College Comparison
Columbia University vs University of Maryland: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Columbia University
New York, NY
School
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Columbia | University of Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.2%wins | 44.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1490–1570wins | 1370–1520 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 32–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $69,045 | $40,306wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,148 | $15,590wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,491wins | $82,860 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.0%wins | 88.6% |
| Retention Rate | 97.2%wins | 95.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,899 | 30,246wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Columbia edges out University of Maryland on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Columbia Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,491
University of Maryland Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,306
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,590
- ✓Total Enrollment: 30,246
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.