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University of Maryland vs University of Texas at Austin

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

44.0% Maryland acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$5,160 UT Austin 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
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Maryland saves $764
Maryland
$40,306
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate UT Austin more selective
Maryland
44.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
Maryland
88%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
Maryland
1410
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary Maryland higher
Maryland
$70,900
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Maryland UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,306$41,070Maryland
Tuition (In-State)$11,505$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$14,334$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate44.0%29.0%UT Austin
Graduation Rate88%87%Maryland
Average SAT14101370Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio18:117:1UT Austin
Enrollment41,20052,384-
Avg Financial Aid$14,200$14,990UT Austin
Starting Salary$70,900$68,500Maryland
Endowment$2.3B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size1,335 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Maryland = $161,760 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MarylandSuburban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Maryland1,335 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
MarylandNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
MarylandNortheast
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Maryland1856
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Maryland41,200
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maryland or UT Austin harder to get into?+
UT Austin is more selective with an acceptance rate of 29.0% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Maryland or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UT Austin costs less over 4 years ($213,400 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Maryland offers an average of $14,200/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Maryland and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Maryland is 1410 and at UT Austin 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 vs $68,500). 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Maryland and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with a 1,335-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Maryland competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.