UMBC By The Numbers - UMBC: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County
Source: https://umbc.edu/about/facts-and-figures
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:32
UMBC By The Numbers - UMBC: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County
UMBC by the Numbers
Get To Know UMBC
Our Locations
Student Demographics
Academics
Post-Graduation Outcomes
Library
Athletics
Sponsored Research
Accreditation
We Are Retrievers
UMBC is a dynamic public research university known for innovation and inclusive excellence.
The University earned Carnegie
R1
classification
(Very High Research Activity) in 2022, placing it among the top research universities in the world.
A member of the
University System of Maryland
, UMBC advances knowledge, fosters civic engagement, and drives economic growth as an anchor institution in the Baltimore–Washington region. Students benefit from close-knit community learning and broad opportunities in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic tech corridor.
Our Locations
UMBC’s main campus
is located in suburban
Catonsville, Maryland
, just outside Baltimore. The
500-acre campus
is about 15 minutes from downtown Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., and only four miles from BWI Airport. This prime location offers easy access to government agencies, research labs, Fortune 500 companies, and cultural attractions, providing abundant internships and collaborative opportunities.
UMBC also offers programs at
The Universities at Shady Grove
in Rockville, Maryland, in the heart of Montgomery County. At Shady Grove, students complete UMBC undergraduate and graduate degrees while taking advantage of the region’s thriving industries, government agencies, and research hubs. The campus provides a close-knit community experience with direct access to internships, field placements, and the distinctive instruction of UMBC faculty, all within the dynamic greater Washington, D.C. area.
Campus Location Map
This table contains Campus Location Map data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Campus Location Map data
Label
Value
Student Demographics
In Fall 2025, UMBC has a total enrollment of
13,530 students
. This includes
11,087 undergraduate students
and
2,443 graduate students
. The student body consists of
11,186 full-time students
and
2,344 part-time students.
Total Student Population: 13,530
This table contains Total Student Population: 13,530 data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Total Student Population: 13,530 data
Label
Value
Undergraduate (Students by Degree Level)
11087
Graduate (Students by Degree Level)
2443
Full-time students (Students by Degree Level)
11186
Part-time students (Students by Degree Level)
2344
Overall
Overall Student Body
This table contains Overall Student Body data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Overall Student Body data
Label
Value
White (3,640) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
26.9
Black (3,138) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
23.2
Asian (2,849) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
21.1
International (1,553) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
11.5
Hispanic (1,363) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
10.1
Two or More Races (709) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
5.2
Not Specified (252) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
1.9
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (15) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
American Indian or Alaska Native (11) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
46.1%
Women
53.9%
Men
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Student Body
This table contains Undergraduate Student Body data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Undergraduate Student Body data
Label
Value
White (2,982) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
26.9
Black (2,811) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
25.4
Asian (2,633) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
23.7
Hispanic (1,237) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
11.2
Two or More Races (650) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
5.9
International (542) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
4.9
Not Specified (209) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
1.9
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (13) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
American Indian or Alaska Native (10) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
45.68%
Women
54.32%
Men
Graduate
Graduate Student Body
This table contains Graduate Student Body data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Graduate Student Body data
Label
Value
International (1,011) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
41.4
White (658) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
26.9
Black (327) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
13.4
Asian (216) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
8.8
Hispanic (126) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
5.2
Two or More Races (59) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
2.4
Not Specified (43) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
1.8
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (2) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
American Indian or Alaska Native (1) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0
48.01%
Women
51.99%
Men
UMBC’s student community is one of the most diverse in the nation, reflecting its status as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
UMBC was ranked among the top 50 most ethnically diverse colleges in the U.S.. The university first opened its doors in
1966
as Maryland’s first public college inclusive of all races, and this commitment to diversity and social justice continues today.
Over
59.76%
of students are from minority backgrounds. Students come from all 50 states and 100+ countries, contributing to a vibrant mix of perspectives.
These charts show distribution of UMBC’s Fall 2025 student population by race and ethnicity. Data reflects self-reported information and is shown as a percentage of the total overall, undergraduate, and graduate enrollment.
Undergraduate First-Time First-Year and Transfer Populations
Fall 2025 is UMBC’s largest fall incoming class ever at a total of 3,145 students, exceeding the 3,031 new First-Time First-Year and new transfers we welcomed in fall 2024.
First-Time First-Year Student Profile
Total First-Time First-Year Student Enrollment
2,271
Average HS GPA
4.06
Average SAT Score
1320 (Combined)
661 (Reading/Writing)
659 (Math)
Average ACT Composite Score
27.75
46.24%
Women
;
53.76%
Men
First-Time First-Year Student Profile
This table contains First-Time First-Year Student Profile data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
First-Time First-Year Student Profile data
Label
Value
Black (616) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
27.1
Asian (611) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
26.9
White (483) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
21.3
Hispanic (269) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
11.8
International (116) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
5.1
Two or More Races (111) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
4.9
Not Specified (58) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
2.6
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (4) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
0.2
American Indian or Alaska Native (3) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
0.1
Transfer Student Profile
New Transfer Enrollment
874
Average New Transfer GPA
3.102
48.4%
Women;
51.6%
Men
Undergraduate Transfer Student Body
This table contains Undergraduate Transfer Student Body data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Undergraduate Transfer Student Body data
Label
Value
White (299) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
34.2
Black (211) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
24.1
Asian (128) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
14.6
Hispanic (125) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
14.3
Two or More Races (50) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
5.7
International (43) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
4.9
Not Specified (16) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
1.8
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (1) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
0.1
American Indian or Alaska Native (1) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
0.1
Academics
Program Offerings
UMBC offers over
300
degrees and programs
across three
academic colleges
(
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
;
Engineering & Information Technology
;
Natural & Mathematical Sciences
) and specialized schools like the
Erickson School of Aging
, the
School of Social Work,
and the
School of Public Policy
. Students can pursue degrees in fields from biology and computer science to visual arts and public policy.
62
Undergraduate majors
38
Master’s degree programs
44
Graduate certificate programs
24
Doctoral programs
…and dozens of
minors
,
certifications
and specializations
Faculty and Staff
UMBC’s faculty are dedicated teacher-scholars and mentors. The university employs
594 full-time faculty
and
391 part-time faculty
conducting instruction and research. Staff total around
1,288
across academic and support roles, ensuring a supportive environment for students.
Personal Class Experience
17:1
student-to-faculty ratio ensures personal attention and mentorship.
88%
of classes have fewer than 50 students, fostering interactive, engaging learning.
Explore Academics at UMBC
Find a UMBC Program
Post-Graduation Outcomes
UMBC’s Undergraduate Class of 2023 entered a wide range of industries and graduate programs. Over
1,240
unique organizations hired UMBC’s 2023 graduates, and alumni enrolled at more than
147
graduate and professional schools worldwide UMBC graduates contribute to Maryland’s workforce and beyond, joining top employers in technology, healthcare, education, finance, government, and more. Many also continue their studies at leading institutions (e.g. University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Towson, and other universities across the U.S. and abroad).
Immediate Post Graduate Outcomes
Immediate Post Graduate Outcomes
An impressive 93% of UMBC graduates reported being employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.*
This career outcome rate exceeds national averages, reflecting the strength of UMBC’s programs and career support.
This table contains Immediate Post Graduate Outcomes data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Immediate Post Graduate Outcomes data
Label
Value
Employed (UMBC Results)
69
Pursuing advanced degree (UMBC Results)
24
Other (UMBC Results)
7
Employed (National Averages)
63.4
Pursuing advanced degree (National Averages)
20.2
Other (National Averages)
16.4
*71% Knowledge Rate: Data was collected on 2,502 of UMBC’s 3,511 total degree recipients.
National Averages Report by NACE
, National Averages Employed Percentage also includes 0.4% Service and 0.6% Military
Experiential Learning
About
81%
of undergraduates participated in applied learning experiences, internships, research, co-ops, service-learning, or leadership roles, during their UMBC education. These opportunities enhance career readiness, and
90%
of employed alumni are working in jobs directly related to their career goals.
Visit the UMBC’s Career Center
Rankings & Achievements
UMBC is widely recognized as a top national university and a great value in higher education. In the
2024–25 U.S. News & World Report
rankings, UMBC is ranked
#15
in the nation for undergraduate teaching and
#14
for most innovative schools. Overall, U.S. News places UMBC among the top 100 public universities nationally UMBC is also celebrated for its
social and economic impact
, rated #3 in the U.S. by
Times Higher Education
’s University Impact rankings.
Multiple publications highlight UMBC’s value:
Princeton Review, Kiplinger’s, Forbes, Money, and the Fiske Guide
have all named UMBC a “Best Value” college. UMBC consistently earns accolades for its commitment to diversity and student success, for example, it is
#1 in the nation
in graduating Black undergraduates who go on to earn Ph.D.s in natural sciences and engineering. The Chronicle of Higher Education has also recognized UMBC as one of the “Best Colleges to Work For” 14 years running!
UMBC’s latest rankings and achievements stories
Library
The
Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery
is an intellectual hub supporting learning and scholarship. The library’s collection includes over
1,000,000
books and bound journals (with a capacity of up to 1.2 million volumes) and
140,000+
electronic books. Students have access to extensive online resources, including tens of thousands of journals and over
300 databases
for research. Specialized collections, such as more than 3 million photographs, maps, and archives, and a vibrant gallery space enrich the academic experience. The library provides individual and group study spaces, research help services, and a 24/7 study area to support student success.
Library website
, and
Library Gallery Website
Athletics
UMBC fields
17
NCAA Division I varsity teams, known as the
UMBC
Retrievers
, that compete primarily in the America East Conference. The school colors are black and gold (with red and white accents), and the mascot is
“True Grit,”
a Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog. UMBC made national sports history in March 2018 when its men’s basketball team became the
first #16 seed to defeat a #1 seed
in the NCAA Tournament, upsetting Virginia 74–54. The Retrievers have won conference championships in sports like soccer, swimming, and lacrosse, and UMBC student-athletes excel academically. The athletic program emphasizes scholar-athlete success; UMBC consistently posts high NCAA academic progress rates and graduation success rates, rivaling the top in its conference.
Visit
UMBCRetrievers.com
for UMBC Athletics Information
Sponsored Research
UMBC is a research powerhouse as a Carnegie R1 university.
In FY 2025, faculty secured over
$154 million
in new research grants and awards, and annual research expenditures reached a record
$186 million
. UMBC ranks
#99
among U.S. public universities in federal research and development funding. Notably, UMBC is a major
NASA
research partner, ranked
#11 nationally in NASA-funded research support
, and excels in areas like environmental science, computer science, engineering, and social sciences. The campus hosts specialized centers and a 525,000 sq ft
bwtech@UMBC Research & Technology Park
for tech startups and industry collaboration.
UMBC Research and Creative Achievement
Accreditation
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
is fully accredited by the
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
. UMBC’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2017, and it has been continuously accredited since 1966. The university is also authorized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to grant degrees. In addition, many individual programs hold prestigious specialized accreditations.
UMBC Accreditation Directory
© UMBC: A
University System of Maryland
Member Institution
Accreditation
Equal Opportunity
Privacy Policy
Title IX
Web Accessibility
Consumer Information
Search UMBC.edu
UMBC by the Numbers
Get To Know UMBC
Our Locations
Student Demographics
Academics
Post-Graduation Outcomes
Library
Athletics
Sponsored Research
Accreditation
We Are Retrievers
UMBC is a dynamic public research university known for innovation and inclusive excellence.
The University earned Carnegie
R1
classification
(Very High Research Activity) in 2022, placing it among the top research universities in the world.
A member of the
University System of Maryland
, UMBC advances knowledge, fosters civic engagement, and drives economic growth as an anchor institution in the Baltimore–Washington region. Students benefit from close-knit community learning and broad opportunities in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic tech corridor.
Our Locations
UMBC’s main campus
is located in suburban
Catonsville, Maryland
, just outside Baltimore. The
500-acre campus
is about 15 minutes from downtown Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., and only four miles from BWI Airport. This prime location offers easy access to government agencies, research labs, Fortune 500 companies, and cultural attractions, providing abundant internships and collaborative opportunities.
UMBC also offers programs at
The Universities at Shady Grove
in Rockville, Maryland, in the heart of Montgomery County. At Shady Grove, students complete UMBC undergraduate and graduate degrees while taking advantage of the region’s thriving industries, government agencies, and research hubs. The campus provides a close-knit community experience with direct access to internships, field placements, and the distinctive instruction of UMBC faculty, all within the dynamic greater Washington, D.C. area.
Campus Location Map
This table contains Campus Location Map data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Campus Location Map data
Label
Value
Student Demographics
In Fall 2025, UMBC has a total enrollment of
13,530 students
. This includes
11,087 undergraduate students
and
2,443 graduate students
. The student body consists of
11,186 full-time students
and
2,344 part-time students.
Total Student Population: 13,530
This table contains Total Student Population: 13,530 data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Total Student Population: 13,530 data
Label
Value
Undergraduate (Students by Degree Level)
11087
Graduate (Students by Degree Level)
2443
Full-time students (Students by Degree Level)
11186
Part-time students (Students by Degree Level)
2344
Overall
Overall Student Body
This table contains Overall Student Body data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Overall Student Body data
Label
Value
White (3,640) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
26.9
Black (3,138) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
23.2
Asian (2,849) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
21.1
International (1,553) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
11.5
Hispanic (1,363) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
10.1
Two or More Races (709) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
5.2
Not Specified (252) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
1.9
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (15) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
American Indian or Alaska Native (11) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
46.1%
Women
53.9%
Men
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Student Body
This table contains Undergraduate Student Body data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Undergraduate Student Body data
Label
Value
White (2,982) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
26.9
Black (2,811) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
25.4
Asian (2,633) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
23.7
Hispanic (1,237) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
11.2
Two or More Races (650) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
5.9
International (542) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
4.9
Not Specified (209) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
1.9
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (13) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
American Indian or Alaska Native (10) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
45.68%
Women
54.32%
Men
Graduate
Graduate Student Body
This table contains Graduate Student Body data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Graduate Student Body data
Label
Value
International (1,011) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
41.4
White (658) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
26.9
Black (327) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
13.4
Asian (216) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
8.8
Hispanic (126) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
5.2
Two or More Races (59) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
2.4
Not Specified (43) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
1.8
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (2) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0.1
American Indian or Alaska Native (1) (Percentage of Total Student Population)
0
48.01%
Women
51.99%
Men
UMBC’s student community is one of the most diverse in the nation, reflecting its status as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
UMBC was ranked among the top 50 most ethnically diverse colleges in the U.S.. The university first opened its doors in
1966
as Maryland’s first public college inclusive of all races, and this commitment to diversity and social justice continues today.
Over
59.76%
of students are from minority backgrounds. Students come from all 50 states and 100+ countries, contributing to a vibrant mix of perspectives.
These charts show distribution of UMBC’s Fall 2025 student population by race and ethnicity. Data reflects self-reported information and is shown as a percentage of the total overall, undergraduate, and graduate enrollment.
Undergraduate First-Time First-Year and Transfer Populations
Fall 2025 is UMBC’s largest fall incoming class ever at a total of 3,145 students, exceeding the 3,031 new First-Time First-Year and new transfers we welcomed in fall 2024.
First-Time First-Year Student Profile
Total First-Time First-Year Student Enrollment
2,271
Average HS GPA
4.06
Average SAT Score
1320 (Combined)
661 (Reading/Writing)
659 (Math)
Average ACT Composite Score
27.75
46.24%
Women
;
53.76%
Men
First-Time First-Year Student Profile
This table contains First-Time First-Year Student Profile data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
First-Time First-Year Student Profile data
Label
Value
Black (616) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
27.1
Asian (611) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
26.9
White (483) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
21.3
Hispanic (269) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
11.8
International (116) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
5.1
Two or More Races (111) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
4.9
Not Specified (58) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
2.6
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (4) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
0.2
American Indian or Alaska Native (3) (Percentage of First-Time First-Year Student Population)
0.1
Transfer Student Profile
New Transfer Enrollment
874
Average New Transfer GPA
3.102
48.4%
Women;
51.6%
Men
Undergraduate Transfer Student Body
This table contains Undergraduate Transfer Student Body data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Undergraduate Transfer Student Body data
Label
Value
White (299) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
34.2
Black (211) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
24.1
Asian (128) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
14.6
Hispanic (125) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
14.3
Two or More Races (50) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
5.7
International (43) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
4.9
Not Specified (16) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
1.8
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (1) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
0.1
American Indian or Alaska Native (1) (Percentage of Transfer Student Population)
0.1
Academics
Program Offerings
UMBC offers over
300
degrees and programs
across three
academic colleges
(
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
;
Engineering & Information Technology
;
Natural & Mathematical Sciences
) and specialized schools like the
Erickson School of Aging
, the
School of Social Work,
and the
School of Public Policy
. Students can pursue degrees in fields from biology and computer science to visual arts and public policy.
62
Undergraduate majors
38
Master’s degree programs
44
Graduate certificate programs
24
Doctoral programs
…and dozens of
minors
,
certifications
and specializations
Faculty and Staff
UMBC’s faculty are dedicated teacher-scholars and mentors. The university employs
594 full-time faculty
and
391 part-time faculty
conducting instruction and research. Staff total around
1,288
across academic and support roles, ensuring a supportive environment for students.
Personal Class Experience
17:1
student-to-faculty ratio ensures personal attention and mentorship.
88%
of classes have fewer than 50 students, fostering interactive, engaging learning.
Explore Academics at UMBC
Find a UMBC Program
Post-Graduation Outcomes
UMBC’s Undergraduate Class of 2023 entered a wide range of industries and graduate programs. Over
1,240
unique organizations hired UMBC’s 2023 graduates, and alumni enrolled at more than
147
graduate and professional schools worldwide UMBC graduates contribute to Maryland’s workforce and beyond, joining top employers in technology, healthcare, education, finance, government, and more. Many also continue their studies at leading institutions (e.g. University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Towson, and other universities across the U.S. and abroad).
Immediate Post Graduate Outcomes
Immediate Post Graduate Outcomes
An impressive 93% of UMBC graduates reported being employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.*
This career outcome rate exceeds national averages, reflecting the strength of UMBC’s programs and career support.
This table contains Immediate Post Graduate Outcomes data with two columns: Label (category name) and Value (percentage or amount). Each row represents a different category and its corresponding value.
Immediate Post Graduate Outcomes data
Label
Value
Employed (UMBC Results)
69
Pursuing advanced degree (UMBC Results)
24
Other (UMBC Results)
7
Employed (National Averages)
63.4
Pursuing advanced degree (National Averages)
20.2
Other (National Averages)
16.4
*71% Knowledge Rate: Data was collected on 2,502 of UMBC’s 3,511 total degree recipients.
National Averages Report by NACE
, National Averages Employed Percentage also includes 0.4% Service and 0.6% Military
Experiential Learning
About
81%
of undergraduates participated in applied learning experiences, internships, research, co-ops, service-learning, or leadership roles, during their UMBC education. These opportunities enhance career readiness, and
90%
of employed alumni are working in jobs directly related to their career goals.
Visit the UMBC’s Career Center
Rankings & Achievements
UMBC is widely recognized as a top national university and a great value in higher education. In the
2024–25 U.S. News & World Report
rankings, UMBC is ranked
#15
in the nation for undergraduate teaching and
#14
for most innovative schools. Overall, U.S. News places UMBC among the top 100 public universities nationally UMBC is also celebrated for its
social and economic impact
, rated #3 in the U.S. by
Times Higher Education
’s University Impact rankings.
Multiple publications highlight UMBC’s value:
Princeton Review, Kiplinger’s, Forbes, Money, and the Fiske Guide
have all named UMBC a “Best Value” college. UMBC consistently earns accolades for its commitment to diversity and student success, for example, it is
#1 in the nation
in graduating Black undergraduates who go on to earn Ph.D.s in natural sciences and engineering. The Chronicle of Higher Education has also recognized UMBC as one of the “Best Colleges to Work For” 14 years running!
UMBC’s latest rankings and achievements stories
Library
The
Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery
is an intellectual hub supporting learning and scholarship. The library’s collection includes over
1,000,000
books and bound journals (with a capacity of up to 1.2 million volumes) and
140,000+
electronic books. Students have access to extensive online resources, including tens of thousands of journals and over
300 databases
for research. Specialized collections, such as more than 3 million photographs, maps, and archives, and a vibrant gallery space enrich the academic experience. The library provides individual and group study spaces, research help services, and a 24/7 study area to support student success.
Library website
, and
Library Gallery Website
Athletics
UMBC fields
17
NCAA Division I varsity teams, known as the
UMBC
Retrievers
, that compete primarily in the America East Conference. The school colors are black and gold (with red and white accents), and the mascot is
“True Grit,”
a Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog. UMBC made national sports history in March 2018 when its men’s basketball team became the
first #16 seed to defeat a #1 seed
in the NCAA Tournament, upsetting Virginia 74–54. The Retrievers have won conference championships in sports like soccer, swimming, and lacrosse, and UMBC student-athletes excel academically. The athletic program emphasizes scholar-athlete success; UMBC consistently posts high NCAA academic progress rates and graduation success rates, rivaling the top in its conference.
Visit
UMBCRetrievers.com
for UMBC Athletics Information
Sponsored Research
UMBC is a research powerhouse as a Carnegie R1 university.
In FY 2025, faculty secured over
$154 million
in new research grants and awards, and annual research expenditures reached a record
$186 million
. UMBC ranks
#99
among U.S. public universities in federal research and development funding. Notably, UMBC is a major
NASA
research partner, ranked
#11 nationally in NASA-funded research support
, and excels in areas like environmental science, computer science, engineering, and social sciences. The campus hosts specialized centers and a 525,000 sq ft
bwtech@UMBC Research & Technology Park
for tech startups and industry collaboration.
UMBC Research and Creative Achievement
Accreditation
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
is fully accredited by the
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
. UMBC’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2017, and it has been continuously accredited since 1966. The university is also authorized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to grant degrees. In addition, many individual programs hold prestigious specialized accreditations.
UMBC Accreditation Directory
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