Overview
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a public university established in 1886. With a rural campus spanning 1,100 acres, it has an undergraduate enrollment of 2,233 (fall 2023) and follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, it ranks #388 among National Universities.
At-a-Glance
- Setting: Rural
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,233
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Rankings
Here’s how the university stacks up in various categories:
- #388 in National Universities (tie)
- #16 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (tie)
- #208 in Top Public Schools (tie)
- #150 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie) (At schools where doctorate not offered)
- #181 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
The university is ranked #388 out of 436 National Universities, based on widely accepted indicators of excellence.
U.S. News Overall Score
- Score (out of 100): 32
- Outcomes (57%):
- Average 6-year graduation rate (21%): 37%
- 6-year graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients (5.5%): 30%
- 6-year graduation rate for non-Pell Grant recipients (5.5%): 43%
Admissions
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has an 88% acceptance rate. Admitted students typically have SAT scores between 780–1016 or ACT scores between 17–21, though some scored above or below these ranges. The application deadline is June 30, and the fee is $35.
Admissions officers place high importance on GPA and letters of recommendation, but high school class rank is not considered.
Tuition & Financial Aid
When comparing costs, consider both the total sticker price (including housing, books, and personal expenses) and the net price (after aid and scholarships).
- In-state tuition & fees: N/A
- Out-of-state tuition & fees: N/A
- Net price for federal loan recipients (2021–2022): $11,934
Net Price by Family Income (2021–2022)
| Family Income | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| $0–$30,000 | $7,855 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,349 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,355 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $17,269 |
| $110,001+ | $18,578 |
- Food & Housing: N/A
Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 10:1
- Classes with fewer than 20 students: 66.7%
- Top majors (2023 graduates):
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (15%)
- Criminal Justice/Police Science (8%)
- Exercise Science and Kinesiology (6%)
- Sociology, General (6%)
- Hotel/Motel Administration/Management (6%)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (5%)
- Psychology, General (4%)
- Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science (4%)
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies (4%)
- Engineering, General (4%)
- Freshman retention rate (student satisfaction indicator): 68%
Student Life
- Undergraduate enrollment (fall 2023): 2,233
- Gender distribution: 45.6% male | 54.4% female
- Housing: 73% live on campus, 27% live off campus
- Athletics: NCAA Division I
Student Body (Fall 2023)
- Total enrollment: 2,840
- Undergraduate students: 2,233
- Graduate students: 607
- Pell Grant recipients (2022–2023): 51%
Campus
The university provides various student services, including:
- Tutoring, placement services, daycare, health services, and health insurance
- Campus safety measures like 24/7 patrols, late-night escorts, emergency phones, and controlled dorm access
- Alcohol is allowed for students of legal age.