Houston vs Maryland (umbc) — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Maryland (umbc) is the more selective of the two (72.4% vs 73.9% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #601-700). Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $31,275 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 Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, lower tuition.
Choose Maryland (umbc) for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Maryland (umbc) is more selective (72.4% vs 73.9% acceptance); Maryland (umbc) has a higher median SAT (1323 vs 1250).
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K); Maryland (umbc) has a higher 6-year graduation rate (70% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $31,275); Houston offers a larger average aid package ($16,450 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Maryland (umbc) |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #601-700 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 72.4% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 21.6% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1323 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 4.10 |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 14,325 |
| International students | 16% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $60K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $101K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 70% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 85% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $31,275 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $14,712 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 47% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $22,450 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 13,906 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Maryland (umbc)?
It's harder to get into Maryland (umbc). Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4%.
Do Houston or Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more?
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Maryland (umbc)?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc).
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Maryland (umbc)?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1323 at Maryland (umbc); aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Maryland (umbc)?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #601-700 for Maryland (umbc).
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Maryland (umbc)?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $14,712 at Maryland (umbc).
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern