See what Students are Posting about University of Maryland, College Park

Peer Comparisons

UMD is compared to Virginia Tech, Penn State, Michigan State, and other large publics. Students evaluate academic fit, engineering program rankings, social life, and cost when making choices.

Some see UMD as a better balance of academics, location, and affordability compared to higher-cost private schools with marginal prestige differences.

Waitlist Management

Students navigating waitlists at peer schools sometimes hold onto UMD as a strong confirmed option. Conversations reflect strategies for weighing UMD acceptances against uncertain waitlist possibilities at Michigan, Georgia Tech, or higher-cost privates.

Prestige and Reputation

UMD is described as highly respected within tech and engineering circles, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. While it may not have the same immediate national prestige as Michigan or Berkeley, students see its reputation as strong for employers and graduate admissions.

Discussions emphasize that UMD's academic quality is widely recognized even if its overall name brand is slightly less elite.

CS and Engineering

UMD's computer science, engineering, and physics programs are frequently praised. Students aiming for tech, research, or graduate school pathways view UMD as offering strong academic rigor and respected programs at a reasonable price.

Direct comparisons to top engineering schools like Michigan and Georgia Tech surface, with students recognizing UMD as slightly less prestigious but still delivering strong outcomes.

Aid and Scholarships

Regents Scholarships and other merit aid opportunities are frequently discussed. Students awarded strong financial packages often cite UMD as offering better value compared to higher-prestige but higher-cost alternatives.

Aid packages sometimes tilt final decisions when students weigh financial fit as heavily as academic factors.

Campus Environment

Students describe UMD as a typical large public university experience, offering a wide range of activities, clubs, and sports, but also requiring more personal initiative to find tight-knit communities.

The College Park location is seen as convenient for accessing DC internships but also occasionally critiqued for safety and limited entertainment options near campus.

In-State Value

For Maryland residents, the affordability advantage is significant. Students often cite UMD as a smart financial choice when comparing total costs to out-of-state public or private universities.

Some students with high out-of-pocket costs at other schools ultimately choose UMD to avoid excessive student loan debt without sacrificing educational quality.

Career Outcomes

Strong career placement, particularly in tech, consulting, and government sectors, is mentioned often. Students highlight internship pipelines into companies in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Some students planning to stay in the Mid-Atlantic region see UMD's alumni network and employer relationships as key advantages.