Georgia vs Maryland (umbc) — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Georgia is the more selective of the two (37.7% vs 72.4% acceptance). Georgia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#401-500 vs #601-700). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($69K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $31,688 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 Georgia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Maryland (umbc) for: higher graduate earnings, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Georgia is more selective (37.7% vs 72.4% acceptance); Georgia has a higher median SAT (1397 vs 1323).
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $69K); Georgia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (89.7% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $31,688); Georgia offers a larger average aid package ($15,348 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Georgia | Maryland (umbc) |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #401-500 | #601-700 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 37.7% | 72.4% |
| Yield rate | 38.3% | 21.6% |
| Median SAT | 1397 | 1323 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 4.10 |
| Number of applications | 42,436 | 14,325 |
| International students | 7% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $69K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $60K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $102K | $101K |
| Graduation rate | 89.7% | 70% |
| Retention rate | 94.3% | 85% |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $31,688 | $31,275 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,348 | $14,712 |
| % of need met | 73.2% | 47% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $20,890 | $22,450 |
| Application fee | $70 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 43,146 | 13,906 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Georgia or Maryland (umbc)?
It's harder to get into Georgia. Georgia accepts 37.7% of applicants, while Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4%.
Do Georgia or Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $69K at Georgia and $70K at Maryland (umbc).
How much is tuition at Georgia vs Maryland (umbc)?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,688 per year at Georgia and $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc).
What SAT score do you need for Georgia or Maryland (umbc)?
The median admitted SAT score is 1397 at Georgia and 1323 at Maryland (umbc); aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Georgia or Maryland (umbc)?
Georgia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #401-500 for Georgia vs #601-700 for Maryland (umbc).
Which university offers more financial aid — Georgia or Maryland (umbc)?
The average aid package is $15,348 at Georgia and $14,712 at Maryland (umbc).
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