University of Maryland-College Park admits approximately 44.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Selective (25-50%) tier, indicating competitive but accessible admission standards. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights University of Maryland-College Park's more selective approach compared to typical public research universities. This selectivity level means qualified students have reasonable admission prospects while still facing meaningful competition in the application process. Students should approach University of Maryland-College Park as a target school rather than a safety, ensuring their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles. The university's selective admission standards contribute to strong academic preparation among enrolled students, supporting the excellent post-graduation outcomes reflected in earnings and career advancement data. For students building balanced college lists, University of Maryland-College Park represents a competitive but achievable option for those with strong academic records. The 44.8% acceptance rate suggests admission is merit-based while remaining accessible to well-prepared applicants from diverse backgrounds.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Maryland-College Park typically demonstrate strong academic credentials across standardized testing measures. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1370 to 1520, with a median of 1463. The middle 50% of students score between these ranges, though students with scores outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores span from 700 to 780, while SAT Verbal scores range from 670 to 740. ACT scores range from 32 to 35, with a median of 32. These test score ranges place University of Maryland-College Park among institutions with the most academically prepared student bodies nationally. The peer median SAT score of 1198 demonstrates that University of Maryland-College Park attracts students scoring 265 points higher than typical public research universities. Students scoring within the 1370-1520 SAT range should view themselves as academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below 1370 face greater competition but should not assume automatic exclusion from consideration. The university's high academic standards reflect its position as Maryland's flagship institution and contribute to the strong post-graduation outcomes demonstrated in earnings and career advancement. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college application strategy.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Maryland-College Park enrolls a student body that reflects both academic selectivity and meaningful diversity. The university enrolls 18.6% Pell-eligible students, indicating students from lower-income families comprise nearly one-fifth of the student population. First-generation college students represent 22.4% of enrolled students, demonstrating the university's role in expanding educational access. Transfer students comprise 23.8% of the student body, reflecting significant pathways for students from community colleges and other institutions. This composition suggests University of Maryland-College Park balances selective admission standards with commitment to educational opportunity across economic backgrounds. The Pell share of 18.6% positions the university below some public flagships but above many selective private institutions in serving lower-income students. Students from first-generation backgrounds should recognize that nearly one-quarter of their peers share similar family educational experiences. The substantial transfer population indicates multiple pathways to University of Maryland-College Park beyond traditional freshman admission. This student composition supports the university's Selective Achievers designation, combining competitive academic standards with meaningful access for students from diverse backgrounds.
With University of Maryland-College Park's 44.8% acceptance rate and competitive academic standards, most applicants should build comprehensive college lists including schools with higher acceptance rates and comparable outcomes.
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University of Maryland-College Park demonstrates strong student support and degree completion outcomes across student populations. The university retains 95.7% of first-year students for sophomore year, significantly above the peer median of 83.7%. This exceptional retention rate indicates effective academic support and student engagement from the first year forward. The six-year graduation rate reaches 88.6%, substantially higher than the peer median of 65.9% and reflecting strong institutional commitment to degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 73% within six years, creating a 15.6 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. While this gap indicates some challenges for lower-income students, the 73% Pell completion rate still exceeds national averages for similar student populations. Students who gain admission to University of Maryland-College Park can expect robust institutional support for academic success and degree completion. The high retention and graduation rates suggest the university maintains academic rigor while providing effective student services. Prospective students should view these completion metrics as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they will encounter. Lower-income students should weigh the Pell graduation gap against the university's other strengths when making enrollment decisions.
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