When deciding which college to attend, it’s important to compare crucial factors, such as the cost of tuition, admissions processes, campus life, and academic outcomes. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison between the University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN), two reputable public universities in the United States.
University of Maryland-College Park Overview
The University of Maryland-College Park is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, UMD is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity.” It offers a wide range of academic programs and has a diverse student body.
University of Maryland-College Park Costs & Tuition
UMD’s tuition costs vary for in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduates can expect to pay approximately $10,779 in tuition, whereas out-of-state students will pay approximately $36,891. Room and board, along with additional fees, can bring the total cost of attendance to around $27,000 for in-state students and $53,000 for out-of-state students.
University of Maryland-College Park Admissions
UMD is a competitive university, with an acceptance rate of 44.1%. Factors considered in the admissions process include high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, and personal statements. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1320 to 1470 and ACT scores ranging from 29 to 33.
University of Maryland-College Park Degrees Offered
UMD offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 12 colleges and schools. Some popular majors include business, management, marketing, engineering, social sciences, and biological sciences.
University of Maryland-College Park Academics
The university is renowned for its strong focus on research and innovation. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, UMD students have access to a wide range of research opportunities and resources. The university is also home to several notable research centers and institutes, such as the Joint Quantum Institute and the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center.
University of Maryland-College Park Diversity
UMD has a diverse student population, with 45% of students identifying as racial or ethnic minorities. Additionally, the university has numerous programs and initiatives aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment, including the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and the Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy program.
University of Maryland-College Park Students
The university has an enrollment of over 40,000 students, with nearly 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate students. UMD students are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, with over 800 student organizations on campus, including academic clubs, service organizations, and Greek life.
University of Maryland-College Park Campus
UMD’s campus spans over 1,300 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The university has numerous on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. In addition, there are several dining halls, cafes, and retail outlets available for students.
University of Maryland-College Park Alumni
UMD has a strong alumni network, with over 371,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Connie Chung, Jim Henson, Sergey Brin, and Gayle King.
University of Maryland-College Park Rankings
UMD ranks 58th in the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “National Universities” list. The university also ranks 22nd among public schools and 75th for “Best Value Schools.”
University of Maryland-College Park Outcomes
UMD has a strong commitment to student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 86%. The university’s Career Center offers resources and support to help students find internships and job opportunities. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for UMD graduates is $58,400.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Overview
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Founded in 1851, UMN is the oldest and largest campus within the University of Minnesota system and is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity.” The university offers a variety of academic programs and boasts a diverse student population.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, UMN’s tuition costs are approximately $15,027 for in-state undergraduate students and $33,325 for out-of-state students. Including room, board, and additional fees, the total cost of attendance is estimated to be around $28,000 for in-state students and $46,000 for out-of-state students.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Admissions
UMN has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 56.7%. Factors considered in the admissions process include high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, and personal statements. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1270 to 1480 and ACT scores ranging from 26 to 31.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Degrees Offered
UMN offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Popular majors include business, management, marketing, engineering, social sciences, and health professions.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Academics
The university has a strong focus on research and innovation, with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. UMN students have access to numerous research opportunities and resources, and the university is home to several renowned research centers and institutes, such as the Hormel Institute and the Institute for Advanced Study.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Diversity
UMN has a diverse student body, with 31% of students identifying as racial or ethnic minorities. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment through various programs and initiatives, including the Office for Equity and Diversity and the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Students
The university has an enrollment of over 50,000 students, with more than 31,000 undergraduates and over 16,000 graduate students. UMN students are involved in various extracurricular activities, with over 800 student organizations on campus, including academic clubs, service organizations, and Greek life.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus
UMN’s campus spans over 2,700 acres across two cities, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture. The university offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. There are several dining halls, cafes, and retail outlets available for students.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Alumni
UMN has a strong alumni network, with over 447,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Bob Dylan, Norman Borlaug, and Walter Mondale.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Rankings
UMN ranks 66th in the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “National Universities” list. The university also ranks 26th among public schools and 80th for “Best Value Schools.”
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Outcomes
UMN has a commitment to student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 80%. The university’s Career Services office provides resources and support to help students find internships and job opportunities. According to Payscale, the average early career salary for UMN graduates is $54,500.
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance at both universities, UMD is more affordable for in-state students, with tuition costs of $10,779 compared to UMN’s $15,027. For out-of-state students, UMN is the more affordable option, with tuition costs of $33,325 compared to UMD’s $36,891.
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have competitive admissions processes, with UMD’s acceptance rate at 44.1% and UMN’s at 56.7%. The middle 50% of SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are slightly higher at UMD, indicating that it may be slightly more difficult to gain admission to UMD compared to UMN.
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Academic Difficulty
Both universities are classified as “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity,” indicating that they offer rigorous academic programs and extensive research opportunities. The student-faculty ratios are similar, with UMD at 18:1 and UMN at 17:1, indicating comparable access to faculty and resources.
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Outcome Comparison
Both universities are committed to student success, with UMD having a slightly higher six-year graduation rate of 86% compared to UMN’s 80%. The average early career salary for UMD graduates is also slightly higher at $58,400 compared to UMN’s $54,500.
