Kansas 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 93.5% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #601-700). Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 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 Kansas 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 93.5% acceptance); Maryland (umbc) has a higher median SAT (1323 vs 1190).
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 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $31,275); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Kansas | Maryland (umbc) |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #601-700 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% | 72.4% |
| Yield rate | 25.5% | 21.6% |
| Median SAT | 1190 | 1323 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 4.10 |
| Number of applications | 22,363 | 14,325 |
| International students | 7% | 17% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $60K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $101K |
| Graduation rate | 68.8% | 70% |
| Retention rate | 86% | 85% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $30,432 | $31,275 |
| Avg. aid package | $19,700 | $14,712 |
| % of need met | 78.6% | 47% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,212 | $22,450 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 29,792 | 13,906 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Kansas or Maryland (umbc)?
It's harder to get into Maryland (umbc). Kansas accepts 93.5% of applicants, while Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4%.
Do Kansas 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 Kansas vs Maryland (umbc)?
Sticker-price tuition is $30,432 per year at Kansas and $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc).
What SAT score do you need for Kansas or Maryland (umbc)?
The median admitted SAT score is 1190 at Kansas and 1323 at Maryland (umbc); aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Kansas or Maryland (umbc)?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Kansas vs #601-700 for Maryland (umbc).
Which university offers more financial aid — Kansas or Maryland (umbc)?
The average aid package is $19,700 at Kansas and $14,712 at Maryland (umbc).
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