Maryland (UMBC) vs Washington University - 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 Washington University turns away the overwhelming majority (12.1%).
Real money goes to international students at Washington University ($68,438 on average), while Maryland (UMBC) stops at $13,080.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Washington University lists $94,289 against $54,581 (Maryland (UMBC)), but after average aid what remains is $18,685 against $39,869.
The higher median salary ten years after enrolment belongs to Washington University: $86K against $70K.
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
Washington University is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 72.43% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#601-700 vs #23). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $70K). Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $69,594 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 Washington University 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
Washington University is more selective (12.1% vs 72.43% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1323).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $70K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 70%).
Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Maryland (UMBC) | Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #601-700 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | - | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 72.43% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 21.6% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1323 | 1540 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.13 | 4.19 |
| Number of applications | 14,325 | 32,754 |
| International students | 4.8% | 9.4% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $70K | $86K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $45K | $61K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $101K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 70% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 85% | 95% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $32,735 | $69,594 |
| Avg. aid package | $14,712 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 47% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $22,450 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 13,906 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Maryland (UMBC) or Washington University?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Maryland (UMBC) accepts 72.43% of applicants, while Washington University accepts 12.1%.
Do Maryland (UMBC) or Washington University graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Maryland (UMBC) vs Washington University?
Sticker-price tuition is $32,735 per year at Maryland (UMBC) and $69,594 per year at Washington University.
What SAT score do you need for Maryland (UMBC) or Washington University?
The median admitted SAT score is 1323 at Maryland (UMBC) and 1540 at Washington University; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Maryland (UMBC) or Washington University?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #601-700 for Maryland (UMBC) vs #23 for Washington University.
Which university offers more financial aid - Maryland (UMBC) or Washington University?
The average aid package is $14,712 at Maryland (UMBC) and $75,604 at Washington University.
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