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University of Maryland vs University of Minnesota

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

44.0% Maryland acceptance
75.0% UMN acceptance
$21,472 UMN cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban
UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UMN saves $3,904
Maryland
$40,306
UMN
$36,402
Acceptance Rate Maryland more selective
Maryland
44.0%
UMN
75.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
Maryland
88%
UMN
83%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
Maryland
1410
UMN
1370
Starting Salary Maryland higher
Maryland
$70,900
UMN
$64,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Maryland UMN Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,306$36,402UMN
Tuition (In-State)$11,505$15,588Maryland
Room & Board$14,334$12,870UMN
Acceptance Rate44.0%75.0%Maryland
Graduation Rate88%83%Maryland
Average SAT14101370Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio18:117:1UMN
Enrollment41,20054,890-
Avg Financial Aid$14,200$15,100UMN
Starting Salary$70,900$64,800Maryland
Endowment$2.3B$4.4BUMN
Campus Size1,335 acres1,204 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Maryland = $161,760 | UMN = $136,688. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MarylandSuburban
UMNUrban
Campus Size
Maryland1,335 ac
UMN1,204 ac
Athletics
MarylandNCAA D1
UMNNCAA D1
Region
MarylandNortheast
UMNMidwest
Founded
Maryland1856
UMN1851
Enrollment
Maryland41,200
UMN54,890

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maryland or UMN harder to get into?+
Maryland is more selective with an acceptance rate of 44.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Maryland or UMN?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Maryland offers an average of $14,200/year in aid while UMN offers $15,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Maryland and UMN?+
The average SAT score at Maryland is 1410 and at UMN it is 1370. 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 Maryland or UMN graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 vs $64,800). 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?+
Maryland has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UMN has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Maryland and UMN compare for campus life?+
Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with a 1,335-acre campus. UMN is in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with 1,204 acres. Maryland competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UMN in NCAA D1.