Maryland (umbc) vs Houston — 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 (#601-700 vs #201-300). 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 Maryland (umbc) for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher retention, lower tuition.
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 | Maryland (umbc) | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 73.9% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | 3.50 |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 31,716 |
| International students | 17% | 16% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $93K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 64.6% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 87% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $18,194 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $22,547 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $16,450 |
| % of need met | 47% | 55.1% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $21,819 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 47,980 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Houston?
It's harder to get into Maryland (umbc). Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Houston accepts 73.9%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Houston graduates earn more?
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Houston?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $22,547 per year at Houston.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Houston?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1250 at Houston; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Houston?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #201-300 for Houston.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Houston?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $16,450 at Houston.
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