The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a public research university in College Park, Maryland, about 10 miles from Washington DC. Founded in 1856, it is the flagship university of the University System of Maryland and one of the top 20 public universities in the United States. For a Pakistani student, Maryland is one of the best value options in American higher education: a top computer science and engineering school, next door to the US capital, at a public-university price.
University of Maryland: programmes
UMD offers more than 90 undergraduate majors. Computer science is the headline programme — Maryland's computer science department is ranked among the best in the country, and its graduates go to the major tech companies and to the federal agencies around Washington. Engineering is equally strong: aerospace, electrical, mechanical, civil and chemical engineering, all in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Other strong areas are business through the Robert H. Smith School of Business, economics, public policy, biological sciences and mathematics. Most undergraduate degrees take four years, and Maryland's location means internships in government, defence, technology and international organisations are unusually easy to find — a real advantage for a student who wants work experience before graduation.
University of Maryland: fees and costs
| Cost (2026-27, nonresident undergraduates) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Nonresident tuition | $42,266 a year |
| Mandatory fees | $1,820 a year |
| Tuition and mandatory fees | $44,086 a year |
| Differential tuition (junior/senior, Business, Engineering, CS) | $1,687.50 a semester |
| International student fee | $125 a semester |
| Total on-campus cost of attendance | $65,520 a year |
The figures are the university's published 2026-27 schedule for nonresident undergraduates. The differential tuition applies only to juniors and seniors in business, engineering and computer science, for a maximum of four semesters. Health insurance costs about $2,939 a year unless you can show comparable cover. The total on-campus figure of $65,520 includes tuition, fees, housing ($10,290) and a food plan ($7,180), which makes Maryland roughly $25,000–$30,000 a year cheaper than a private university of the same quality. Maryland gives limited merit aid to international students, so most Pakistani students should budget for the full cost.
University of Maryland: admission
UMD takes applications through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. For fall 2027 entry, the international student deadline is reported as 20 January 2027 — confirm it on the admissions page, because it moves. Maryland is test-optional for most applicants, but a strong SAT score still helps a Pakistani applicant stand out. English requirements are IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100 for most programmes (reported — confirm on the programme page), which is higher than many public universities, so take the test seriously. Maryland's overall acceptance rate is about 44% for all applicants, but computer science and engineering are more competitive. Apply by the early action deadline if you can: Maryland fills many places early, and the scholarship consideration is better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the University of Maryland best known for? Computer science and engineering, plus business, economics and public policy — and its location next to Washington DC.
How much does the University of Maryland cost for international students? Nonresident tuition and fees are $44,086 a year for 2026-27, and the total on-campus cost of attendance is $65,520 a year.
Does the University of Maryland require the SAT? Maryland is test-optional for most applicants, but a strong score helps, especially for computer science and engineering.
When is the University of Maryland application deadline? The international deadline for fall 2027 entry is reported as 20 January 2027 — confirm it on the university's admissions page.
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Sources and verification: University of Maryland Student Financial Services and Office of Student Financial Aid, 2026-27 (nonresident tuition $42,266, mandatory fees $1,820, total tuition and fees $44,086, differential tuition $1,687.50/semester for junior/senior Business/Engineering/CS, international student fee $125/semester, health insurance $2,939, total on-campus cost $65,520). International deadline 20 January 2027, English minimums and acceptance rate are reported — confirm on the university's admissions pages.