Are you thinking about applying to the University of Maryland, a top public research university? If so, you might want to know about its University of Maryland Acceptance Rate acceptance rate and how competitive admission is. In this post, we’ll cover acceptance rates from 2022 to 2026, academic requirements, extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, the application process, and tips to improve your chances of getting in. Let’s get started!
Overview of University of Maryland Acceptance Rate
With over 600 degree programs across 12 colleges and schools, the University of Maryland attracts nearly 50,000 applications each year for approximately 25,000 undergraduate enrollment spots. Admission is highly competitive, particularly for sought-after majors such as Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Journalism. As the applicant pool grows each year, the university’s selectivity continues to rise.
Maryland employs a holistic review process, considering factors such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, class rank, essay responses, extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and letters of recommendation
University of Maryland (Class of 2025)
– Applicants: 48,129
– Admitted: 21,125
– Acceptance rate: 43.9
University of Maryland Acceptance Rates by Student Type
– 2023: 46%
– 2024: 48%
– 2025: 47%
– 2026 (estimated): 47%
Graduate Students
– Master’s/Ph.D.: 60% or higher (varies by program)
– Professional programs (e.g., law, medicine): More competitive
International Students
– Acceptance rate: 25%-30% (harder to get in)
GPA Needed for University of Maryland Admission
- Maryland Residents
- Minimum GPA: 3.7 (unweighted) or 4.2 (weighted)
- Class Rank: Top 10% preferred
- Out-of-State Applicants:
- Minimum GPA:** 3.9+ (unweighted) or 4.5+ (weighted)
- Stronger grades needed due to higher competition
Average GPA of Admitted Students (Middle 50%)
- Range: 3.82 – 4.25 (unweighted)
- Competitive majors (e.g., Engineering, Business) may require higher GPAs.
- Tip: The better your grades, the higher your chances—especially for popular programs!
Tips to get Admission Into the University of Maryland
- Take challenging courses and maintain a high GPA/class rank.
- Aim for SAT/ACT scores above the 75th percentile.
- Write compelling admissions and supplemental essays.
- Participate in meaningful extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from teachers or counselors.
- Apply through Early Action to improve admission chances.
- Demonstrate your interest and connection to the University of Maryland.
What GPA is needed to get into UMD?
- Maryland residents: Minimum 3.7 (unweighted) or 4.2 (weighted)
- Out-of-state applicants: 3.9+ (unweighted) or 4.5+ (weighted)
- Middle 50% of admitted students: 3.82–4.25 (unweighted)
Is University of Maryland hard to get into?
- Â Yes, admission is competitive, with an overall acceptance rate around 44% (lower for international students).
- Strong academics, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars improve chances.
What is the international acceptance rate for University of Maryland?
- Around 25–30%, making it more competitive than domestic admissions.
Is UMD a top 10 school?
- UMD is a top-ranked public university (#46 overall in U.S. News 2024) but not top 10 nationally.
- Some programs (Computer Science, Engineering, Business) rank in the top 10–20.
Is Maryland a prestigious university?
- Yes, UMD is a well-respected public research university (AAU member) with strong STEM, business, and public policy programs.
Does the University of Maryland give financial aid for international students?
- Limited need-based aid is available; most aid is merit-based (scholarships).
- International students must show sufficient funds for the I-20 visa process.
Is Maryland good for international students?
- Yes! UMD has a diverse community, strong support services, and proximity to Washington, D.C. for internships.
- Popular among international students for STEM and business programs.
Which US university gives most financial aid to international students?
- Top schools: Harvard, Yale, MIT, Princeton, Amherst, Williams (meet 100% of demonstrated need).
- UMD is not among the most generous for need-based international aid.
Does the University of Maryland give a full scholarship?
- Yes, but rare. Competitive merit scholarships (Banneker/Key Scholarship) cover full tuition + stipends.
- Most scholarships are partial (e.g., President’s Scholarship).
Conclusion
Gaining admission to the University of Maryland is competitive, but a strong application can improve your chances. Focus on maintaining high grades, taking rigorous courses, scoring well on standardized tests, and showcasing leadership in extracurricular activities. Well-written essays and strong recommendation letters can also make a difference. Applying through Early Action and demonstrating genuine interest in the university can further boost your application. With careful preparation and dedication, you can increase your likelihood of becoming a UMD student.
