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