Understanding University of Maryland, College Park Tuition Costs
For prospective students and their families, understanding the financial aspects of higher education is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition costs, fees, and related expenses associated with attending the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). It also covers financial aid options and other important considerations to help you plan your educational investment.
Tuition and Fees: Sticker Price
The "sticker price" represents the initial cost of tuition and fees. For the University of Maryland, College Park, the tuition for the academic year is:
- In-state students: $11,808
- Out-of-state students: $41,186
Compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,201, UMD is relatively cheaper for in-state residents. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition is more expensive than the national average of $29,084.
These figures include both tuition and fees, which support various campus services such as library access, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and health centers. It's important to note that the University reserves the right to make changes in tuition, fees, and other charges at any time, as deemed necessary by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, even without prior announcement.
Total Cost of Attendance
While the sticker price provides a baseline, the total cost of attendance offers a more realistic picture of expenses. This includes tuition and fees, as well as the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. At UMD, the estimated total cost is:
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- In-state students: $30,886
- Out-of-state students: $59,687
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides detailed cost of attendance information that encompasses these various components. Keep in mind that these figures are averages and can vary from student to student, depending on lifestyle and spending habits. Costs for housing and dining can vary depending on whether a student lives on- or off-campus, and the level of food plan they choose from Dining Services.
Net Price: Factoring in Financial Aid
The net price represents the actual cost you'll pay after factoring in grants and scholarships. It's a personalized figure based on your financial circumstances and the college's financial aid policies. The average net price at UMD is $15,833 per year.
To get the most accurate estimate of your net price, use the Net Price Calculator available on the university's website. This tool will take into account your specific financial situation to provide a more tailored estimate.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Financial aid can significantly reduce the burden of college expenses. It includes grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need, which most colleges determine based on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 38%
- Average Aid Package Awarded: $15,844
Financial aid can come in the form of scholarships and grants, which do not need to be paid back, or loans, which must be repaid. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $16,152, while the average need-based loan amount is $4,141. The typical amount of loans a student must pay back at graduation is $29,638.
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Important Financial Aid Dates:
- Priority Application Due: January 1 (Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration.)
It's still advisable to apply for financial aid even if you miss the priority deadline.
Mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Insurance coverage is required for Undergraduate Students enrolled in 6 or more credits at College Park (including F-1 and J-1 visa students), and for Graduate Students enrolled in 48 or more units in a semester or 36 units in a 12-week term (including F-1 and J-1 visa students).
Students must take one of the following actions each academic year:
- Submit proof of other insurance (waiver submission) and, once approved, have the charge removed from the student financial account.
- Enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and let the university assessed fee remain as payable on the student account.
Inaction of a waiver submission by the published deadline will result in the premium being charged with no refundability
The university vendor provided insurance continuing in the 2025/2026 academic year will be broken into two prorated charges for each semester. The Fall term will be assessed $1,176, and the Spring term will be assessed $1,630 (higher cost for Spring as it contains a longer period of coverage). These two split charges equate to a total annual cost of $2,806. Cost sheets are available at: umd.myahpcare.com/enrollment. Additional Important details are available at Mandatory Insurance and Waiver.
Graduate assistants appointed by July 31, non-degree-seeking students, students enrolled in certificate programs, exclusively online programs, and/or programs at the Shady Grove campus will not be automatically enrolled in SHIP and are eligible to purchase SHIP using the voluntary enrollment process. Visit gradschool.umd.edu/health-insurance for more details.
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Specific Course Fees
Certain courses may have additional fees associated with them, such as lab fees. The course fee dictionary can be found on the university's website.
Golden ID Program
The Golden ID Program allows eligible senior citizens to take advantage of the wide variety of courses at the University of Maryland.
Tuition Guarantee Plans
Tuition at the time of first enrollment is guaranteed only to students making advance payment.
Differential Tuition
Only students pursuing a major in business, engineering, and computer science will be charged additional tuition based on credit hours. Additional information and a breakdown of these charges can be found on the Differential Tuition FAQs page.
Costs for Students at Shady Grove
For Shady Grove students, tuition is the same as at the University of Maryland, College Park. However, the mandatory fees are different.
Additional Fees for International Students
UMD charges a fee of $125 each semester for enrolled students requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 (for degree-seeking students in J-1 status) issued by the university. Students enrolled in an academic program operating on the 12-week calendar, which requires an I-20 issued by UMD or a DS-2019, will be charged a fee of $62.50 per term. These fees support and international student-focused cultural events to foster an engaged, supportive community. International students may also experience higher living expenses.
MN, Reciprocity, & Midwest Nonresident Costs
Residents of other states may have different costs:
- Tuition & Fees: $15,200 (MN, Reciprocity) / $20,950 (Midwest Nonresident)
- Housing & Food: $11,680
- Direct Costs Subtotal: $26,880 / $32,630
- Additional Expenses: $3,200 / $4,860
- Total Cost of Attendance: $30,080 / $37,490
Additional expenses vary and may include: books & supplies; personal and miscellaneous; transportation; and Federal loan fees.
Understanding Fees
Although changes in fees are ordinarily announced in advance, the University reserves the right to make such changes without previous announcement. All Tuition and Fees Refundability is in accordance with University Refund Policy.
