University of Maryland-College Park vs Harvard University Introduction
Choosing a college can be a difficult decision, as there are many factors to consider. This article will compare two well-known institutions: University of Maryland-College Park and Harvard University. We will examine various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, to help prospective students make an informed choice.
University of Maryland-College Park Overview
The University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, it is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. With over 41,000 students and more than 200 degree-granting programs, UMD is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
University of Maryland-College Park Costs & Tuition
UMD’s in-state tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $10,779, while out-of-state students pay $36,891. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and fees, can bring the total cost of attendance to around $27,000 for in-state students and $53,000 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
University of Maryland-College Park Admissions
Admission to UMD is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 44%. Prospective students need to submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1310-1470, while the average ACT score is 29-33.
University of Maryland-College Park Degrees Offered
UMD offers a wide range of degree programs across its 12 colleges and schools, including the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Students can choose from over 200 majors, minors, and certificate programs.
University of Maryland-College Park Academics
UMD is recognized for its strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, computer science, and business. The university has a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty members. UMD also offers numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
University of Maryland-College Park Diversity
UMD is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) works to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across campus through various programs, initiatives, and resources. In Fall 2020, 48% of the undergraduate population were students of color.
University of Maryland-College Park Students
UMD’s student population is made up of over 30,000 undergraduate and 10,000 graduate students. Students at UMD can get involved in more than 800 student organizations, participate in intramural and club sports, and take advantage of the many resources and services available on campus.
University of Maryland-College Park Campus
UMD’s 1,335-acre campus is located just outside of Washington, D.C., providing students with access to internship and job opportunities in the nation’s capital. The campus offers a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as numerous green spaces, recreational facilities, and on-campus housing options.
University of Maryland-College Park Alumni
UMD has a strong alumni network, with over 363,000 living alumni around the world. Notable alumni include Google co-founder Sergey Brin, ESPN sportscaster Scott Van Pelt, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
University of Maryland-College Park Rankings
UMD is consistently ranked as a top public university, both nationally and globally. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UMD ranked 58th among national universities and 20th among public institutions.
University of Maryland-College Park Outcomes
UMD graduates have a strong track record of success in their careers. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for UMD alumni is $60,100, while the average mid-career salary is $108,900.
Harvard University Overview
Harvard University is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was established in 1636, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. With a student population of around 22,000 and over 3,700 faculty members, Harvard is known for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and unparalleled resources.
Harvard University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Harvard for the 2021-2022 academic year is $53,968, with the total cost of attendance, including room and board, fees, and other expenses, estimated at $74,528. However, Harvard offers generous financial aid packages to ensure that students from all financial backgrounds can attend the university. Over 55% of Harvard students receive need-based aid, with the average grant covering 100% of tuition.
Harvard University Admissions
Admission to Harvard is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 4.6%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1460-1570, while the average ACT score is 33-35.
Harvard University Degrees Offered
Harvard offers a wide range of degree programs through its 13 schools and institutes, including the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Medical School. Students can choose from over 50 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate and professional programs.
Harvard University Academics
Harvard is renowned for its exceptional academic programs across all disciplines. The university has a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive individualized attention from their professors. Harvard also provides extensive research opportunities, with over 100 research centers and institutes on campus.
Harvard University Diversity
Harvard is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. In the 2020-2021 academic year, 49% of the undergraduate population were students of color. The university also offers numerous programs and resources to support diversity and inclusion on campus.
Harvard University Students
Harvard’s student body consists of approximately 6,700 undergraduate and 15,250 graduate students. Students at Harvard can participate in over 450 student organizations, engage in community service, and take advantage of the many resources and services available on campus.
Harvard University Campus
Harvard’s 5,076-acre campus is located in the historic city of Cambridge, just across the Charles River from Boston. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as extensive libraries, museums, and research facilities.
Harvard University Alumni
Harvard has an extensive and influential alumni network, with over 330,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable Harvard alumni include former U.S. presidents Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Harvard University Rankings
Harvard consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the world. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Harvard was ranked 2nd among national universities.
Harvard University Outcomes
Graduates of Harvard enjoy successful careers across a wide range of industries. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for Harvard alumni is $72,600, while the average mid-career salary is $134,200.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Harvard University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UMD and Harvard, there are several factors to consider. UMD has a significantly lower tuition rate for in-state students, while out-of-state students pay a higher rate. However, Harvard’s generous financial aid packages can make the total cost of attendance more affordable for many students, regardless of their financial background.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Harvard University Admissions Difficulty
Both UMD and Harvard have competitive admissions processes, with Harvard being significantly more difficult to gain admittance to due to its low acceptance rate and higher average test scores. Prospective students should carefully consider their academic profile and the competitiveness of the schools when applying.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Harvard University Academic Difficulty
While both UMD and Harvard offer rigorous academic programs, Harvard is known for its particularly challenging coursework, world-class faculty, and extensive resources. However, UMD also provides a strong academic foundation, with numerous opportunities for research and engagement with faculty.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Harvard University Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, both UMD and Harvard graduates enjoy successful careers, with Harvard alumni earning higher average salaries. However, it’s important to consider factors such as individual career goals, industry trends, and geographic location when assessing potential outcomes. Both universities offer strong alumni networks and resources to help students succeed post-graduation.
