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