Founded in 1963, University of Maryland-Baltimore County. is a Public college. Located in Maryland, which is a city setting in Maryland, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 11,142 full time undergraduate students, and 2,498 full time graduate students.
The University of Maryland-Baltimore County Academic calendar runs on a Four-one-four plan basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 535 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Maryland-Baltimore County include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
56%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
1120-1320
ACT Range
24-29
Admissions at UMBC are considered Selective, with ,57% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 14 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
85% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 52% were in the top quarter, and 25% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Maryland-Baltimore County.
3%
“We”re apathetic”
38%
“We know about current events and vote”
48%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
11%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
12%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
27%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
60%
“I feel extremely safe”
18%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
61%
“We bought the gear”
22%
“We live for the big game”
6%
“It”s not really our thing”
16%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
64%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
13%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
8%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
26%
“They”re always available”
11%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
45%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
43%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
2%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
45%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
42%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
17%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
63%
“There might be people who do”
16%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
38%
“We know about current events and vote”
48%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
11%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
12%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
27%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
60%
“I feel extremely safe”
18%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
61%
“We bought the gear”
22%
“We live for the big game”
6%
“It”s not really our thing”
16%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
64%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
13%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
8%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
26%
“They”re always available”
11%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
45%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
43%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
2%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
182 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
126 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
197 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 12 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
204 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
204 Students rated class size 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
203 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
204 Students rated local services 3.6 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
203 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of Maryland-Baltimore County?
83 Students rated University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Emily - 06/28/2024
I have been on campus a few times, but I have yet to take classes. I am a transfer student so the most that I had seen from the school was during our transfer orientation. But from what I can see from the people that I have met during that session, is that everyone is passionate for what they want to do or pursue.
Joshua - 10/18/2022
This school is very academically focused and the fast pace of classes can be challenging. However, many courses have tutoring resources or TAs that would aid in the understanding of specific topics. The food options are plentiful but the quality of the food ranges depending on where you get it from. The school is known to be empty so you should join organizations available on campus for a social life.
Tamara - 05/11/2022
A lot of people say it's boring but it's really what you make it. If you compare it to the schools around it doesn't seem like much because we're so small but there's a really good culture here. The teachers are really good and actually care about what they're teaching and while the students are generally introverted they're very welcoming.
Joshua - 05/06/2022
My opinion of UMBC is t at it is a nice school filled with professors, administrators, faculty, students, and events. It also shows that UMBC has done a good job of having a good campus, a good dormitory, good roommates, and good food. It even shows that it has nice classes that I like to take.
Kyler - 08/04/2020
The school is really good! I feel like I've learned a lot, and I feel as if there are many opportunities to engage with other students and other interests unrelated to our majors. The food at the dining hall is okay, so I usually go to the Commons or the University Center to eat. Most of the res halls are good, but Susquehanna could use some work. So could some wings of Patapsco.
Simran - 07/30/2020
I think when I first decided to go to University of Maryland-Baltimore County I had very high expectations as one does when they start a new school but I was quite disappointed because it didn't seem to be worth the money that I was paying for. Not only was there no college atmosphere but the classes were too rigorous for UMBC being an okay school.
Nicole Marie - 05/29/2020
Having just finished my first year, I'm quite satisfied with the university. It's not too heavy on the party scene, so academics are still prioritized. I'm getting a good education with a wide range of organizations, fraternities/sororities, clubs, sports, and other extracurriculars that all are welcome to.
Randy - 05/18/2020
Feels almost like a community college, plenty to do but you have to want to do it.
Kaitlyn - 04/01/2020
I think the University of Maryland-Baltimore County is a great campus where students are not only focused on their academics, but have the opportunity to be involved in recreational activities, sororities/fraternities, clubs, interships and many more.
Chelece - 03/17/2020
University of Maryland, Baltimore County(UMBC) is a pretty great institution. It is so diverse and the community is filled with only the nicest and greatest students. The teachers, staff, and faculty are very nice and are genuinely concerned for the success of their students. They provide the best resources for the students. UMBC is an Honors University, so the students are so intelligent and has the potential to make differences in the world. This is seen as students run the 200 plus clubs and organizations for everyone to take part in. There is literally something for every single person. The community is big, but feels so small. It has a homey feel and you feel like you belong. UMBC is the best.
Keisy - 01/23/2020
Overall, I really like the University because they are always active. They always keep students involve as much as they can. Students are always aware of what is happening around them. The professors are always available and everyone there is really friendly.
R - 01/21/2020
It's a great place to get an education.
Elle - 12/15/2019
I transferred to UMBC from a top tier elite liberal arts college due to a medical emergency. I was looking for an inclusive campus with a reputation for diversity and academics. I found what I was looking for at UMBC. I was immediately drawn into the welcoming campus atmosphere. I thought that I could start fresh there and really be my best person at UMBC. I worked one-on-one with my German and linguistics professor, who later became my lifelong friend. I met bright and motivated students who also went on to be lifelong friends. I immediately joined a living learning community which allowed me to immerse myself in the German language 24/7. The floor shared rooms with other communities - this is a great option if you are interested in an intellectual and fun environment. The people you meet at UMBC tend to study the sciences, and were stunned when I told them I took German. It didn't matter. You will find your niche while you are here. It is true that the campus empties out over the weekends but just make friends with the people who remain in the residences. I went to D.C., Baltimore, and the surrounding area on numerous occasions with friends who had cars. I suffered with Bipolar and found great medical support on campus. It was a life-changer. It comes as no surprise that I went on to get accepted to prestigious programs after graduation. The Shriver Center even connected me with the best internship. What used to be known as a little - known college in Maryland now has international attention as Gates Cambridge and even Rhodes Scholar recipients are being recognized. UMBC is its own university and needs no comparison to College Park. I originally went here for the academics, value, and diversity, and graduated with so much more!
Madison - 11/24/2019
I believe that this will be my final stop after community college. Everyone was amicable! It feels like a home away from home!
Cheryl - 09/20/2019
I'm a non-conventional student. So I'm not looking at the dating scene. I've been to a lot of other schools over a very long time. This school has a lot of programs (though not in psychology). The professors are generally lazy and easy. Some departments are troubled, others seem to run smoothly. I've not run into many good professors. Some are friendly and a pleasure to be in their class. But learning is not something the school focuses on. Show up, you're pretty much guaranteed a 3.0. Do ANY work and you'll probably maintain a 3.5 (some professors might try to grade you honestly, but its one in 20 or so). They're rated on how well you do, so there's not a lot of attention paid to actual learning. Just grading (some schools are a bit tougher). There are a good percentage of professors that have no right being on podium. Ask anyone about Slowakowski or Sonnendschein. They're just horrible, and you're guaranteed to have about one of those type per semester. My friends and I struggled to list 3 professors we'd take again.
I don't know if there's anything better in higher education right now, but this is really not a stand out. Oh- good example of how they coddle the students. The school only allows papers in "writing intensive classes". Even then, a paper is 10-12 pages max. Students leave this school functionally illiterate. Go ahead, look into their "writing intensive" program. Its ludicrous. The current president is also a bit of an idealistic loony. I've taken the opportunity to meet with him on a couple occasions. His head is in the clouds. Maybe a bit of cognitive decline. He's very suggestible. Always gunning for dollars from any buzz word or fad.
It seems that the biology program is pretty good. But its all up to you. Upside down classroom (flipped classroom) one of the president's ideas. Let the students teach themselves. We'll just collect the money! Great idea for a bunch of lazy professors.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Maryland-Baltimore County is 56%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would tell myself three things:
1) Perspective: Take a minute every now and then to truly appreciate where you are now, because in as little as a year or two, your opinions, politics, and views will change. Things you could never imagine enjoying or supporting will become passions. However, you have so much to offer right now as a person, you should not be afraid to express yourself and grow.
2) Honesty: Be honest with yourself as much as with others. Not only should you speak truthfully, but know who you are and never pretend to be someone else. Acting and behaving how you think others would like you to only sets you up for failure.
3) Strengths/Weaknesses: Support your strengths, but, more importantly, know and ameliorate your weaknesses. If you only put yourself out there when you can apply your strengths, you become only situationally reliable. Allow yourself to fail and learn so that in the future you will be able to help others grow as well.
If I could talk to myself in high school, that is what I would advise myself. Unfortunately, the high school version of me would be too stubborn to listen.
My classmates are very competitive, but not at a cut throat level. Most of my classmates are outgoing, and everyone is extremely motivated and intelligent.
Academics at UMBC are held to a high standard. Professors are generally
very interested in their field of study and interested in sharing what
they know with their students. Many freshman courses are held in large
lecture hall students which afford students little face-to-face time with
their professors but as students declare majors and join departments it
becomes much easier to gain a personal knowledge with their professors.
Education at UMBC is very much geared towards job placement. There is an office on campus called the Shriver Center that schedules job fairs and brings employers to the campus to conduct interviews. They also manage a database of employers with internship or entry-level job opportunities.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
UMBC has a great science and math departments. One of the reasons I chose UMBC was for its strong engineering program. Though other universities like College Park have great science and math departments, UMBC is smaller and more close knit. Smaller classes give students the opportunity to really connect with professors. I also like the fact that we're a very green and eco-conscious school.
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
Stereotypes:
1) a lot of minority students, especially Asian & African/African American students
2) UMBC Students are geeky: better in the classroom than on the courts/fields
3) UMBC Students are ugly
4) UMBC Students are smart and high-performing academically high-performing
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
I would say that the "worst" think about my school is the level of competitiveness. From talking to my hallmates in the Honors College, I've heard that most of them received a 4.0 GPA this first semester. Even if you do perfectly in a given semester, which is very hard to do with the rigor of the classes at UMBC, there are many others who have also done perfectly.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
Most of UMBC's students are pursuing majors in biology, biochemistry, mechanical engineering and computer science which are truly demanding. Sucess in any college requires dedication to school work so it shouldn't be surprising that the most committed students don't have much time for the Animal House college experience. However, there are always parties to be found on campus so its usually just a matter of knowing the right people.
Although UMBC academics are most often represented by the school's engineering and science programs, the fine arts and music departments also offer fine programs and knowledgable professional faculty.
UMBC is truly a very diverse school. I'm constantly amazed by the variety of ethnicities and backgrounds students come from.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
When a school assigns credit hours to a class, they stand for hours of hard work taken out of your time. I wish I had known that I need to go back to my room after classes and re-read my notes and practice extra work in order to completely grasp the concepts my professors taught that day. By adjusting and realizing this fact, I'm beginning to put the credit hours to good use and really make the most out of my time. Quality is truly better than quantity when it comes to the time I devote to classes.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
I always describe UMBC as the place where all the smartest students in the class go. To keep up with everyone you definitely have to be driven academically. This is not a school for wild a crazy experiences, parties and distractions. You will find people like you and build many relationships that will help you in the future.
Students seeking diversity (the school is one of the most diverse in the country) and the best bang-for-your-buck are suited for UMBC. Half of the student body lives off campus, but with so many commons areas, clubs, and activities, there is never a shortage of ways to meet others and gain wisdom and growth. There is a new arts center and everything is centrally located in a small area.
The main reason I chose UMBC was because they offered me a very nice financial package. I also like the diversity of the campus, something that I did not experience in high school. There are also a ton of resources to help students prepare for their careers and further education. Plus it's close to home.
Where is the best place to get work done on campus?
Although there are plenty of places to get work done and (likely) not get distracted (common lounges, hidden booths in the commons, vacant lecture halls, tables/booths in walkways inside almost every academic building), the best place is by far the library. The library offers places for whatever type of work you have to do as well as every type of personality. Different floors offer different noise levels (from general talking to absolute silence) as well as rooms for study groups and plenty of computers. They recently opened up a 24 hour area which have been freshly renovated and retrofitted. Giant white boards, personal tvs and a fantastic environment helped me cram for the first time, learning all that I needed for my Linear Algebra final in 5 hours the night before the exam.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
73% of students attending University of Maryland-Baltimore County receive some sort of financial aid.
23% were awarded federal grants.40%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.