UMBC by the Numbers
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.
| 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.
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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.
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.
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
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.
| 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.
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!
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.
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 an R1 university. In FY 2024, faculty secured over $134 million in new research grants and awards, and annual research expenditures reached a record $151 million. UMBC ranks #96 among U.S. public universities in federal research and development funding. Notably, UMBC is a major NASA research partner, ranked #10 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.
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.