Southern California vs Maryland (UMBC) - 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 Southern California turns away the overwhelming majority (9.8%).
The more international environment is at Southern California (13.2% international students) than Maryland (UMBC) (4.8%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Southern California awards international students $25,384 on average, Maryland (UMBC) awards $13,080.
The one that looks dearer ends up cheaper: Southern California lists $89,087 against $54,581 (Maryland (UMBC)), but after average aid what remains is $17,918 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
Southern California is the more selective of the two (9.81% vs 72.43% acceptance). Southern California ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #601-700). Southern California graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $70K). Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $68,687 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 Southern California for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Maryland (UMBC) for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern California is more selective (9.81% vs 72.43% acceptance); Southern California has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1323).
Southern California graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $70K); Southern California has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 70%).
Maryland (UMBC) has lower sticker-price tuition ($32,735 vs $68,687); Southern California offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $14,712).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern California | Maryland (UMBC) |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #601-700 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 9.81% | 72.43% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 21.6% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1323 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 4.13 |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 14,325 |
| International students | 13.2% | 4.8% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $70K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $45K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $101K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 70% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 85% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $19,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,687 | $32,735 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $14,712 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 47% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $22,450 |
| Application fee | $85 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 13,906 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern California or Maryland (UMBC)?
It's harder to get into Southern California. Southern California accepts 9.81% of applicants, while Maryland (UMBC) accepts 72.43%.
Do Southern California or Maryland (UMBC) graduates earn more?
Southern California graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $70K.
How much is tuition at Southern California vs Maryland (UMBC)?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,687 per year at Southern California and $32,735 per year at Maryland (UMBC).
What SAT score do you need for Southern California or Maryland (UMBC)?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern California and 1323 at Maryland (UMBC); aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Southern California or Maryland (UMBC)?
Southern California ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern California vs #601-700 for Maryland (UMBC).
Which university offers more financial aid - Southern California or Maryland (UMBC)?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern California and $14,712 at Maryland (UMBC).
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