The University of Maryland, College Park, widely known as UMD, is a prestigious public research university located in College Park, Maryland. Established in 1856, it is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and has earned a reputation for its outstanding academic programs and contributions to research. UMD offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, computer science, and the arts. The university is particularly well-known for its strong emphasis on research, with numerous research centers and institutes that help drive innovation and development in science and technology.

Student life at UMD is vibrant and dynamic, boasting a wide range of extracurricular activities and organizations that cater to diverse interests. The campus is home to a variety of student clubs, cultural organizations, and athletic teams, fostering a sense of community and engagement among students. UMD's athletic teams, known as the Terrapins, compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, and support for these teams creates an energetic and spirited environment. The university also places a strong emphasis on student support services, providing resources for academic advising, career counseling, and mental health. Additionally, the campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories, libraries, and recreational centers, ensuring that students have access to top-notch resources throughout their educational journey.

Tuition Trends and Their Implications

The tuition fees at the University of Maryland-College Park have shown a significant upward trend over the years. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition has increased from around $9,162 in 2014 to about $11,505 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 25%. For out-of-state undergraduates, tuition rose from $28,348 to $40,306, a staggering hike of nearly 42%. These escalating costs can be concerning as they may limit access for some students, especially those from lower-income families. The price of obtaining a higher education is a critical topic nationally, as student debt continues to grow and impacts financial stability post-graduation.

Moreover, the graduation rates reflect a positive trajectory; the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates improved from roughly 66% in 2014 to about 72% in 2024, indicating that while the costs are rising, students are increasingly completing their degrees within the expected time frame. This improvement in graduation rates may suggest that the university is implementing effective support systems to assist students in navigating their academic paths.

Retention rates also remain relatively high, hovering around 95%, which is indicative of strong student satisfaction and engagement within the university community. A stable retention rate can foster a positive academic environment and contribute to better overall outcomes for students.

Additionally, the gender distribution among undergraduate students shows a slight shift toward a more balanced ratio over the years. Males have comprised around 51% of the undergraduate population in 2024, which reflects a consistent trend towards gender inclusivity in higher education.

In summary, while tuition costs continue to rise, the university appears to be effectively enhancing graduation and retention rates. These changes are encouraging; however, addressing the financial barriers faced by prospective students remains a pressing challenge.

Analysis of Graduation Data at University of Maryland-College Park

The graduation data from the University of Maryland-College Park reveals noteworthy trends in various fields of study for the year 2023. Among the diverse set of disciplines, Public Health emerges as a significant area of focus, with 355 bachelor's degrees awarded, indicating a substantial interest in health-related careers post-pandemic. This aligns with the increasing public awareness of health issues and the demand for professionals in the healthcare sector.

In contrast, the Engineering field, particularly in General Engineering, shows no bachelor's degree graduates but highlights 357 master's degrees conferred, with a significant proportion being international students (246). This suggests that while undergraduate programs in engineering may not be attracting students, the graduate programs appear to be appealing, possibly due to the advanced expertise required in a competitive job market.

Business disciplines exhibit a mixed picture. General Business Administration graduates at the bachelor's level numbered 217, outpacing many other areas. However, marketing and business statistics saw no master's or doctoral graduates, signaling potential gaps in advanced academic pursuits compared to foundational programs.

The absence of graduates in fields such as Trade and Industrial Teacher Education and various computer science disciplines raises questions about the program's viability and appeal. This could be reflective of broader industry trends affecting student enrollment in technical and education fields.

Overall, these statistics provide a snapshot of the academic landscape, revealing areas of strength and those needing strategic development to better align with both student interests and market demands.

Assessment of University of Maryland-College Park Admission Trends

The University of Maryland-College Park has shown notable fluctuations in its rankings and admission rates over the years. From 2010 to 2025, the institution's ranking has shifted from 53rd to an impressive 44th, reflecting an upward trajectory. This improvement might be indicative of enhanced academic programs, increased research funding, or overall student satisfaction. Examining the admission rates for both male and female applicants reveals an interesting trend. The male admission rate saw a peak of approximately 50.5% in 2021, illustrating the university's inclusivity and efforts to attract a diverse student body. However, in 2023, this acceptance rate dipped to around 40.8%, potentially highlighting increasing competitiveness or a more selective admissions strategy influenced by a higher number of applicants. Similarly, the female admission rate has fluctuated, with a noticeable increase in 2022 at approximately 55.9%, a significant figure that may suggest targeted outreach or recruitment initiatives intended to bolster female enrollment. Nonetheless, the rates have since declined, indicating a tightening of admission criteria. The enrollment figures further elucidate these trends, as the university received thousands of applications each year, signaling its sustained popularity among prospective students. The total number of admitted students marked a peak in 2022, corresponding with improved rank. Overall, the consistent effort to elevate standards and maintain accessibility in the face of rising competition demonstrates the University of Maryland-College Park's commitment to academic excellence—evident in both its ranking and its evolving admissions landscape as it approaches 2025.

Trends in Admissions Data at the University of Maryland-College Park

The admissions data for the University of Maryland-College Park over recent years illustrates some notable trends regarding standardized test scores and the demographics of applicants. Beginning from 2007, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores consistently hovered around the high nineties, indicating a strong inclination toward standardized testing as a selection metric.

However, a closer look reveals a downward trend in the overall number of applicants submitting scores over the years, notably dropping from 3,886 in 2007 to just over 2,500 in 2024. This decline may correlate with broader trends in college admissions, where some institutions are moving towards test-optional policies. As we observe the score range, there has been an increase in the 25th to 75th percentile SAT reading and math scores, suggesting that while fewer students are submitting scores, the competitiveness of those who do is on the rise.

Additionally, the significant drop in acceptance rates, particularly falling to as low as 34% in 2022, might reflect a broader trend in higher education – a surge in applications fueled by a growing pool of college-ready students. This competitive dynamic could also be influenced by external factors, such as the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increase in the emphasis on both academic scores and holistic application elements.

Overall, the data presents a complex picture of evolving admissions criteria and applicant behavior at the University of Maryland-College Park, as it navigates through a changing educational landscape.

Analysis of Student Demographics at University of Maryland-College Park in 2024

In 2024, the University of Maryland-College Park presents a diverse and balanced student body, particularly among undergraduate classes. The distribution of students indicates a healthy gender balance, with the percentage of male students varying slightly across different classifications.

Among incoming freshmen, nearly half are male, while the slight majority of returning undergraduates are female, reflecting a trend seen in many universities, where women are increasingly enrolling in higher education. The proportion of male students in transfer and graduate categories is somewhat higher, with figures indicating these groups have a marginally greater representation of men. This may be attributed to specific fields of study commonly pursued by these demographics, which often skew towards male-dominated disciplines, particularly in STEM areas.

Racially, the student distribution is not fully detailed, but the presence of white students constitutes a significant portion of the body, as is common in many U.S. institutions. Further analysis into the proportion of Asian, Latinx, and other minorities could provide a clearer picture of the university's diversity efforts and challenges.

Understanding these demographics is crucial as universities continue to refine their recruitment and inclusion strategies, aiming to create an enriching environment that reflects the broader society. Furthermore, considering recent national discussions surrounding equity, access, and diversity in higher education, the developments at the University of Maryland-College Park serve as a microcosm of the larger trends and issues currently facing academic institutions nationwide.

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

The age demographic data of students at the University of Maryland-College Park for 2024 presents an interesting picture regarding the age distribution among undergraduates and graduates. Among the student population, the most prominent age group is those between 18-21 years old, which includes a substantial percentage of undergraduates. For instance, individuals aged 18-19 and 20-21 make up approximately 61% of the male undergraduate population and around 70% of the female undergraduate population.

As students progress in their educational journeys, the number of individuals aged 22-24 remains comparatively strong, with a significant number transitioning to graduate studies. However, the representation of older students (aged 25 and above) tends to dwindle. For example, students aged 25-29 account for only about 6.5% of the total student population, indicating a possible challenge for universities in attracting non-traditional or returning students.

The trends in age distribution might reflect broader societal patterns, where young adults are increasingly entering higher education directly after high school. Additionally, the growing financial pressures and the competitive job market may dissuade older students from returning to school. As universities aim to foster diverse educational environments, understanding these age demographics can help tailor services and resources to better accommodate the needs of different age groups.

Overall, the data highlights the youthful character of the University of Maryland's student body, while also calling attention to the necessity for institutions to consider strategies to engage older students effectively. This is particularly relevant in the current context where lifelong learning is increasingly valued in the workforce.

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

The international student population at the University of Maryland-College Park has experienced notable fluctuations over the years, particularly among both undergraduate and graduate programs. Starting in the mid-2000s, the share of international undergraduates has generally ranged between 2% and 5%, indicating that while there was growth, it was relatively modest compared to the graduate student population, which has seen a more substantial representation.

By 2023, 3.68% of the undergraduate population were international students, a figure that reflects both challenges and opportunities faced by institutions in attracting global talent. In contrast, the graduate student enrollment has shown a significant increase over the years, culminating in a remarkable 35.56% in 2024. This trend suggests that graduate programs at the University may be more appealing to international students, possibly due to a wider variety of specialized programs or research opportunities that are attractive for postgraduate studies.

Factors affecting these trends could include changes in immigration policies, international collaboration on research, and the global perception of U.S. education, especially in light of recent geopolitical events. The implications of these fluctuations are profound, not just for the university's cultural diversity but also for its funding sources, as international tuition often contributes significantly to university budgets.

Overall, the growth in international graduate students, juxtaposed with the stagnation in undergraduate figures, underscores the need for institutions to devise strategies to enhance their global appeal and accommodate the diverse needs of international students in both educational levels.

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

1. Georgetown University - Ranked 24th in the 2025 US News rankings, Georgetown is a renowned research university located in Washington, D.C. It is 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 famous for its research and medical programs. It has a strong reputation in fields such as public health, engineering, and the humanities.

3. George Washington University - Ranked 63rd, GWU is situated in the heart of the nation's capital. It offers a diverse range of programs and is particularly well-known for its political science and law degrees.

4. Howard University - Known for its commitment to the education of African Americans and other minorities, Howard University is ranked 86th and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

5. American University - Ranked 91st, American University is recognized for its emphasis on public service and international relations, located in Washington, D.C.

6. St. John's College - A liberal arts college with a rank of 83, St. John's focuses on a unique curriculum that emphasizes the reading of classical texts and discussions.

7. United States Naval Academy - With an impressive rank of 4, this prestigious military academy is located in Annapolis, Maryland, and trains officers for the Navy and Marine Corps.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and have distinguished reputations, making the area around the University of Maryland-College Park a hub of higher education.

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

The crime statistics at the University of Maryland-College Park from 2013 to 2023 show a significant overall decline in the crime rates on campus. Notably, in 2013, the crime rate per 1000 students was recorded at 13.64. This number saw a dramatic decrease over the years, plummeting to 3.60 in 2021, which is the lowest in this dataset. Such a decline may be attributed to various factors such as improved campus security measures, increased awareness programs about crime prevention, or community engagement efforts.

Analyzing the specific categories reveals that gun arrests and alcohol-related offenses have been notably addressed in recent years. In 2014, there were instances of gun arrests reported both on campus and in the surrounding areas, but by 2022, there were almost no reports of gun-related incidents. Similarly, drug-related arrests peaked in 2018 but have since exhibited a downward trend, which might reflect a shift in campus culture or heightened enforcement of policies against substance abuse.

However, the occasional uptick in crimes, such as in 2020 and 2022, signals ongoing challenges that the university must confront. With the rise of issues such as domestic violence and theft, the need for continual vigilance and responsive strategies is crucial to maintain a safe campus environment. Overall, while encouraging improvements have been made in decreasing the crime rate, the university must remain proactive in addressing all forms of crime to sustain this positive trend.

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