Choosing the right college is an important decision for students and their families. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison of two prestigious schools to help prospective students make an informed choice: the University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) and Boston University (BU). By examining various factors such as cost, admissions, academics, campus life, and outcomes, this comparison will give readers a comprehensive understanding of the key differences and similarities between the two institutions.
University of Maryland-College Park Overview
The University of Maryland-College Park, located in College Park, Maryland, is a public research university founded in 1856. It is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. UMD offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 200 undergraduate majors, 100 master’s programs, and 80 doctoral programs. The most popular majors include business, engineering, and social sciences.
University of Maryland-College Park Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending UMD varies depending on factors such as residency, housing, and meal plan choices. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated annual in-state tuition and fees are $10,779, while out-of-state students pay $36,891. Additionally, the average room and board cost is $12,972. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 76% of undergraduate students receiving some form of aid.
University of Maryland-College Park Admissions
UMD has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 44.1% for Fall 2020. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcript, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and an essay. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1330-1490, while the middle 50% ACT score range is 30-34.
University of Maryland-College Park Degrees Offered
UMD offers a diverse range of degrees across various fields of study. Students can choose from over 200 undergraduate majors, 100 master’s programs, and 80 doctoral programs. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include business, engineering, social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, and computer and information sciences.
University of Maryland-College Park Academics
UMD is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. The university has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with 38% of its classes having fewer than 20 students. This enables students to receive personalized attention and guidance from their professors. UMD is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, which consists of leading research institutions in North America.
University of Maryland-College Park Diversity
UMD is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. The university’s student body is made up of 44% White, 19% Asian, 12% Black or African American, 12% Hispanic, and 3% of students identifying as two or more races. Additionally, 9% of the student population is international, representing over 130 countries.
University of Maryland-College Park Students
UMD has an undergraduate enrollment of about 30,000 students. The campus offers a vibrant and diverse student life, with over 800 student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities such as community service, cultural organizations, and recreational sports.
University of Maryland-College Park Campus
The UMD campus covers 1,335 acres and offers a mix of modern and historic architecture. On-campus housing options include traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and apartment communities. The university is also home to various research facilities, libraries, and recreational centers.
University of Maryland-College Park Alumni
UMD has a strong alumni network, with over 388,000 living alumni worldwide. Prominent alumni include Sergey Brin (co-founder of Google), Jim Henson (creator of the Muppets), and Connie Chung (television journalist).
University of Maryland-College Park Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, UMD is ranked #58 in National Universities and #20 in Top Public Schools. The university also holds a strong position in various subject rankings, such as #12 in Criminology, #12 in Quantum Physics, and #16 in Aerospace Engineering.
University of Maryland-College Park Outcomes
UMD graduates enjoy a strong employment rate, with 92% of bachelor’s degree recipients employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UMD graduates is $58,000.
Boston University Overview
Boston University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a private research university founded in 1839. BU offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The most popular majors include business, social sciences, and health professions.
Boston University Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending BU is higher than UMD, due to its private status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated annual tuition and fees are $58,560. Additionally, the average room and board cost is $16,640. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 55% of undergraduate students receiving some form of aid.
Boston University Admissions
BU has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 18.9% for Fall 2020. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcript, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and an essay. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1410-1520, while the middle 50% ACT score range is 32-35.
Boston University Degrees Offered
BU offers a diverse range of degrees across various fields of study. Students can choose from over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include business, social sciences, health professions, and engineering.
Boston University Academics
BU is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. The university has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with 60% of its classes having fewer than 20 students. This enables students to receive personalized attention and guidance from their professors. BU is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, which consists of leading research institutions in North America.
Boston University Diversity
BU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. The university’s student body is made up of 44% White, 29% Asian, 7% Black or African American, 13% Hispanic, and 2% of students identifying as two or more races. Additionally, 24% of the student population is international, representing over 130 countries.
Boston University Students
BU has an undergraduate enrollment of about 18,000 students. The campus offers a vibrant and diverse student life, with over 450 student organizations, clubs, and athletic teams. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities such as community service, cultural organizations, and recreational sports.
Boston University Campus
The BU campus covers 135 acres and is located along the scenic Charles River. On-campus housing options include traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and apartment communities. The university is also home to various research facilities, libraries, and recreational centers.
Boston University Alumni
BU has a strong alumni network, with over 377,000 living alumni worldwide. Prominent alumni include Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights activist), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (U.S. Representative), and Geena Davis (actress and activist).
Boston University Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, BU is ranked #42 in National Universities and #45 in Best Value Schools. The university also holds a strong position in various subject rankings, such as #16 in Occupational Therapy, #22 in Public Health, and #31 in Computer Science.
Boston University Outcome
BU graduates enjoy a strong employment rate, with 94% of bachelor’s degree recipients employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for BU graduates is $61,200.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Boston University Cost Comparison
The cost of attending Boston University is significantly higher than the cost of attending the University of Maryland-College Park, particularly for out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated annual in-state tuition and fees at UMD are $10,779, while out-of-state students pay $36,891. In contrast, the estimated annual tuition and fees at BU are $58,560. Room and board costs are also higher at BU, with an average cost of $16,640 compared to UMD’s $12,972.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Boston University Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have competitive admissions processes, with Boston University having a lower acceptance rate of 18.9% compared to the University of Maryland-College Park’s 44.1%. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students at BU is 1410-1520, while at UMD, it is 1330-1490. The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students at BU is 32-35, while at UMD, it is 30-34. This data suggests that admission to BU is more difficult than admission to UMD.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Boston University Academic Difficulty
Both the University of Maryland-College Park and Boston University are known for their strong academic programs and research opportunities. The student-to-faculty ratio at BU is 10:1, while at UMD, it is 19:1. This means that students at BU may receive more personalized attention and guidance from their professors. Both universities are members of the prestigious Association of American Universities, indicating their commitment to research and academic excellence.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Boston University Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both universities enjoy strong employment rates and starting salaries. At the University of Maryland-College Park, 92% of bachelor’s degree recipients are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $58,000. Meanwhile, at Boston University, 94% of bachelor’s degree recipients are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $61,200. Although the outcomes are similar, Boston University graduates tend to have slightly higher starting salaries.
