University Of Maryland: Courses, Admission Requirements And Tuition Fees
If you are searching for information about University of Maryland, you’ve come to the right place. The University of Maryland, commonly called UMD, is a public research university in the United States. Its main campus is in College Park, Maryland, close to Washington, D.C.
UMD is known for offering a wide range of academic programmes and research opportunities. The university has more than 100 undergraduate majors across 12 colleges and schools, giving students many options when choosing what to study.
This article explains the important things prospective students should know about the University of Maryland in simple terms.
About University Of Maryland?
The University of Maryland is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland, United States.
The university was founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College and has grown into a large research institution offering undergraduate and graduate programmes.
UMD is the flagship public university of the state of Maryland. It attracts students from Maryland, other parts of the United States and different countries around the world.
The university is also known for research, innovation, entrepreneurship and a broad range of academic programmes.
For students considering UMD, it is important to look beyond the university’s name and check the specific programme they want to study. Admission requirements, competitiveness and academic opportunities can vary depending on the programme.
Where Is the University of Maryland Located?
The University of Maryland’s main campus is located in College Park, Maryland.
College Park is in Prince George’s County and is situated close to Washington, D.C. This location gives students access to a major metropolitan area while still having a university campus environment.
The university’s location may also be useful for students interested in careers, internships, research and professional opportunities in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area.
Courses And Programmes At The University Of Maryland
One of the major reasons students search for the University of Maryland is to find out what they can study there.
UMD offers more than 100 undergraduate majors through its colleges and schools. Its programmes cover many areas, including business, engineering, computer science, education, agriculture, natural sciences, social sciences, communication, arts and other fields.
Some areas of study include:
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Education
- Communication
- Economics
- Psychology
- Public policy
- Biological sciences
- Mathematics
- Environmental studies
- Agriculture and natural resources
- Arts and humanities
- Social sciences
Students should check the official programme listing before applying because programme availability and admission arrangements can change.
Another important point is that some UMD programmes have additional admission requirements or are more competitive than others. Therefore, meeting the general university requirements does not necessarily mean that a student will automatically be admitted to every major.
University Of Maryland Admission Requirements
Admission requirements depend on the type of applicant.
For undergraduate students, UMD has different application information for freshman, transfer and international applicants.
Freshman applicants are expected to complete a strong secondary-school programme. UMD lists subject requirements that include English, mathematics, science, history or social science and foreign language.
The university also considers the overall academic record and other factors during its admission review.
Students should not rely on one requirement alone when deciding whether they are likely to be admitted. A strong application involves more than simply completing the minimum academic subjects.
International Students
International students can also apply to the University of Maryland.
Applicants who completed their education outside the United States should carefully review the university’s international admission requirements. Depending on the applicant’s educational background, additional academic documents or proof of English-language ability may be required.
International students should also check whether their qualifications are acceptable for the programme they want to study.
Because requirements can change, students should always confirm the latest information directly with UMD before submitting an application.
How To Apply To The University Of Maryland
The application process depends on whether you are applying as a freshman, transfer student or another type of applicant.
A general application process involves the following steps:
1. Choose the programme or major you want to study.
2. Check the admission requirements.
3. Prepare your academic records and other required documents.
4. Complete the appropriate UMD application.
5. Submit the application before the applicable deadline.
6. Monitor your application and provide any additional information requested by the university.
7. Check your admission decision when it becomes available.
Applicants should not wait until the last moment before preparing their documents. Some documents may take time to obtain, particularly for international students.
University Of Maryland Application Deadlines
Application deadlines depend on the applicant type and the semester for which the student wants to begin studying.
For example, UMD currently lists an early-action deadline of November 1 for freshmen applying for fall admission. It also lists different deadlines for transfer applicants and other admission categories.
Deadlines can change from one admission cycle to another, so applicants should confirm the deadline for their intended entry year before applying.
Missing an application deadline can affect the type of admission consideration available to a student.
University Of Maryland Tuition And Fees
The cost of studying at the University of Maryland depends on several factors.
One of the biggest differences is whether a student qualifies for Maryland resident tuition or is classified as a nonresident.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, UMD estimated undergraduate tuition and fees at $12,008 for Maryland residents and $41,974 for nonresidents. These figures were part of the university’s estimated cost-of-attendance information and should not be treated as a permanent fee for future academic years.
For Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, UMD’s Student Financial Services lists a full-time undergraduate tuition and mandatory-fee amount of $6,417.50 per semester for residents and $22,043 per semester for nonresidents, before certain programme-specific differential tuition.
Some juniors and seniors studying business, engineering or computer science may also have additional differential tuition.
This shows why students should always check the current university fee schedule instead of relying on an old article or social-media post.
What Is The Total Cost Of Studying At UMD?
Tuition is only one part of the cost of attending university.
Students may also need money for:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Health-related or other applicable costs
For the 2025–2026 academic year, UMD estimated the total annual cost of attendance at $32,408 for Maryland residents and $62,374 for nonresidents, including tuition, fees, housing, food and other estimated expenses.
The actual amount a student spends can be different depending on their housing arrangements, lifestyle, programme and other personal circumstances.
For international students, it is particularly important to prepare a realistic financial plan before accepting admission.
Does The University Of Maryland Offer Scholarships And Financial Aid?
Yes. The University of Maryland offers different forms of financial assistance.
These can include scholarships, grants, loans and student employment opportunities.
Financial aid eligibility can depend on factors such as the student’s circumstances, academic status, residency and the particular aid programme.
International students should pay close attention to the eligibility rules because not every form of financial aid available to U.S. students will necessarily be available to international students.
Students should therefore check the university’s official financial-aid information before making financial decisions.
Is The University Of Maryland A Good University?
The answer depends partly on what you want from a university.
UMD can be attractive to students who want a large public research university with many academic programmes, research opportunities and student activities.
The university reports more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 800 student clubs and organisations.
Its location near Washington, D.C., can also be attractive to students interested in government, policy, technology, business, research and other professional areas.
However, a university being highly regarded does not automatically make it the best choice for every student.
Before applying, compare the programme, cost, admission requirements, location, financial aid opportunities and career goals.
What Is The University Of Maryland Known For?
UMD is known for research, innovation and a broad selection of academic programmes.
It has programmes across areas such as engineering, computer science, business, public policy, agriculture, education, communication and the sciences.
The university also has a strong research environment, with students able to participate in research and academic projects.
For a student choosing a university, the most useful question is not simply whether UMD is famous. It is whether the specific course and academic environment match the student’s goals.
University Of Maryland For International Students
Students from outside the United States may consider UMD because of its range of programmes and location.
However, international applicants need to plan carefully.
Before applying, check:
- Academic qualification requirements
- English-language requirements
- Application deadlines
- Required documents
- Tuition and living expenses
- Financial-aid eligibility
- Immigration and visa requirements
- Programme-specific requirements
Do not assume that admission requirements for U.S. students are exactly the same as those for international applicants.
If you are applying from another country, use the university’s international admissions information as your main reference.
Frequently Asked Questions About the University of Maryland
What Are The Language Requirements For Admission To The University Of Maryland?
International applicants and applicants whose native language is not English generally need to provide proof of English proficiency. For undergraduate admission, the University of Maryland currently accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS and TOEFL.
Its current minimum passing scores are 120 on the Duolingo English Test, 7 on IELTS, and 95 on the TOEFL 0–120 scale. UMD may consider certain applicants for an English-proficiency waiver if they meet its specific waiver conditions.
Applicants should check the latest UMD requirements before applying because accepted tests, scores and waiver rules can change.
Can I Get Into The University aof Maryland With A 3.0 GPA?
A 3.0 GPA does not automatically qualify or disqualify you from admission to the University of Maryland. UMD uses a holistic admission review, and the university says its most competitive freshman applicants generally have a strong A-/B+ or better average in their high-school coursework, along with challenging courses such as honors, AP or IB classes.
Therefore, a student with a 3.0 GPA may apply, but admission is competitive and a 3.0 GPA would generally be below the academic level described by UMD for its most competitive applicants. Other parts of the application, including the academic record and overall application, are also considered. There is no published rule saying that every applicant with a 3.0 GPA will be rejected.
Is The University Of Maryland A Public University?
Yes. The University of Maryland is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland.
How Many Courses Does The University Of Maryland Offer?
UMD offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across 12 colleges and schools.
Does The University Of Maryland Accept international Students?
Yes. UMD accepts applications from international students, although international applicants must meet the applicable admission requirements.
Does The University Of Maryland Offer Scholarships?
Yes. UMD offers various forms of financial aid, including scholarships and grants, although eligibility depends on the particular programme and applicant.
Meet The Author
Peter onuoha is the founder and editor of Academicfocus, with over a decade of experience in education publishing. He covers education updates on, university schools fees, admission portal, cut off mark, jamb update opportunities and related public information. Connect with him on facebook
