Emory vs Maryland (UMBC) - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
These are two different admissions games: Emory admits 10.3% of applications, Maryland (UMBC) admits 72.4%.
The more international environment is at Emory (16.7% international students) than Maryland (UMBC) (4.8%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Emory awards international students $54,457 on average, Maryland (UMBC) awards $13,080.
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Emory starts at $90,574 against $54,581 and ends at $23,245 against $39,869 (Maryland (UMBC)).
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Emory is the more selective of the two (10.29% vs 72.43% acceptance). Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#101-150 vs #601-700). Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $70K). Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $68,056 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical - the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Emory for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Maryland (UMBC) for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Emory is more selective (10.29% vs 72.43% acceptance); Emory has a higher median SAT (1510 vs 1323).
Emory graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($80K vs $70K); Emory has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.1% vs 70%).
Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $68,056); Emory offers a larger average aid package ($67,329 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Emory | Maryland (UMBC) |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #101-150 | #601-700 |
| Rank · THE | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | 10.29% | 72.43% |
| Yield rate | 40.4% | 21.6% |
| Median SAT | 1510 | 1323 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.84 | 4.13 |
| Number of applications | 34,614 | 14,325 |
| International students | 16.7% | 4.8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $80K | $70K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $58K | $45K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $120K | $101K |
| Graduation rate | 91.1% | 70% |
| Retention rate | 96% | 85% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,056 | $32,735 |
| Avg. aid package | $67,329 | $14,712 |
| % of need met | 99.9% | 47% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,562 | $22,450 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 15,179 | 13,906 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Emory or Maryland (UMBC)?
It's harder to get into Emory. Emory accepts 10.29% of applicants, while Maryland (UMBC) accepts 72.43%.
Do Emory or Maryland (UMBC) graduates earn more?
Emory graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $80K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Emory vs Maryland (UMBC)?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,056 per year at Emory and $32,735 per year at Maryland (UMBC).
What SAT score do you need for Emory or Maryland (UMBC)?
The median admitted SAT score is 1510 at Emory and 1323 at Maryland (UMBC); aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Emory or Maryland (UMBC)?
Emory ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #101-150 for Emory vs #601-700 for Maryland (UMBC).
Which university offers more financial aid - Emory or Maryland (UMBC)?
The average aid package is $67,329 at Emory and $14,712 at Maryland (UMBC).
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