University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Alabama at Birmingham Introduction
Choosing the right college is a crucial decision that can shape your future career and personal growth. Comparing different schools can help you make a well-informed choice. In this article, we will compare two reputable institutions: the University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). We will examine various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes.
University of Maryland-College Park Overview
The University of Maryland-College Park is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland. Established in 1856, UMD is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. With a total enrollment of over 41,000 students, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study.
University of Maryland-College Park Costs & Tuition
Tuition at UMD varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $10,779 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $36,891. Additionally, students should factor in housing, meal plans, and other miscellaneous expenses.
University of Maryland-College Park Admissions
UMD has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 44%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1330 to 1470 and ACT scores of 29 to 33.
University of Maryland-College Park Degrees Offered
UMD offers over 200 academic programs across various fields, including engineering, business, computer science, public health, and social sciences. Students can choose from 92 undergraduate majors, 107 master’s programs, and 83 doctoral programs.
University of Maryland-College Park Academics
The University of Maryland is known for its strong research emphasis and collaboration with government agencies, such as NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Homeland Security. It is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Students at UMD can expect a challenging academic environment and opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.
University of Maryland-College Park Diversity
UMD is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The university has various initiatives in place to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy office. Approximately 46% of the student population identify as a racial or ethnic minority.
University of Maryland-College Park Students
UMD has a vibrant student life, with over 800 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and Greek life. The campus also offers various recreational facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and outdoor adventure programs.
University of Maryland-College Park Campus
The 1,335-acre UMD campus offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, providing students with access to both the cultural and recreational opportunities of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and the peaceful atmosphere of College Park. The campus is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for students to explore the region.
University of Maryland-College Park Alumni
UMD has a strong alumni network, with over 388,000 living alumni across various fields. Notable UMD alumni include Google co-founder Sergey Brin, journalist Connie Chung, and former NFL player and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
University of Maryland-College Park Rankings
UMD consistently ranks highly among national universities. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it is ranked #58 among National Universities and #20 among Public Schools.
University of Maryland-College Park Outcomes
Graduates of UMD enjoy strong outcomes, with a six-year graduation rate of 86% and an average starting salary of around $55,000 for recent graduates. The university is also known for its strong research output and contributions to the region’s economic development.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Overview
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a public research university located in Birmingham, Alabama. Established in 1969, UAB is one of the three institutions within the University of Alabama System. With a total enrollment of over 22,000 students, the university offers various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple fields of study.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Costs & Tuition
Tuition at UAB varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay approximately $8,568 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $20,400. Additionally, students should factor in housing, meal plans, and other miscellaneous expenses.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Admissions
UAB has a more accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 74%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1060 to 1280 and ACT scores of 22 to 29.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Degrees Offered
UAB offers more than 120 academic programs across various fields, including health sciences, engineering, business, and liberal arts. Students can choose from 51 undergraduate majors, 56 master’s programs, and over 40 doctoral programs.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Academics
UAB is particularly known for its strong health sciences programs, including medicine, nursing, and public health. The university also has strong research partnerships with the nearby UAB Health System and the Birmingham VA Medical Center. Students at UAB can expect a supportive academic environment and opportunities to engage in impactful research.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Diversity
UAB is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The university has various initiatives in place to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Multicultural Center. Approximately 43% of the student population identify as a racial or ethnic minority.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Students
UAB offers a wide range of student life opportunities, with over 250 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and Greek life. The campus also provides recreational facilities, such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and outdoor adventure programs.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Campus
The 275-acre UAB campus is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, providing students with access to the cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities of Alabama’s largest city. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art research labs and academic buildings.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Alumni
UAB boasts a strong alumni network, with over 150,000 living alumni across various fields. Notable UAB alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook, former U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, and NBA player Robert Horry.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Rankings
UAB consistently ranks highly among national universities. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it is ranked #153 among National Universities and #78 among Public Schools.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Outcomes
Graduates of UAB enjoy strong outcomes, with a six-year graduation rate of 63% and an average starting salary of around $48,000 for recent graduates. The university is also known for its strong research output and contributions to the region’s economic development.
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Alabama at Birmingham Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UMD and UAB, it’s essential to consider both tuition and other expenses, such as housing and meal plans. In-state students at UMD can expect to pay around $10,779 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $36,891.
In comparison, in-state students at UAB pay around $8,568 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay around $20,400. Based on tuition alone, UAB is generally more affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students. However, students should also consider factors such as financial aid, scholarships, and cost of living when comparing the overall cost of attendance between the two universities.
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Alabama at Birmingham Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at UMD are more competitive than at UAB, with an acceptance rate of 44% compared to UAB’s 74%. UMD’s admitted students also tend to have higher SAT and ACT scores than those admitted to UAB. Students seeking a more accessible admissions process and less competitive applicant pool may find UAB to be a better fit.
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic Difficulty
Both UMD and UAB offer rigorous academic programs and opportunities for research. However, UMD has a stronger overall reputation, particularly in fields such as engineering, computer science, and public health. UAB is well-regarded for its health sciences programs, including medicine, nursing, and public health. Students seeking a challenging academic environment should carefully consider their desired field of study and each university’s strengths when making their decision.
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Alabama at Birmingham Outcome Comparison
UMD and UAB both boast strong outcomes for their graduates. UMD has a slightly higher six-year graduation rate at 86%, compared to 63% at UAB. Additionally, recent graduates from UMD enjoy a higher average starting salary of around $55,000, compared to $48,000 for UAB graduates. Students should consider their desired career paths and the potential return on investment when comparing the outcomes of these two universities.
