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NYU vs University of Maryland

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

12.2% NYU acceptance
44.0% Maryland acceptance
$109,504 Maryland cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Maryland saves $20,132
NYU
$60,438
Maryland
$40,306
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
NYU
12.2%
Maryland
44.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
NYU
87%
Maryland
88%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
NYU
1480
Maryland
1410
Starting Salary NYU higher
NYU
$74,100
Maryland
$70,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU Maryland Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$40,306Maryland
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$11,505Maryland
Room & Board$21,578$14,334Maryland
Acceptance Rate12.2%44.0%NYU
Graduation Rate87%88%Maryland
Average SAT14801410NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio8:118:1NYU
Enrollment59,14441,200-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$14,200NYU
Starting Salary$74,100$70,900NYU
Endowment$6.2B$2.3BNYU
Campus Size230 acres1,335 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | Maryland = $161,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
MarylandSuburban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
Maryland1,335 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
MarylandNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
MarylandNortheast
Founded
NYU1831
Maryland1856
Enrollment
NYU59,144
Maryland41,200

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or Maryland harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or Maryland?+
At sticker price, Maryland costs less over 4 years ($218,560 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while Maryland offers $14,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and Maryland?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 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 NYU or Maryland graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 vs $70,900). 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 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 NYU and Maryland compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. Maryland is in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with 1,335 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Maryland in NCAA D1.