students seeking alternatives should consider these options for different admission odds, geographic preferences, or cost considerations.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at University of Maryland-Baltimore County demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes. The retention rate of 87.1% exceeds the peer median of 83.7%, indicating that nearly 9 in 10 freshmen return for sophomore year. The six-year graduation rate of 70.5% surpasses the peer median of 65.9%, showing above-average degree completion rates. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 64.1%, creating a 6.4 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. While this gap indicates some additional challenges for lower-income students, the difference is within typical ranges for public research universities and reflects institutional efforts to support diverse student populations. The completion rates suggest that students who gain admission and enroll at UMBC typically find the academic environment supportive of degree attainment. Both retention and graduation rates exceed peer institution medians, indicating stronger student success outcomes than similar universities. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support systems designed to promote persistence and degree completion, with particular attention to supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Lower-income students should weigh the 6.4 percentage point Pell completion gap when considering this institution, while recognizing that nearly two-thirds of Pell-eligible students successfully complete their degrees. These outcomes reflect University of Maryland-Baltimore County's effectiveness in converting educational access into degree attainment across its diverse student population.
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