Maryland (umbc) vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Maryland (umbc) is the more selective of the two (72.4% vs 94.2% acceptance). Maryland (umbc) ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #801-900). Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 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: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Maryland (umbc) is more selective (72.4% vs 94.2% acceptance); Maryland (umbc) has a higher median SAT (1323 vs 985).
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($70K vs $50K); Maryland (umbc) has a higher 6-year graduation rate (70% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $31,275); Maryland (umbc) offers a larger average aid package ($14,712 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (umbc) | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 72.4% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.10 | — |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 12,137 |
| International students | 17% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $60K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $31,275 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 47% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | $75 | — |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (umbc) or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Maryland (umbc). Maryland (umbc) accepts 72.4% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Maryland (umbc) or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Maryland (umbc) graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $70K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (umbc) vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $31,275 per year at Maryland (umbc) and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (umbc) or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (umbc) and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Maryland (umbc) or Texas rio grande valley?
Maryland (umbc) ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (umbc) vs #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley.
Which university offers more financial aid — Maryland (umbc) or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (umbc) and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
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