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Arizona State University vs University of Maryland

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
44.0% Maryland acceptance
$37,760 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $9,106
ASU
$31,200
Maryland
$40,306
Acceptance Rate Maryland more selective
ASU
88.0%
Maryland
44.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
ASU
69%
Maryland
88%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
ASU
1230
Maryland
1410
Starting Salary Maryland higher
ASU
$60,100
Maryland
$70,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Maryland Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$40,306ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$11,505Maryland
Room & Board$14,000$14,334ASU
Acceptance Rate88.0%44.0%Maryland
Graduation Rate69%88%Maryland
Average SAT12301410Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio18:118:1Tie
Enrollment83,44641,200-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$14,200Maryland
Starting Salary$60,100$70,900Maryland
Endowment$1.5B$2.3BMaryland
Campus Size1,695 acres1,335 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Maryland = $161,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
MarylandSuburban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Maryland1,335 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
MarylandNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
MarylandNortheast
Founded
ASU1885
Maryland1856
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Maryland41,200

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Maryland harder to get into?+
Maryland is more selective with an acceptance rate of 44.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Maryland?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Maryland offers $14,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Maryland?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Maryland it is 1410. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Maryland graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Maryland has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Maryland compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Maryland is in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with 1,335 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Maryland in NCAA D1.