University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a major public research university located in College Park, Maryland, just minutes from Washington, D.C. Founded in 1856, it is the flagship campus of the University of Maryland System and one of the leading public universities in the United States. Ranked #=207 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (up from #218 in 2025) and #42 among US national universities (U.S. News 2026), UMD combines strong academics with exceptional access to internships, research, and careers in the US capital region.

International students choose UMD for its strengths in computer science, engineering, business, and the sciences, its relatively large and diverse campus community of nearly 41,000 students, and its proximity to federal agencies, tech employers, and policy institutions in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The campus spans about 1,335 acres, giving students a classic American college-town experience with big-city opportunities a short metro ride away.

This guide covers everything an international applicant needs to know: university of maryland rankings, university of maryland fees, admission requirements, scholarships, accommodation, and the F-1 visa process — with all figures labeled indicative unless stated as official.

University of Maryland, College Park Rankings 2026

The University of Maryland, College Park holds a solid position across the major global ranking systems, with its QS 2026 result improving year-on-year:

At the subject level, UMD is well regarded in computer science (THE CS #63 in 2026), engineering, physics and astronomy, business analytics, and the social sciences. Its location near Washington, D.C. also boosts its employer reputation score, since many graduates are recruited by federal agencies, defense contractors, consulting firms, and tech companies in the capital region.

Rankings move from year to year, so treat them as a snapshot rather than a verdict — but UMD’s trajectory in QS 2026 was upward, and its US national standing remains strong.

Popular Programs at University of Maryland, College Park

UMD offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and over 120 graduate programs across its colleges, including the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. Below are popular choices among international students (all indicative program details; durations are standard full-time):

Popular Undergraduate Programs

Popular Graduate Programs

Most UMD master’s programs in engineering, computer science, and business are STEM-designated, which matters because it can extend your post-study work authorization to 36 months under STEM OPT.

University of Maryland, College Park Admission Requirements 2026

UMD reviews international applications holistically — grades, course rigor, test scores (optional in recent cycles for many programs), essays, and extracurriculars all count. The overall acceptance rate is around 44–45% (indicative), with computer science, engineering, and business noticeably more competitive.

Undergraduate Requirements

• Academics: A strong secondary record. For Indian applicants, collegedunia guidance suggests Class XII at 75% or higher in college-preparatory subjects; competitive admits typically present much higher. US applicants commonly show a weighted GPA around 4.4 (about 3.9 unweighted) in a rigorous curriculum with AP/IB/honors work (indicative).
• India (CBSE/ISC): Aim for 85%+ in relevant subjects for competitive majors like CS and engineering; 75%+ is a general floor per third-party guidance. State-board applicants should target higher percentages.
• Bangladesh (HSC): A GPA of 5.00 (or near) with strong marks in mathematics and science subjects for STEM majors; students with lower GPAs may consider foundation or pathway routes before applying.
• IB: Typically 36+ points with higher-level strength in relevant subjects for competitive programs (indicative).
• A-Levels: Typically AAA–AAB for competitive programs (indicative).
• SAT/ACT: UMD has been test-optional in recent cycles (“waived until further notice” on program pages); students who submit typically fall in the 1360–1520 SAT / 30–34 ACT band (indicative, shiksha/larrylearns).
• Documents: Common Application or ApplyWeb, application fee (around $75–80, indicative), official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, essays, and activities list.

Graduate Requirements

• Academics: A four-year bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (about 75% for Indian degrees, per collegedunia guidance).
• GRE/GMAT: Program-dependent; many engineering and CS programs have moved test-optional or test-blind in recent cycles — check the specific department page.
• English: Graduate School minimums around TOEFL iBT 96 / IELTS 7.0 / PTE 68 (indicative); some programs set higher bars.
• SOP/LORs: Statement of purpose, 2–3 recommendation letters, CV/resume; portfolios for design/architecture programs.

English Language Requirements

International applicants whose prior education was not in English must show proficiency. Minimums vary by level and program (indicative; always confirm on the official admissions page):

Some undergraduate programs and departments publish higher component minimums. Graduate applicants should note that TOEFL scores are typically sent to the UMD institutional code, and IELTS/PTE results follow the Graduate School’s electronic instructions.

University of Maryland, College Park Tuition Fees for International Students (2026)

Tuition figures below are indicative and based on third-party reporting (collegedunia, shiksha, yocket) and official cost-of-attendance pages. Confirm exact figures on UMD’s official bursar pages before budgeting, as fees rise most years.

Undergraduate (international, per year, indicative)

Graduate (per year, indicative)

Note: some business programs carry premium tuition. Graduate assistantships (teaching/research) can significantly reduce costs — see the scholarships section.

Cost of Living in College Park (2026)

College Park sits in the Washington, D.C. metro area, so living costs are higher than in many US college towns — but on-campus housing and the university’s dining plans keep first-year costs predictable. A typical monthly budget for an international student (indicative, 2026):

Money-saving tips

• Live on campus in year one: Housing is guaranteed for freshmen and bundles utilities and internet.
• Use the UMD shuttle and Metro student discounts instead of owning a car — parking near campus is expensive.
• Cook some meals: Off-campus students in shared apartments can cut food costs substantially.
• Part-time work: F-1 students may work up to 20 hours/week on campus during term; campus jobs (library, dining, research labs) are the usual starting point.
• Buy used textbooks or use library reserves; budget about $1,250/year (indicative).

University of Maryland, College Park Scholarships for International Students

UMD’s most famous merit award is the Banneker/Key Scholarship — a full-tuition (and in some tiers, full-ride) award for exceptional freshmen. It is extremely competitive and open to all admitted freshmen who apply by the Early Action deadline, but international students should note that the number of awards is limited and competition is intense.

Undergraduate

• Banneker/Key Scholarship: Full tuition for four years (some tiers cover more); automatic consideration for Early Action applicants with outstanding records — no separate application (indicative).
• Departmental and college scholarships: Engineering, business, and CMNS award merit scholarships to continuing students based on GPA.
• Limited need-based aid for internationals: Like most US public universities, UMD offers very limited need-based aid to international undergraduates — plan to be largely self-funded or merit-funded.

Graduate

• Teaching and research assistantships: The main funding route for international master’s and PhD students — typically cover tuition (partially or fully) plus a stipend. Contact departments early.
• Departmental fellowships: Awarded on admission to top applicants in many engineering and science programs.
• External scholarships: Fulbright, home-country government scholarships, and private foundations remain important for international graduate students.

How to maximize your chances

• Apply Early Action (Nov 1) — it is the gateway to merit scholarship consideration.
• For graduate funding, email faculty whose research matches your interests before applying; assistantships are often arranged at the department level.
• Keep your GPA high after enrollment — many continuing-student awards require a 3.0–3.5+ GPA.

Campus and Facilities

UMD’s 1,335-acre campus in College Park is one of the largest in the US university system, blending Georgian-style brick buildings with modern research facilities. Key highlights:

• McKeldin Library — the main library, open long hours with extensive study space; seven libraries across campus in total.
• A. James Clark Hall and engineering complex — bioengineering and robotics labs.
• Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering — home to the CS department, opened in 2019.
• Robert H. Smith School of Business (Van Munching Hall) — trading lab and entrepreneurship centers.
• Xfinity Center and SECU Stadium — Big Ten athletics; Maryland Terrapins compete in the Big Ten Conference.
• The Clarice and Stamp Student Union — performing arts venue and the student-life hub with dining, offices, and event space.
• Research facilities: UMD operates major research centers in cybersecurity, quantum computing (with NIST partnerships), and aerospace; the campus hosts a university research park with startup incubators.

The campus is about 30–40 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. by Metro, giving students access to internships at federal agencies, NGOs, think tanks, and the many tech and consulting firms clustered around the capital.

Accommodation Options

UMD guarantees housing for incoming freshmen, and most first-year international students live on campus — the simplest option for your first year.

Tips

• Apply for housing early — room selection is first-come, first-served after the deposit.
• Dining plans: Freshmen in traditional halls typically take a dining plan (~$5,000–$6,000/year, indicative); apartment-style residents often cook.
• Off-campus: Popular areas include College Park, Hyattsville, and Greenbelt. Sign leases 3–4 months ahead; never wire money for a listing you have not verified.
• Graduate students: Graduate Hills and Graduate Gardens offer university-affiliated apartments; many grad students share houses off campus.

Application Deadlines and Intakes 2026

UMD’s primary intake is Fall (August). Key 2026–27 dates (indicative — confirm on the official admissions calendar):

Early Action is non-binding and is strongly recommended — it brings priority consideration for admission, merit scholarships, the Honors College, and living-learning programs.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Choose your program and check requirements: Review the department page for prerequisites, English minimums, and portfolio/test requirements.
2. Prepare documents: Transcripts (with certified English translations if needed), test scores sent officially, passport copy.
3. Write your essays: UMD’s application includes personal essays — be specific about why Maryland and your intended major.
4. Secure recommendations: Ask teachers/counselors at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline.
5. Submit the application: Common App or ApplyWeb for freshmen (fee ~$75–80); Graduate School portal for master’s/PhD (fee ~$75–90, indicative).
6. Apply by Early Action (Nov 1) for the best shot at merit aid and Honors College.
7. Track your checklist: Use the applicant portal to confirm receipt of transcripts and scores.
8. Accept and get your I-20: After admission, submit financial documents so the international office can issue your I-20 for the F-1 visa.

USA Student Visa — Key Points

International students at University of Maryland, College Park study on the F-1 student visa. The process typically works like this: after you accept your admission offer, the university issues an I-20 form, which certifies that you have been admitted and shows the estimated full cost of attendance for one academic year. You must demonstrate that you can fund this full amount — through personal or family funds, scholarships, or a combination — before the I-20 is issued.

Key F-1 facts for 2026 (indicative — always confirm with the official US embassy/consulate guidance and the university’s international office):

• SEVIS fee: You pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (about $350 for F-1 students) before your visa interview.
• Visa interview: Attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate, bringing your I-20, passport, admission letter, financial documents, and SEVIS fee receipt.
• On-campus work: F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term (full-time during official breaks), without extra authorization.
• Off-campus work: Working off campus requires authorization — typically Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships tied to your studies, or Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
• OPT: Graduates can work in the US for 12 months on OPT; graduates of STEM-designated programs may extend this by a further 24 months, for a total of 36 months of post-study work authorization.

Start your visa process as soon as your I-20 arrives — appointment wait times at some consulates can run several weeks. Keep copies of every document, and check the university’s international student office pages for school-specific I-20 timelines and orientation dates.

Research Excellence

UMD is an R1 (very high research activity) university with annual research expenditures well above $1 billion (indicative). Standout areas include:

• Quantum computing and physics: Deep partnerships with NIST and national labs; UMD is a national hub for quantum information science.
• Cybersecurity: The Maryland Cybersecurity Center and close ties to NSA and federal agencies nearby.
• Aerospace engineering: Rotorcraft, autonomous systems, and space research through the Clark School.
• Atmospheric science: Ranked around #14 globally in the ARWU subject rankings (indicative).
• Computer science and AI: The Iribe Center anchors research in machine learning, NLP, and human-computer interaction.
• Public health and social sciences: The School of Public Health is ranked #17 nationally for master’s programs (indicative, per collegedunia), and UMD’s proximity to federal health agencies creates unusual research access for students.

Undergraduates can join research early through programs like First-Year Innovation & Research Experience (FIRE) — a genuine differentiator for students building a research profile for graduate school. Graduate applicants should browse faculty lab pages and mention specific research groups in their statement of purpose; it measurably strengthens applications.

Notable Alumni

UMD’s alumni network includes founders and leaders across tech, media, science, and public life (all widely reported):

• Sergey Brin — co-founder of Google (BS Mathematics and Computer Science).
• Jim Henson — creator of the Muppets.
• Kevin Plank — founder of Under Armour.
• Connie Chung — pioneering broadcast journalist.
• Charles Fefferman — Fields Medal-winning mathematician (faculty alumnus of the broader community).

The alumni network is especially active in the Washington, D.C. area, which helps with internships and first jobs.

How University of Maryland, College Park Compares to Peer Universities

How does UMD stack up against similar US public flagships? (Ranks indicative, QS 2026.)

UMD’s biggest structural advantage over most peers is location: few public flagships sit this close to a national capital’s internship and employer ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University of Maryland, College Park QS ranking in 2026?

UMD is ranked #=207 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (official QS profile), up from #218 in 2025. It is also ranked #42 among US national universities by U.S. News 2026 and #116 by THE 2026 (indicative).

How much does it cost for an international undergraduate at UMD?

Indicative international undergraduate tuition is around $42,000–$44,500 per year (e.g., ~$42,053 for BS Computer Science per collegedunia), with total cost of attendance around $61,000–$66,000 per year including housing, food, books, and insurance. Confirm on the official bursar pages.

What GPA and SAT scores do I need for UMD?

Competitive applicants typically present a weighted GPA around 4.4 (about 3.9 unweighted) with a rigorous curriculum. SAT scores of submitting students generally fall in the 1360–1520 band (indicative). UMD has been test-optional in recent cycles. For Indian applicants, third-party guidance suggests Class XII at 75%+ as a floor, with 85%+ for competitive majors.

What are the English requirements for international students?

Typical undergraduate minimums are IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100; graduate minimums are around IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 96 / PTE 68 (indicative). Some programs set higher bars — always check the department page.

When are the application deadlines?

For freshmen: Early Action is November 1 and Regular Decision is January 20 (indicative, 2026–27 cycle). Early Action is strongly recommended because it unlocks merit scholarship and Honors College consideration. Graduate deadlines are program-specific, typically December–March.

Does UMD offer scholarships to international students?

Yes, but they are competitive. The Banneker/Key Scholarship offers full tuition to exceptional freshmen (Early Action applicants are automatically considered). Graduate students should pursue teaching/research assistantships, which are the main funding route and often cover tuition plus a stipend.

Is UMD good for computer science?

Yes — UMD’s computer science program is one of its flagship strengths, housed in the Iribe Center, with strong placement into software, AI, and cybersecurity roles and close recruiting ties to DC-area tech and federal employers.

Can international students work while studying?

On an F-1 visa you may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term time. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorization. STEM-designated programs (most UMD engineering/CS/business-analytics master’s) qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension.

Where do students live?

Freshmen are guaranteed housing and usually live on campus (~$8,500–$13,500/year, indicative). Many sophomores and graduate students move to shared apartments in College Park, Hyattsville, or Greenbelt ($800–$1,200/month per person, indicative).

How do I get from campus to Washington, D.C.?

The College Park–UMD Metro station (Green Line) connects campus to downtown D.C. in about 30–40 minutes, and UMD runs free campus shuttles. Most students do not need a car.

Final Thoughts

The University of Maryland, College Park offers international students a compelling package: a top-50 US national university with a rising QS 2026 rank (#=207), flagship programs in computer science, engineering, and business, and unmatched access to internships and careers in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Costs are significant — budget around $61,000–$66,000 per year all-in as an international undergraduate (indicative) — but Early Action applicants are automatically considered for merit awards including the prestigious Banneker/Key Scholarship, and graduate students can pursue assistantships.

If UMD is on your shortlist, apply by the November 1 Early Action deadline, prepare strong essays and recommendations, and verify every figure on the official UMD admissions and bursar pages before you commit. With the right preparation, College Park can be the launchpad for a career that spans the US capital’s tech, policy, and research ecosystems.

Sources and Verification

Figures in this article are drawn from the following sources and labeled indicative where third-party: the QS official university profile (topuniversities.com) for QS 2026 #=207 and the five-year trend; yocket.com and shiksha.com for QS/THE/US News trend data (THE 2026 #116); collegedunia.com for tuition and admission guidance (UG international tuition ~$42,053/yr; Class XII 75%+ guidance; TOEFL 96/IELTS 7.0/PTE 68 graduate minimums); the UMD Office of Admissions official pages (umd.edu) for deadline and cost-of-attendance information; leverageedu.com and larrylearns.com for acceptance-rate and SAT-band context. Rankings, fees, and deadlines change yearly — always verify current figures on the university’s official website before applying.