Maryland (umbc) vs Iowa state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Maryland (umbc) is the more selective of the two (72.4% vs 88.7% acceptance). Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #501-600). Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $63K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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, lower graduate debt.
Choose Iowa state for: a higher world ranking, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Maryland (umbc) is more selective (72.4% vs 88.7% acceptance); Maryland (umbc) has a higher median SAT (1323 vs 1204).
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $63K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 70%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $31,275); Iowa state offers a larger average aid package ($15,665 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Iowa state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 88.7% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 28.8% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1204 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 23,095 |
| International students | 17% | 8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $63K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $56K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $90K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 75.3% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 87.6% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $22,869 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $28,881 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $15,665 |
| % of need met | 47% | 78% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $29,475 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 30,432 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Iowa state?
It's harder to get into Maryland (umbc). Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Iowa state accepts 88.7%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Iowa state graduates earn more?
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $63K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Iowa state?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $28,881 per year at Iowa state.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Iowa state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1204 at Iowa state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Iowa state?
Iowa state ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #501-600 for Iowa state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Iowa state?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $15,665 at Iowa state.
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