The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a prestigious public research university located in College Park, Maryland. As the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, UMD is known for its diverse academic programs, exceptional faculty, and vibrant campus culture. With a student population exceeding 40,000, the university boasts a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including engineering, business, humanities, and the sciences. UMD is particularly recognized for its strong emphasis on research, consistently ranking among the top universities in the United States for research expenditures and output. The university's commitment to innovation is further exemplified by its partnerships with leading industries and government agencies, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and hands-on experiences.

UMD prides itself on fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus environment. The university's motto, "Fear the Turtle," reflects its spirited mascot and embodies the school spirit that permeates campus life. Students actively engage in a plethora of extracurricular activities, including more than 800 student organizations, cultural groups, and athletic teams that compete in the NCAA Division I. The university's commitment to student success is also evident in its state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Eppley Recreation Center and the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library. Furthermore, UMD's prime location just outside Washington, D.C., offers students unparalleled access to cultural experiences, internships, and career opportunities in the nation's capital. With a robust alumni network that includes influential figures in various fields, UMD continues to produce graduates who make significant contributions to society.

Commentary on Key Metrics of University of Maryland-College Park

The University of Maryland-College Park exhibits significant trends in tuition, graduation rates, and student retention, reflecting broader patterns in higher education. Over the years, both in-state and out-of-state tuition have steadily increased, with the out-of-state tuition for undergraduates rising from $28,348 in 2014 to $39,469 in 2023. This represents an increase of approximately 39% over nine years, which may deter potential students from outside the state, particularly as the cost of education continues to escalate nationwide.

In contrast, the graduation rate has shown positive momentum, with the timely graduation rate for undergraduate students improving from around 62% in 2013 to nearly 70% in 2023. The 150% graduation rate has also increased, indicating that more students are completing their degrees within a reasonable timeframe. This upward trend in graduation rates suggests that the university is effectively supporting its students through academic challenges, which is crucial for institutional reputation and student satisfaction.

Retention rates have remained relatively stable, hovering around 94% to 95% between 2013 and 2023. This stability indicates that once students enroll, they are likely to continue their studies at the institution, which is a positive sign of student engagement and satisfaction with the university's environment.

Overall, while the University of Maryland-College Park faces challenges with rising tuition costs, it has made commendable strides in enhancing graduation rates and maintaining high retention rates, positioning itself as a competitive option for prospective students. These metrics are essential for evaluating the university's long-term viability and appeal in an evolving educational landscape.

Analysis of Graduation Data at University of Maryland-College Park

The graduation data from the University of Maryland-College Park reflects significant trends in various academic disciplines for the year 2023. Notably, the Public Health program stands out with a substantial number of graduates, totaling 355 for bachelor's degrees, alongside 5 international students. This indicates a growing interest in health-related fields, likely influenced by the heightened awareness of public health issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In contrast, several fields, such as Engineering and Business Administration, show a lack of bachelor's graduates, which may suggest a shift in student preferences or market demands. The absence of undergraduate graduates in Engineering could be particularly concerning given the current emphasis on STEM education and the need for skilled professionals in technology and engineering sectors.

Another interesting observation is the master's program in Business Statistics, which produced 241 graduates, with a significant international presence of 167. This points towards a strong global appeal for data analytics and statistical expertise, critical in today’s data-driven economy.

Furthermore, the lack of doctoral graduates across most disciplines raises questions about the university's capacity to support advanced research training. This could affect the institution's long-term research output and its ability to attract top-tier faculty and researchers.

Overall, the data suggests a complex landscape of academic choices influenced by both global trends and local market needs, highlighting areas of growth and potential concern for the University of Maryland-College Park.

Trends in University of Maryland-College Park Admission Data

The University of Maryland-College Park has experienced significant changes in its rankings and admission rates over the years. Notably, the university's ranking improved from 55th in 2023 to 44th in 2025, reflecting its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and competitiveness in higher education. This upward trend in ranking is a positive signal for prospective students and reflects well on the institution's reputation. In terms of admission rates, the statistics reveal a fluctuating acceptance landscape. The overall acceptance rate for male applicants has seen a gradual increase from approximately 40.4% in 2009 to around 50.5% in 2021, indicating a more accessible admission process. However, it is noteworthy that the female acceptance rate has remained relatively high, peaking at about 56% in 2022. This highlights the university's efforts to attract a diverse student body. The enrollment figures also tell an interesting story. The university welcomed a peak enrollment of 6,072 in 2022, suggesting a growing interest in the institution. However, the number of students denied admission has also risen significantly, demonstrating the competitive nature of the application process. The deferment numbers indicate a strategic approach to managing student admissions, allowing the university to maintain its standards while accommodating a diverse range of applicants. Overall, the data presents a complex picture of the evolving admissions landscape at the University of Maryland-College Park. The improvement in rankings, coupled with fluctuating acceptance rates, reflects the institution's dynamic nature in responding to the changing demands of higher education.

Trends in Admission Scores at the University of Maryland

The admission data for the University of Maryland-College Park reveals a notable trend in standardized test scores and their submission rates over the years. From 2007 to 2023, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has significantly decreased, dropping from 98% to 53%. This decline reflects a broader national trend where an increasing number of institutions are adopting test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores.

Interestingly, while the number of applicants submitting scores has decreased, the score ranges for the 25th to 75th percentiles for reading and math have generally shown an upward trend. For instance, the SAT reading and math scores for the 25th percentile increased from 570 in 2007 to 670 in 2023, indicating that even as fewer students submit scores, those who do tend to have stronger academic performances.

Furthermore, the data suggests that the overall applicant pool is becoming more competitive. Despite the lower submission rates, the scores of admitted students have remained robust, indicating that the university is still attracting high-quality candidates. The shift in admissions practices highlights a significant evolution in college admissions, as institutions adapt to changing perceptions about standardized testing.

In summary, while the University of Maryland has seen a decline in the percentage of students submitting standardized test scores, the quality of admitted students remains high, reflecting both a change in admissions strategy and the increasing competitiveness of the applicant pool.

Student Demographics at University of Maryland-College Park in 2023

The student demographic data from the University of Maryland-College Park for the year 2023 reveals a diverse and balanced population among its undergraduates and graduates. Among the incoming freshmen, there are 5,849 students, with a near-equitable gender distribution of 49.3% male and 50.7% female, indicating a welcoming environment for all genders. The undergraduate continuing students show a slight male majority at 50.9%.

Interestingly, the transfer students present a different picture, with 53% males and 47% females. This shift might reflect varying trends in transfer applications or acceptance rates among genders. Graduate students exhibit a nearly equal gender ratio of 51.2% males and 48.8% females, further emphasizing the university's commitment to equity in higher education.

The racial composition of the student body showcases a significant representation of various ethnicities, although specific data on these demographics is not fully detailed for all groups. The presence of over 21,000 continuing undergraduate students suggests a robust academic community.

Overall, the University of Maryland-College Park appears to foster an inclusive atmosphere, actively engaging a diverse student base. This aligns with broader trends in higher education, where institutions aim to not only attract a varied student demographic but also create supportive environments conducive to academic success for all. The balance in gender representation across different educational stages is particularly noteworthy, reflecting a progressive approach to gender equality in academia.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at University of Maryland-College Park

The age composition of students at the University of Maryland-College Park reveals insightful trends regarding the demographics of the student body. A significant majority of undergraduates fall within the 18-21 age range, with nearly 67% of male undergraduates and over 66% of female undergraduates aged 18-21. This prevalence of younger students aligns with national trends in higher education, where the majority of students are typically in their late teens to early twenties.

Interestingly, the data indicates a sharp decline in enrollment as students age beyond their early twenties. For instance, students aged 25-29, comprising both undergraduate and graduate populations, account for only about 9.5% of the total student body. This trend may reflect the challenges faced by older students in balancing education with work and family commitments, a reality that is increasingly observed in today's workforce.

Moreover, the gender distribution across age categories reveals a notable trend: while there are more male students than female students in the younger age brackets, the gender distribution begins to equalize and even tilt towards females in the older age groups, particularly among graduate students aged 25-29 and 30-34. This may suggest that women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees, highlighting a shift in educational pursuits and career aspirations.

Overall, the data from the University of Maryland-College Park showcases a predominantly young and diverse student population, with a notable presence of older students pursuing further education. This demographic insight is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of higher education and addressing the needs of a varied student body.

Trends in International Enrollment at the University of Maryland-College Park

The data on international student enrollment at the University of Maryland-College Park reveals significant trends over the years. For undergraduate students, the proportion of international students has seen a gradual increase from 2.43% in 2004 to 3.68% in 2023. While this percentage reflects a growing inclusivity, the actual number of international undergraduates fluctuated, peaking at 1,587 in 2019 before a slight decline in recent years.

In contrast, the graduate student population exhibits a more robust trend. The percentage of international graduate students has consistently risen, from 27.23% in 2004 to an impressive 35.06% in 2023. This increase indicates a strong appeal of the University’s graduate programs to international students, which could be attributed to various factors including program reputation, research opportunities, and faculty expertise.

The consistent growth in the number of international graduate students is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects broader trends in higher education where universities compete globally to attract talent. However, the recent years have also seen fluctuations, suggesting that external factors such as visa policies and global events may influence enrollment patterns.

Overall, the data underscores the University of Maryland's commitment to fostering a diverse academic environment while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with international recruitment amidst changing geopolitical contexts. As universities navigate these complexities, it will be essential to continue adapting strategies that enhance the international student experience.

Here are some notable schools surrounding the University of Maryland-College Park:

1. Georgetown University - Ranked 24th in the 2025 US News rankings, Georgetown University is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs in international relations, law, and public policy.

2. Johns Hopkins University - With a rank of 6, Johns Hopkins University is renowned for its research initiatives and programs in public health, medicine, and engineering.

3. George Washington University - Ranked 63rd, this university is located in the heart of the nation’s capital, offering unique opportunities for students interested in politics, international affairs, and law.

4. Howard University - With a rank of 86, Howard University is a historically Black university known for its commitment to social justice and excellence in education.

5. American University - Ranked 91st, American University is recognized for its programs in public affairs and international relations, and it offers a vibrant campus life in Washington, D.C.

6. St. Mary's College of Maryland - This liberal arts college, ranked 100th, is known for its strong academic programs and beautiful waterfront campus.

These institutions provide a variety of academic programs and opportunities for students, making the area around the University of Maryland-College Park a hub for higher education.

Analysis of Crime Rates at the University of Maryland-College Park

Over the past decade, the University of Maryland-College Park has seen a notable decline in crime rates, particularly in 2021, which recorded the lowest rate of 3.60 per 1,000 students. This downward trend appears to be part of a broader national movement towards improving campus safety, as many universities have implemented various measures aimed at reducing crime and enhancing student security.

Specifically, incidents of gun-related arrests have seen fluctuations, with some years reporting no occurrences, while other years showed a modest presence. The university also reported a mixture of drug and alcohol-related arrests, indicating that substance-related issues remain a concern but are being actively addressed.

Interestingly, the year 2020 experienced a rise in crime rates, which could be attributed to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased isolation and mental health struggles among students. However, the subsequent years indicate a recovery, with efforts likely focused on re-engaging the student body and creating a safer environment.

Despite the challenges, the continued decrease in crime rates is promising for current and prospective students, demonstrating the university's commitment to safety. The data suggests a proactive approach to crime prevention, which is crucial for fostering a secure and supportive campus culture. For those interested in calculating crime rates, further details can be found here.