University of Maryland - Ranking

College Park, USA

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16

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#164

Rank(QS Top Universities)

Public

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The University of Maryland has made impressive strides in 10 academic disciplines, including Agricultural Sciences, Chemical Engineering, and Space Science!
UMD's College of Education has launched three new academic programs, including a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Human Development Honors Program, offering more paths for your academic journey

The University of Maryland Ranking consistently places UMD among the top 150 universities in the United States and globally. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, UMD is ranked #207 worldwide, showcasing its strong academic performance. It holds the #112 spot in the Times Higher Education rankings and is #72 in US News & World Report's Best Global Universities rankings.

As one of the best public universities in the US, the University of Maryland attracts 41,725 students worldwide, offering world-class academic programs and a thriving campus environment. These rankings reflect its reputation and the quality of education it provides to students seeking to study in the US and advance their careers at a globally recognized institution.

University of Maryland Rankings 2025-26

UMD consistently ranks among the top three global bodies: QS, Times Higher Education, and U.S. News. It also holds the #12 ranking among public universities by Forbes and has over $1 billion annually in combined research funding. Additionally, it rose to #18 overall in the National Science Foundation's Higher Education Research and Development Survey.

Below is a detailed breakdown of UMD's rankings across these prestigious bodies.

Ranking Body	2024 Ranking	2025 Ranking	2026 Ranking
QS World University Rankings	169	218	207
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings	114	112	NA
U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities	57	44	NA

Here's a quick visual to help you spot the trend in the University of Maryland ranking across these platforms over three years.

UMD saw a sharp drop in QS rankings from #169 in 2024 to #218, then improved slightly to #207 in 2025, possibly due to shifts in metrics like academic reputation and faculty-student ratio.

In contrast, its THE ranking remained stable, improving slightly from #114 in 2024 to #112 in 2025, indicating consistent performance in teaching and research. U.S. News ranked UMD #57 in 2024 and #44 in 2025, reflecting a strong rise in global reputation and research output.

Subject-wise Rankings of the University of Maryland

With over 311 degree programs, including 107 bachelor's, 120 master's, and 84 doctoral programs, UMD is one of the top universities worldwide for international students. The university's strong rankings in areas like Computer Science (#16), Engineering (#20), and Criminology (#1) underscore its excellence in these fields.

Below is a detailed breakdown of UMD's performance in top rankings across key subjects. Let's begin with QS World Rankings.

QS World University Rankings 2025

In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, the University of Maryland (UMD) stands out in several key subjects. With a strong performance in fields like Computer Science (#57) and Engineering, UMD continues to demonstrate its academic excellence.

Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of UMD's rankings across various disciplines, giving you insight into its strengths in specific areas.

Subject	Ranking
Computer Science	#57
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	#101–150
Environmental Sciences	#101–150
Education and Training	#51–100
Agriculture	#51–100

UMD’s strong performance in QS rankings is reflected in its impressive showing in the Times Higher Education rankings.

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2025, UMD excels in various disciplines, including Computer Science (#56) and Education Management (#48). These rankings highlight the university's strength in research and teaching across key fields.

Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of UMD's performance in various subjects, giving you a clear picture of its academic standing.

Subject	Ranking
Computer Science	#56
Education Management	#48
Physical Sciences	#62
Business and Economics	#87
Psychology	#68
Engineering	#101–125
Life Sciences	#151–175
Social Sciences	#70

UMD continues to shine with top rankings in U.S. News & World Report, particularly in Criminology and Computer Science.

U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities 2025

In the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings 2025, UMD shines in several key areas, including Criminology (#1) and Computer Science (#16). These rankings highlight UMD's academic strength and global influence across diverse fields.

Below is a detailed overview of how UMD ranks in these subjects, offering a clear view of its areas of excellence.

Subject	Ranking
Computer Science	#16
Engineering	#20
Physics	#14
Public Affairs	#32
Criminology	#1
Education	#27
Psychology	#39
Social Science	#24
Public Health	#32
Earth Sciences	#28
Business	#44
Economics	#21

Note: Subject-specific rankings highlight UMD's strengths, helping you make an informed choice for your academic and career goals.

In addition to subject rankings, UMD's sustainability, diversity, and community engagement achievements further enhance its overall reputation. Let's learn more below.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

Miscellaneous Rankings highlight UMD's broader strengths. Ranked #33 for sustainability by Sierra Magazine and #2 in the Big Ten, UMD is committed to environmental responsibility.

With 41% of students from minority backgrounds, its diversity ranks highly on College Factual and Niche. UMD's community engagement, recognized by the Carnegie Foundation, is reflected in initiatives like Do Good Campus and 400+ study-abroad opportunities.

Below is a summary of UMD's miscellaneous rankings and accreditations for 2025.

Ranking Agency	Ranking
Sierra Magazine	#33 nationally; 2nd in the Big Ten Conference
College Factual	#4 Most Diverse College in Maryland
Niche	#4 Most Diverse College in Maryland
QS Top Universities	#307 in Sustainability
U.S. News & World Report	#144 nationally
U.S. News & World Report	#44 nationally in National University
US News & World Report	#170 in Best Value Schools
US News & World Report	#11 in Aerospace /Aeronautical / Astronautical
US News & World Report	#9 Management and Information Systems
U.S. News & World Report	#17 nationally in Top public schools
US News & World Report	#10 in Learning Communities (tie)
US News & World Report	#24 in Best Colleges for Veterans
US News & World Report	#70 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
US News & World Report	#45 in Most Innovative Schools (tie)
US News & World Report	#236 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

These rankings and accreditations highlight UMD's strengths and provide prospective students valuable insights into the university's commitment to sustainability, diversity, and community engagement.

Now, let's discuss the achievements of the students who have studied or are currently studying in the university.

University of Maryland: Excellence and Achievements

Understanding UMD's excellence and achievements is crucial as it showcases the university's strengths beyond academics, helping you gauge its impact and opportunities.

With 2 Nobel Laureates, 5 Pulitzer Prize winners, and a #7 ranking in entrepreneurship, UMD is a top choice for those seeking academic, professional, and cultural growth.

Below, you'll find detailed insights into UMD's national recognition, community impact, and cultural innovations.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

The institution boasts an impressive roster of faculty achievements, including two Nobel Prize winners, John Mather and William Phillips, who were recognized for their groundbreaking work in physics. UMD's faculty has garnered five Pulitzer Prizes in journalism, with notable recipients such as Dana Priest and Deborah Nelson.

The table below provides an overview of the university's notable accolades and rankings.

Category	Recognition
Nobel Laureates	2 Nobel Prize winners among faculty members, adding to UMD's legacy of academic excellence.
Pulitzer Prize Winners	5 Pulitzer Prize winners, reflecting the university's influence on arts, literature, and public policy.
National Academy Members	79 UMD faculty members inducted into prestigious National Academies, showcasing the university's leadership in scientific research and innovation.
Entrepreneurship Ranking	Ranked #7 in The Princeton Review's "Top Schools for Entrepreneurship Programs" for undergraduate programs.

These accolades make UMD a top choice for students aiming for academic and professional excellence.

In addition to its academic prestige, UMD is equally recognized for its impactful community engagement and social contributions.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

UMD's commitment to community and economic growth is reflected in impactful initiatives like the Do Good Campus program. The university generates $3.7 billion in annual economic impact on Maryland's economy.

It supports business development through the Maryland Small Business Development Center, which has launched 293 businesses and facilitated $141 million in loans.

The following table highlights UMD's key community and economic contributions, showcasing its role in driving positive societal change.

Category	Recognition
Community Engagement	Recognized for impactful community programs such as the Do Good Campus initiative and partnerships with local organizations to address public health, education, and environmental concerns.
Entrepreneurial Impact	The university generates significant economic value, with $3.7 billion in annual economic impact on Maryland's economy, underscoring its role in driving innovation and creating jobs.
Workforce Development	Graduated 11,516 degrees in FY22, with a large proportion in STEM fields, reinforcing UMD's role in strengthening the state's workforce. Nearly all STEM degrees are awarded in Maryland.
Business Development	The Small Business Development Center helped launch 293 businesses, resulting in $141 million in loans and equity financing.

By nurturing entrepreneurial ventures and educating a workforce that supports Maryland's economy, UMD plays a critical part in the state's economic and social development.

Beyond its community initiatives, UMD also encourages cultural creativity and innovation through its diverse arts and broadcast media programs.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

UMD’s contributions to cultural and creative innovation are noteworthy, from artistic excellence to modern media initiatives.

The Driskell Award for Creative Excellence and the Distinguished Lecture in the Visual Arts highlight the university’s leadership in the arts, while the NIRSA Creative Excellence Award emphasizes UMD's role in promoting safety and awareness through innovative media.

The table below showcases some of the key recognitions.

Category	Recognition
Creative Excellence	Awarded the David C. and Thelma G. Driskell Award for Creative Excellence in 2025, highlighting UMD's contribution to the arts through innovative exhibitions and performances.
Arts Leadership	Hosted the Distinguished Lecture in Visual Arts in honor of David C. Driskell, featuring renowned artist Dr. Kellie Jones discussing the intersection of abstraction and modern art.
Innovative Media	The NIRSA Creative Excellence Award recognized UMD's creative media promoting safety and awareness through videos like the Helmet Safety Awareness Reel and drone videos.

UMD's achievements go beyond academics, with strong national rankings, financial impact, and community service, creating a dynamic environment that prepares students for future leadership roles.

While UMD’s excellence and achievements are evident, it’s also important to consider how its rankings align with acceptance rates across various programs.

University of Maryland: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

When evaluating the University of Maryland, it's essential to understand that high rankings don't always mean easier access.

While UMD excels in fields like Computer Science (#9 among public institutions) and Engineering (#16), competitive programs often come with lower acceptance rates, around 45% for many.

Below, you'll find a breakdown of how rankings and acceptance rates vary across top courses, helping you make a well-informed decision.

Course	University Ranking	Acceptance Rate
Computer Science	#9 among public institutions, #18 overall in U.S.	45%
Business and Management	#44 nationally	45%
Engineering	#16 nationally	45%
Arts and Humanities	Varies by department (e.g., Communication is large)	Higher than STEM and business programs
Law	#55 nationally	45%
Health Professions	Varies by program (e.g., Allopathic Medicine: 72%)	72% (Allopathic Medicine), 86% (Osteopathic Medicine)

Note: Consider both factors when evaluating potential courses, as a high-ranking program may have a more competitive admissions process.

Understanding how UMD's rankings align with acceptance rates sets the stage to explore the methodologies behind these rankings.

Ranking Methodologies

Ranking systems evaluate universities through different lenses, each emphasizing distinct criteria. For example, U.S. News uses 13 indicators across four primary categories to assess universities.

Gaining insight into these ranking methodologies can also highlight universities in the USA accepting a low GPA and offering alternative routes to higher education.

Let's start with how QS evaluates universities, focusing on academic and employer reputation and faculty-to-student ratios.

QS Ranking Methodology

The QS Ranking Methodology assesses universities based on several key factors, with the most weight given to academic reputation and research impact.

Other important metrics include employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, and international diversity. Understanding how QS assesses these areas helps you gauge the overall quality of an institution.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the QS criteria and their impact on university rankings.

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Research and Discovery	Academic Reputation	30%
Research and Discovery	Citations per Faculty	20%
Employability and Outcomes	Employer Reputation	15%
Employability and Outcomes	Employment Outcomes	5%
Global Engagement	International Faculty Ratio	5%
	International Research Network	5%
	International Student Ratio	5%
	International Student Diversity	0%
Learning Experience	Faculty Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	Sustainability	5%

While QS significantly emphasizes reputation, THE offers a more comprehensive approach, balancing teaching, research, and citations. Let’s explore how.

THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking Methodology

The "THE" Ranking Methodology evaluates universities based on five key criteria: teaching, research environment, citations, international outlook, and industry income. Each factor significantly assesses a university's overall academic strength, with equal weight to teaching and research impact.

Below is a detailed breakdown of how these factors influence university rankings.

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Teaching	Teaching Reputation	15%
	Staff-to-student ratio	4.5%
	Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio	2%
	Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio	5.5%
	Institutional income	2.5%
Research Environment	Research reputation	18%
	Research income	5.5%
	Research productivity	5.5%
Research Quality	Citation impact	15%
	Research strength	5%
	Research excellence	5%
	Research influence	5%
International Outlook	Proportion of international students	2.5%
	Proportion of international staff	2.5%
	International collaboration	2.5%
Industry	Industry income	2%
Industry	Patents	2%

Finally, let’s look at how U.S. News measures academic performance through publications, citations, and research impact.

U.S. News Ranking Methodology

The U.S. News Ranking Methodology focuses on 13 key indicators, including global research reputation, publications, and citations. These indicators include global and US-based research reputation, publication volume, citation impact, and international collaboration.

Below is a breakdown of how each metric impacts the rankings.

Focus Indicators	Weightage
Graduation Rates	16%
First-year retention rates	5%
Graduation rate performance	10%
Pell graduation rates	5.5%
Pell graduation performance	5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad	5%
Borrower debt	5%
Peer assessment	20%
Financial resources	8%
Faculty salaries	8%
Full-time faculty	3%
Student-faculty ratio	4%
Standardized tests	5%

Now that you understand how rankings are determined, let's wrap up and explore how this information can guide your decisions for the future.

Wrapping up: University of Maryland Ranking Analysis

In 2025, UMD saw a slight decline in the QS World University Rankings, dropping to #218 from #169 the previous year. However, Times Higher Education (THE) maintained its stable position at #112, reflecting UMD's strong performance in teaching, research, and international outlook.

U.S. News & World Report showed the most significant improvement, ranking UMD at #44 nationally and #17 among U.S. public universities. These rankings demonstrate UMD's solid academic reputation and research influence, showcasing its overall strength in the higher education sector.

FAQs

How does UMD's position in global university assessments influence its appeal to international students?

UMD's strong global position, such as #112 in Times Higher Education, showcases its high academic standards and research output. This recognition increases the value of a UMD degree worldwide for international students.

How does UMD's academic standing impact the recognition of its degrees worldwide?

The University of Maryland Ranking directly influences the global recognition of its degrees. High rankings signal academic excellence and credibility, ensuring international students' qualifications are respected in many countries.

How does UMD compare to other U.S. public universities?

UMD is ranked #17 among U.S. public universities, reflecting its strong academic reputation and competitive edge. This places it among top-tier public institutions in the United States, ensuring international students a well-regarded education.

In what ways does UMD's performance impact its research funding and opportunities for international students?

UMD's high rankings correlate with substantial research funding, as seen in its #9 position in federally financed physical sciences funding. International students benefit by gaining access to cutting-edge research projects and the opportunity to work alongside top researchers in their fields.

How does UMD's standing influence its partnerships and collaborations with international institutions?

UMD's strong rankings attract partnerships with leading universities worldwide. These collaborations enhance international exposure for UMD students, offering opportunities for exchange programs, joint research, and global networking.

How do UMD attract international faculty and researchers?

The University of Maryland Ranking makes it an attractive destination for distinguished faculty and researchers globally. The university's reputation for academic excellence draws top talent, enriching the learning environment for international students.

How does UMD impact the availability of scholarships for international students?

While scholarships and financial aid vary, UMD's high rankings help elevate its financial aid offerings. International students may find additional competitive scholarship opportunities through the university's partnerships with organizations, corporations, and alumni.

How do UMD accreditations influence the campus facilities and resources available to international students?

Higher rankings often increase investments in campus facilities and academic resources. For international students, this means access to state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and study areas that enhance the learning experience.

How do UMD recognitions affect the diversity and inclusivity of its student body?

UMD’s strong rankings make it a desirable destination for students worldwide, contributing to its diverse student body. This inclusivity creates a rich cultural environment where international students can learn from peers with various perspectives.

What is the relationship between UMD's standing and its alumni network's global reach?

Strong rankings enhance the global reputation of UMD’s alumni network, creating connections that benefit international students. Graduates often tap into a wide-reaching network for job opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration.

How do UMD influence its role in addressing global challenges with research and innovation?

UMD’s high rankings reflect its commitment to research that addresses pressing global challenges like climate change, public health, and technology. International students at UMD have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects that span multiple disciplines.