Maryland (UMBC) vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Maryland (UMBC) accepts most of the applications it receives (72.4%), while Massachusetts Institute of Technology turns away the overwhelming majority (4.5%).
The larger international cohort belongs to Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 11.7% of students against 4.8% (Maryland (UMBC)).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Massachusetts Institute of Technology awards international students $77,266 on average, Maryland (UMBC) awards $13,080.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Massachusetts Institute of Technology lists $86,904 against $54,581 (Maryland (UMBC)), but after average aid what remains is $18,546 against $39,869.
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two (4.55% vs 72.43% acceptance). Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #3). Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $70K). Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $64,730 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: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Massachusetts Institute of Technology for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more selective (4.55% vs 72.43% acceptance); Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a higher median SAT (1550 vs 1323).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($143K vs $70K); Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.4% vs 70%).
Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $64,730); Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a larger average aid package ($68,358 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (UMBC) | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #3 |
| Rank · THE | - | #2 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.43% | 4.55% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 86.1% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1550 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.13 | - |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 28,232 |
| International students | 4.8% | 11.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $143K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $45K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $243K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 96.4% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 99% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $14,768 |
| Tuition · year | $32,735 | $64,730 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $68,358 |
| % of need met | 47% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $29,488 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 11,886 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (UMBC) or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
It's harder to get into Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Maryland (UMBC) accepts 72.43% of applicants, while Massachusetts Institute of Technology accepts 4.55%.
Do Maryland (UMBC) or Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $143K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (UMBC) vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,735 per year at Maryland (UMBC) and $64,730 per year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (UMBC) or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (UMBC) and 1550 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Maryland (UMBC) or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (UMBC) vs #3 for Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Which university offers more financial aid - Maryland (UMBC) or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (UMBC) and $68,358 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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