Choosing the right college can be a daunting task with numerous factors to consider. To help make this decision easier, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison between two reputable institutions: University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) and Virginia Tech (VT). In this article, we will discuss various aspects of each university, including tuition costs, admissions, degree programs, academics, diversity, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. We will also compare specific factors to help you determine which school may be the best fit for your educational needs.
University of Maryland-College Park Overview
The University of Maryland-College Park, established in 1856, is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland. It is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. UMD offers more than 200 degree programs across 12 colleges and schools, with popular majors in business, engineering, and computer science. The campus spreads across 1,250 acres and is home to over 30,000 undergraduate and 10,000 graduate students.
University of Maryland-College Park Costs & Tuition
Tuition at UMD for in-state undergraduate students is approximately $10,778 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $36,890 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 49% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
University of Maryland-College Park Admissions
UMD has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 47%. Incoming students have an average SAT score between 1280 and 1460 and an average ACT score between 29 and 33. The university requires high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay for the application process.
University of Maryland-College Park Degrees Offered
UMD offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, including business, engineering, computer science, social sciences, and more. The university also offers online degree programs and professional development courses for working professionals.
University of Maryland-College Park Academics
UMD has a strong focus on research and academics, with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1 and an average class size of 25 students. The university has well-regarded programs in engineering, computer science, business, and social sciences, with many faculty members being recognized for their research and teaching excellence.
University of Maryland-College Park Diversity
With students from over 100 countries, UMD has a diverse student population. The university actively promotes diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and programs, such as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Cultural Competency Training Program.
University of Maryland-College Park Students
UMD has a vibrant student life, with over 800 student organizations, including clubs, professional organizations, and recreational sports. The campus offers various resources for students, such as academic support, career services, and mental health resources.
University of Maryland-College Park Campus
The UMD campus spans 1,250 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, sports facilities, art studios, and a performing arts center. The university also has a strong focus on sustainability, with numerous green initiatives and LEED-certified buildings.
University of Maryland-College Park Alumni
UMD has a strong alumni network, with over 340,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Emmy-winning journalist Connie Chung, and former NASA astronaut Judith Resnik.
University of Maryland-College Park Rankings
UMD consistently ranks in the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, UMD ranks #58 in National Universities and #20 in Top Public Schools.
University of Maryland-College Park Outcomes
UMD has a strong record of student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 86%. The average starting salary for UMD graduates is around $60,000 per year.
Virginia Tech Overview
Virginia Tech, founded in 1872, is a public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, architecture, and business. The university offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine colleges and a graduate school. Virginia Tech’s campus covers 2,600 acres and serves more than 29,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students.
Virginia Tech Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Virginia Tech for in-state undergraduate students is around $13,620 per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $32,835 per year. Financial aid is available, with 62% of students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Virginia Tech Admissions
Virginia Tech has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 65%. Incoming students have an average SAT score between 1180 and 1390 and an average ACT score between 25 and 31. The application process requires high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Virginia Tech Degrees Offered
Virginia Tech offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, including engineering, business, architecture, agriculture, and more. The university also has online degree programs and professional development courses for working professionals.
Virginia Tech Academics
Virginia Tech is renowned for its strong academic and research focus, with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1 and an average class size of 25 students. The university is particularly known for its programs in engineering, architecture, and business.
Virginia Tech Diversity
With students from over 100 countries, Virginia Tech has a diverse student population. The university actively promotes diversity and inclusion through various initiatives and programs, such as the Office for Inclusion and Diversity and the Intercultural Engagement Center.
Virginia Tech Students
Virginia Tech has a vibrant student life, with over 700 student organizations, including clubs, professional organizations, and recreational sports. The campus offers various resources for students, such as academic support, career services, and mental health resources.
Virginia Tech Campus
The Virginia Tech campus spans 2,600 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, sports facilities, and cultural centers. The university also focuses on sustainability, with numerous green initiatives and LEED-certified buildings.
Virginia Tech Alumni
Virginia Tech has a strong alumni network, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former NASA astronaut Charles Camarda, award-winning journalist Hoda Kotb, and former NFL player Bruce Smith.
Virginia Tech Rankings
Virginia Tech consistently ranks in the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Virginia Tech ranks #74 in National Universities and #27 in Top Public Schools.
Virginia Tech Outcomes
Virginia Tech has a strong record of student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average starting salary for Virginia Tech graduates is around $58,000 per year.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Virginia Tech Cost Comparison
While both universities are relatively affordable for in-state students, the University of Maryland-College Park has slightly lower tuition costs for in-state students at $10,778 per year compared to Virginia Tech’s in-state tuition of $13,620 per year. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $36,890 per year at UMD, while Virginia Tech’s out-of-state tuition is $32,835 per year. It’s important to consider these cost differences when choosing between schools, although both schools offer financial aid to eligible students.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Virginia Tech Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have competitive admissions processes, with the University of Maryland-College Park having a slightly lower acceptance rate of 47% compared to Virginia Tech’s acceptance rate of 65%. This suggests that gaining admission to UMD may be more challenging than gaining admission to Virginia Tech. However, the universities have similar average SAT and ACT scores for incoming students, indicating that both schools require a high level of academic achievement for admission.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Virginia Tech Academic Difficulty
Both universities have a strong focus on academics and research, with student-faculty ratios of 18:1 at UMD and 14:1 at Virginia Tech. The average class sizes at both schools are around 25 students, allowing for personalized attention from professors and a challenging academic environment. Both schools are known for their rigorous programs in engineering, computer science, and business, with many faculty members recognized for their research and teaching excellence.
University of Maryland-College Park vs Virginia Tech Outcome Comparison
Both universities have strong records of student success, with six-year graduation rates of 86% at the University of Maryland-College Park and 84% at Virginia Tech. The average starting salary for graduates from both schools is also similar, with UMD graduates earning around $60,000 per year and Virginia Tech graduates earning around $58,000 per year. These outcomes suggest that both schools provide a solid foundation for future career success.
In conclusion, both the University of Maryland-College Park and Virginia Tech offer excellent educational opportunities, strong academic programs, and positive outcomes for their students. Ultimately, the choice between the two schools will depend on individual factors such as location, tuition costs, and specific program interests.
