Maryland (UMBC) vs Penn - 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 Penn turns away the overwhelming majority (5.4%).
The share of international students differs sharply: 13.3% (Penn) against 4.8% (Maryland (UMBC)).
Average aid for an international student is $75,356 (Penn) and $13,080 (Maryland (UMBC)).
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Penn lists $92,524 against $54,581 (Maryland (UMBC)), but after average aid what remains is $21,553 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
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 72.43% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #14). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $70K). Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $71,236 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 Penn 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
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 72.43% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1323).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $70K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 70%).
Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $71,236); Penn offers a larger average aid package ($70,971 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (UMBC) | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | 72.43% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.13 | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 65,236 |
| International students | 4.8% | 13.3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $111K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $45K | $70K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $32,735 | $71,236 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 47% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (UMBC) or Penn?
It's harder to get into Penn. Maryland (UMBC) accepts 72.43% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Maryland (UMBC) or Penn graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (UMBC) vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,735 per year at Maryland (UMBC) and $71,236 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (UMBC) or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (UMBC) and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Maryland (UMBC) or Penn?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (UMBC) vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid - Maryland (UMBC) or Penn?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (UMBC) and $70,971 at Penn.
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