College Comparison
University of Maryland vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
School
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | University of Maryland | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 44.8%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1370–1520wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,306 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $15,590wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,860wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 88.6%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 95.7%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 30,246wins | 28,113 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, University of Maryland edges out South Carolina on 8 of 9 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.
University of Maryland Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 44.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1370–1520
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,590
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
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