We built this community so students can see all the possibilities–and achieve them.
UMBC is a national and global leader in education, research, affordability, and community engagement.
These rankings reflect our values of inclusive excellence. How? UMBC has a clear vision and a community dedicated to making it a reality.
Student Stories
Confidence is Key
“I am part of the Meyerhoff Scholars and U-RISE Scholars programs here at UMBC…Not only have I found exactly what field of science I want to pursue and why, I have found my voice in STEM and the confidence to pursue my goals and dreams of making a lasting difference in the world because of both programs.”
– Meet Xavier Smith ’23, M31, computer engineering, scholar and mentor
Finding a Niche
“Through CyberCorp Scholarship for Service, related organizations, and clubs on campus, I have been lucky enough to meet and work with some of the most amazing and intelligent people I have ever met.”
– Meet Nathan Wooddell ’23, graduate student specializing in Russian and cybersecurity
Building Community
“I came to UMBC because I’ve heard great things about its leadership and research and wanted to be a part of the close-knit and well-connected community…[I] thought it was the perfect place to not only attend graduate school but kick-start my professional career in brain imaging research.”
– Meet Janerra Allen, Ph.D. student in electrical engineering
Student Engagement
17:1
student to faculty ratio
260+
student orgs and cultural groups
150+
yearly arts and culture events
17
DI athletics teams
Meet UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby
“Trying to help define and move forward inclusive excellence is everything. […] We have so many challenges in this world that are going to need a diverse group of thinkers. And fundamentally, we know that the best solutions come from diverse perspectives.Author Role/Grad Year/Org
UMBC Students Achieve Great Things
1st
IN THE NATION
First in the nation in producing Black graduates who go on to earn Ph.D.s in natural sciences and engineering, and M.D./Ph.D. degrees.
92%
of degree recipients are employed and/or pursuing further education within 6 months of graduation.
Notable Alumni
Kizzmekia Corbett ’08, M16
TIME Hero of the Year, Assistant Professor, Harvard University, lead inventor of the Moderna vaccine
James Clements ’85
President, Clemson University
Ralph Semmel ’92
Director, Johns Hopkins
Applied Physics Lab
Alicia Wilson ’04
Managing Director and Global Head of Philanthropy for the North America Region, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Victoria D’Souza ’02
Professor, Harvard University
Ricardo Zwaig ’77
Associate Judge (Retired), District
Court of Maryland
Community Commitment
Supporting Baltimore and Beyond
Environment and Sustainability
UMBC has 3 LEED gold and 2 LEED silver buildings, including a new Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building.
Employee Support
Public Research for Public Good
#96
Public university in federal research support
#10
Nationally in NASA funding
#20
Federal funding for geosciences, atmospheric sciences, and ocean sciences
#44
Federal funding for the social sciences
#54
Federal support for computer and information sciences
#55
Federal funding for physical sciences
UMBC’s Research 1 Carnegie Classification as a comprehensive doctoral institution places us among the top 146 research universities in the nation.
UMBC Faculty Experts
Looking for a research collaborator or an expert on a topic in the news? Search faculty profiles to find the right contact in any field.
Global Connections
2400+
international students from around 100+ countries
UMBC is a Great Value School
U.S. News, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Forbes, Business First, and Money have all recognized UMBC as a “Best Value College.”
$54M
is distributed each year in total aid given by UMBC
