Maryland (umbc) vs Rhode island — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Rhode island is the more selective of the two (72.2% vs 72.4% acceptance). Maryland (umbc) ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #801-900). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($70K vs $70K). Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $37,146 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: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Rhode island for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rhode island is more selective (72.2% vs 72.4% acceptance); Maryland (umbc) has a higher median SAT (1323 vs 1160).
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $70K); Rhode island has a higher 6-year graduation rate (73.3% vs 70%).
Maryland (umbc) has lower sticker-price tuition ($31,275 vs $37,146); Rhode island offers a larger average aid package ($17,388 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Rhode island |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 72.2% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 15.4% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1160 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | 3.60 |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 26,987 |
| International students | 17% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $70K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $58K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $102K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 73.3% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 83.6% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $22,250 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $37,146 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $17,388 |
| % of need met | 47% | 60% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $40,247 |
| Application fee | $75 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 17,649 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Rhode island?
It's harder to get into Rhode island. Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Rhode island accepts 72.2%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Rhode island graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $70K at Maryland (umbc) and $70K at Rhode island.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Rhode island?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $37,146 per year at Rhode island.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Rhode island?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 1160 at Rhode island; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Rhode island?
Maryland (umbc) ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #801-900 for Rhode island.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Rhode island?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $17,388 at Rhode island.
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