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