The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public research university that started in 1966. It’s ranked 144th among national universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. UMBC has an acceptance rate of about 74% for international students. It offers strong programs in areas like computer science, engineering, and information systems & Management. International students pay a fee of $125 (around 10,906 INR) each semester or session. According to a 2023 report, more than 90% of graduates found jobs within six months of graduation. On average, master’s degree holders earn over $85,000, while undergraduates earn over $60,000.
Here’s what students say about their experience at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMCB):
Manisha Preethi says “UMBC has an amazing Health IT program with experienced faculty and strong research opportunities. The campus is beautiful, well-equipped, and has a diverse student community. The only downside? Balancing coursework and a part-time job is tough, and parking is expensive. But overall, it’s a great place for anyone in IT or healthcare!”
Batch: 2022
Course: Masters of Professional Studies in Health Information Technology
Gurpreet Kaur Saluja says “UMBC is super diverse, and the professors are really supportive. There are lots of research opportunities, and most grad students get on-campus jobs by their second semester. The only downside is no direct industry recruitment, so networking is key. Also, nearby housing is cheaper but not the best quality.”
Batch: 2023
Sanjana from Batch of 2022 says “Great value for money, with decent research and an active Indian student community. The free pizza at events is a bonus! The downside? The campus is small, on-campus jobs are competitive, and there aren’t many nearby tech companies hiring F1 students. But overall, it’s a solid pick for CS students looking for affordable education.”
Batch: 2022
Course: M.S. Information Systems
*To read full review on Georgia Tech, including college life, placements, and admissions: Click Here
Table of Contents
UMBC’s rankings have fluctuated across different ranking platforms over the past few years, showing changes in evaluation criteria and institutional performance. Here’s a breakdown of the same:
| Ranking By | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. News (National Universities) | #144 | #888 | #137 |
| QS World University Rankings | #771–780 | #701 | #801 |
| THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings | #601–800 | #601 | #601 |
| ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities) | – | #601 | #701 |
Additionally,
Also Check: UMBC Rankings 2025
Here’s a curated table of UMBC’s top master’s programs for international students, detailing course names, admission requirements, first-year fees, and application deadlines.
| Course Name | Admission Requirements | 1st Year Fees | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Professional Studies in Data Science | Bachelor’s degree in data science or related field Minimum GPA of 3.0 Strong background in computer science and mathematics English Proficiency: – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – Duolingo: Minimum 105 – PTE: Minimum 53 GRE/GMAT: Not required | ₹23.6 L/Yr ($27,126/Yr) | Fall 2025 Intake: May 1, 2025 Spring 2026 Intake: October 15, 2025 |
| Master of Science in Information Systems | Bachelor’s degree in information systems or related field Minimum GPA of 3.0 English Proficiency: – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – Duolingo: Minimum 105 – PTE: Minimum 53 GRE: Not required | ₹22.6 L/Yr ($25,920/Yr) | Fall 2025 Intake: April 1, 2025 |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field Minimum GPA of 3.0 Strong background in computer science and mathematics English Proficiency: – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – Duolingo: Minimum 105 – PTE: Minimum 53 GRE: Not required | ₹22.6 L/Yr ($25,920/Yr) | Fall 2025 Intake: January 7, 2025 (closed) |
| Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity | Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or related field Minimum GPA of 3.0 Strong background in computer science and cybersecurity Work Experience: Academic or professional experience equivalent to basic programming courses English Proficiency: – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – Duolingo: Minimum 105 – PTE: Minimum 53 GRE/GMAT: Not required | ₹22.6 L/Yr ($25,920/Yr) | Fall 2025 Intake: May 1, 2025 |
| Master of Science in Engineering Management | Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field Minimum GPA of 3.0 English Proficiency: – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – Duolingo: Minimum 105 – PTE: Minimum 53 GRE: Not required | ₹22.6 L/Yr ($25,920/Yr) | Fall 2025 Intake: May 1, 2025 |
| Master of Science in Biotechnology | Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or related field Minimum GPA of 3.0 English Proficiency: – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – Duolingo: Minimum 105 – PTE: Minimum 53 GRE: Not required | ₹22.6 L/Yr ($25,920/Yr) | Fall 2025 Intake: May 1, 2025 |
| Master of Science in Computer Engineering | Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or related field Minimum GPA of 3.0 English Proficiency: – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 – Duolingo: Minimum 105 – PTE: Minimum 53 GRE: Not required | ₹22.6 L/Yr ($25,920/Yr) | Priority Fall 2025 Intake: January 7, 2025 (closed) Final Fall 2025 Intake: June 1, 2025 |
Note: Tuition fees are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to UMBC’s official Tuition & Fees page.
| Course Name | 2025 Fees (₹/$) | 2023 Fees (₹/$) | 2021 Fees (₹/$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Professional Studies in Data Science | ₹23.6 L / $27,126 | ₹21.2 L / $24,336 | ₹14.8 L / $17,490 |
| Master of Science in Information Systems | ₹22.6 L / $25,920 | ₹21.2 L / $24,336 | ₹29.1 L / $33,465 |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | ₹22.6 L / $25,920 | ₹21.2 L / $24,336 | ₹29.1 L / $33,465 |
| Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity | ₹22.6 L / $25,920 | ₹35.3 L / $40,560 (2022) | Not Available |
| Master of Science in Engineering Management | ₹22.6 L / $25,920 | ₹21.2 L / $24,336 | ₹29.1 L / $33,465 |
| Master of Science in Biotechnology | ₹22.6 L / $25,920 | ₹21.2 L / $24,336 | ₹29.1 L / $33,465 |
| Master of Science in Computer Engineering | ₹22.6 L / $25,920 | ₹21.2 L / $24,336 | ₹29.1 L / $33,465 |
Additionally,
You can avail reasonable off-campus housing in Baltimore via Amber.
Interested students can also visit @umbc.edu/admissions/graduate/ for comprehensive information on application procedures and requirements.
Also Check: University of Maryland Baltimore County Admissions
Here’s a breakdown of the admission requirements for international students applying to UMBC:
| Requirement | Undergraduate Applicants | Graduate Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $75 (~6,541 INR) | $50 (~4,360 INR) |
| Application Portal | Common Application | UMBC Graduate School Application |
| Academic Transcripts | Official transcripts from all secondary schools attended If applicable, official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation | Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended For degrees earned outside the U.S., a course-by-course credential evaluation from an approved service (e.g., WES) is recommended but not required Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation |
| Standardized Tests | SAT or ACT scores are optional but may enhance the application SAT Code: 5835 ACT Code: 1751 | GRE scores may be required depending on the program; applicants should check specific program requirements |
| English Language Proficiency | TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80 IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5 Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 115 PTE Academic: Minimum score of 53 | |
| Letters of Recommendation | Not typically required for undergraduate admissions | Generally, three letters of recommendation are required |
| Statement of Purpose/Essay | Personal statement or essay as part of the Common Application Topic and guidelines provided within the application | A statement outlining academic and professional goals |
| Financial Documentation | Proof of sufficient funds to cover at least one year of study and living expensesBank statements or financial guarantee letters | |
Additional Notes:
Prospective students can visit UMBC’s official admissions websites for the most current and detailed information:
For specific program requirements and additional details, it’s advisable to consult the respective department’s website or contact the admissions office directly.
Checkout the vide below of University of Maryland Baltimore County Campus Tour
Here’s a step-by-step overview of the application process for international students applying to UMBC:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Complete the Application– Submit the application online via: – Undergraduate: Common Application (undergraduate.umbc.edu) – Graduate: UMBC Graduate School Portal (gradschool.umbc.edu) |
| 2 | Pay the Application Fee – Undergraduate: $75 (~6,541 INR) (non-refundable) – Graduate: $50 (~4,360 INR) (non-refundable) |
| 3 | Submit Academic Transcripts – Official transcripts from all institutions attended. – Non-English transcripts must have certified English translations. – Graduate applicants with foreign degrees are recommended to get a course-by-course credential evaluation (e.g., WES). |
| 4 | Provide English Language Proficiency Scores – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 – IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall – Duolingo: Minimum 115 – PTE Academic: Minimum 53 |
| 5 | Submit Additional Documents (If Required) – Letters of Recommendation (Graduate: Typically 3; Program-specific requirements apply). – Statement of Purpose (Graduate: Outlining academic and career goals). – Personal Statement or Essay (Undergraduate: As part of the Common App). – Resume/CV (Graduate: Required for some programs). |
| 6 | Check for Standardized Test Requirements |
| 7 | Provide Financial Documentation– Proof of sufficient funds for one year of tuition and living expenses (bank statements, sponsorship letters, etc.). |
| 8 | Submit the Application Before the Deadline
|
| 9 | Track Application Status– Regularly check the application portal for updates and additional requests. |
| 10 | Visa & Enrollment – Upon admission, international students receive guidance on obtaining an F-1 visa from UMBC’s ISSS office (isss.umbc.edu). – Health Insurance: Mandatory for all international students. |
Source: umbc.edu/admissions/
The application deadlines for international students at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) vary by program and term. Here are some general deadlines for international students applying to UMCB:
| Undergraduate programs |
|---|
| Fall 2025: November 1 for early action |
| Spring 2025: October 15 for priority admission & December 1 for regular admission |
| Graduate programs |
|---|
| Fall 2025: March 1, 2025 |
| Spring 2025: November 1, 2025 |
The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) sends decision letters to international students for undergraduate admission 3–4 weeks after receiving a completed application.
Applicants can expect an email notification of their decision and can also log in to the application website to see their decision letter.
Here’s a detailed comparison of UMBC with the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), and the University of Cincinnati (UC) to help students make an informed decision.
| Feature | UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County) | UMD (University of Maryland, College Park) | UC (University of Cincinnati) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking (2025) | #601 Times Higher Education, #771 QS, #133 US News | #112 Times Higher Education, #218 QS, #46 US News | #761 QS, #142 US News |
| Subject Strength | #104 Engineering (US News 2024), #201 Medicine (ARWU 2022) | #19 Engineering (US News 2024), #33 Data Science (QS 2024) | #110 Engineering (US News 2024), #35 Medicine (US News 2024) |
| Undergraduate Programs | 41 | 81 | 106 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 25 | 87 | 65 |
| Doctorate Programs | 3 | 3 | Not mentioned |
| Acceptance Rate | 74% | 44.0% | 76.0% |
| Exam Requirements | IELTS-6.5, TOEFL-80, SAT-1140 | IELTS-7, TOEFL-80, SAT-1280, GMAT-600 | IELTS-6.5, TOEFL-80, SAT-1120, GRE-300, GMAT-500 |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | $23,983 | $36,891 | $27,472 |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees | $33,465 | $19,500 | $13,224 |
| Hostel & Meal Cost (Per Year) | $29,430 | $19,326 | $17,999 |
| Average Salary (Bachelor’s) | $70,000 – $74,999 | $92,000 | $73,000 |
| Average Salary (Master’s) | $72,000 | $86,000 – $140,000 (varies by degree) | $100,000 |
UMBC offers various merit-based scholarships and funding opportunities for international students, including those from India. Below is a structured table of available scholarships:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Merit Scholarships | Automatically considered for all undergraduate applicants based on academic performance. | $1,000 – $15,000 per year | Automatic upon admission |
| #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship | International students with a strong interest in intercultural learning and exchange. | Covers 50% of tuition for four years | Requires a separate application and essay |
| Graduate Assistantships (TA/RA/GA) | Graduate students working as teaching, research, or graduate assistants. | Tuition remission, stipend, and health insurance | Apply through academic departments |
| Scholarship Retriever Platform | Open to all UMBC students for multiple internal and external scholarships. | Varies by scholarship | Apply via: scholarships.umbc.edu/retriever |
| Fulbright-Nehru International Fellowship | Indian students pursuing higher education in the U.S. with leadership experience. | Fully funded for select graduate programs | Apply through: usief.org.in |
For more details on financial aid and deadlines, visit @financialaid.umbc.edu
UMBC is a high-value choice for Indian students, offering a strong ROI through competitive tuition rates and solid post grad salaries. Like over $70,000 (Bachelor’s) and $72,000+ (Master’s) on average, making the ROI attractive compared to the cost of tuition ($23,983 for UG, $33,465 for PG). The top recruiters for UMBC graduates include leading tech, government, and healthcare organizations. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore also provides excellent internship and job placement opportunities in cybersecurity, IT, and engineering sectors. For students seeking strong academics, affordability, and career growth, UMBC is a smart choice.
