UMBC acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as UMBC
UMBC accepts 72% of applicants. It is a public university in Baltimore, Maryland, with about 10,701 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,988 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $25,203.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for UMBC?
Admitly estimates a typical Maryland resident needs about a 3.4 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.9 for admission to be likely (80%+).
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into UMBC by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1315, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Maryland resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 30% Reach | 11% Reach |
| 2.7 | 30% Reach | 11% Reach |
| 3.0 | 30% Reach | 11% Reach |
| 3.3 | 44% Target | 19% Reach |
| 3.5 | 60% Target | 31% Target |
| 3.7 | 73% Target | 45% Target |
| 3.9 | 84% Likely | 60% Target |
| 4.0 | 87% Likely | 67% Target |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at UMBC
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,988 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $21,800 | $38,000 |
| $50k – $100k | $23,200 | $39,400 |
| $100k – $150k | $26,900 | $43,100 |
| $150k – $250k | $28,988 | $47,900 |
| Over $250k | $28,988 | $48,000 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about UMBC
What is the acceptance rate at UMBC?
UMBC admits 72% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into UMBC?
Admitly estimates a typical Maryland resident needs about a 3.4 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.9 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for UMBC?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1240–1420 on the SAT and 25–31 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does UMBC cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $28,988 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $25,203 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $21,800 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at UMBC?
68% of students finish their degree, and 85% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to UMBC
- Towson UniversityTowson, MD · admits 82%
- University of Maryland, College ParkCollege Park, MD · admits 45%
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD · admits 6%
- University of North TexasDenton, TX · admits 72%
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX · admits 73%
- University of Rhode IslandKingston, RI · admits 72%