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UMBC is a national and global leader in education, research, affordability, and community engagement.

Confidence is Key

A young man stands in a black polo shirt talking into a microphone

“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

Man and woman sitting at a desk in a classroom in front of a whiteboard with Russian words, focused on the papers in front of them.

 “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

janerra allen ph.d. student, electrical engineering

“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

17:1

260+

150+

17

A diverse group of young women, sitting together studying.
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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.

Valerie Sheares Ashby

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.

– UMBC Career Center

Black woman with long, curly hair smiles while standing next to microscopes in a lab.

Kizzmekia Corbett ’08, M16

TIME Hero of the Year, Assistant Professor, Harvard University, lead inventor of the Moderna vaccine

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James Clements ’85

President, Clemson University

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Ralph Semmel ’92

Director, Johns Hopkins
Applied Physics Lab

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Alicia Wilson ’04

Managing Director and Global Head of Philanthropy for the North America Region, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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Victoria D’Souza ’02

Professor, Harvard University

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Ricardo Zwaig ’77

Associate Judge (Retired), District
Court of Maryland

Community Commitment

Supporting Baltimore and Beyond

Carnegie Foundation Elective Classifications badge for Community Engagement

Environment and Sustainability

U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold USGBC badge

Employee Support

Great College to work for Badge

Public Research for Public Good

Top 107

Public university in federal research support

#16

Nationally in NASA funding

#33

Federal funding for geosciences, atmospheric sciences, and ocean sciences

#44

Federal funding for the social sciences

#55

Federal support for computer and information sciences

#58

Federal funding for physical sciences


R1 Doctoral University

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

2021 Gold Award Badge from the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities
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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

US News Best Value Schools 2025
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