University of Maryland vs Virginia Tech

University of Maryland vs Virginia Tech

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Maryland (UMD) and Virginia Tech (VT) are both highly ranked U.S. public research universities with reputations to boast, although their global rankings differ slightly. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, UMD is at position 207, whereas Virginia Tech is at position 358. As per Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, UMD is placed more firmly at 112th, versus Virginia Tech within the 251–300 band. In U.S. News Global Rankings 2026, UMD is placed 72nd, whereas VT is placed at 281st. UMD is particularly strong in computer science, engineering, physics, and public policy, while Virginia Tech has strong programs in engineering, architecture, business, and agriculture, as well as a strong emphasis on hands-on, applied research.

General Information

The University of Maryland, established in 1856 in College Park, Maryland, is the state's flagship public research institution with more than 30,000 undergrads. It has robust programs in STEM, social science, and liberal arts, and enjoys its location near Washington, D.C., which offers specialized opportunities in government, policy, and research collaborations.

Virginia Tech, founded in 1872 in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a top land-grant research university with more than 30,000 undergraduate students as well. It focuses on experiential learning and applied sciences, with significant research contributions in engineering, agriculture, and cybersecurity.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UMD's acceptance rate is 45%, which makes it a moderately selective school, especially competitive in its computer science and engineering programs.

Virginia Tech's acceptance rate is 57%, just slightly higher than UMD's, making it more open but still selective, especially in in-demand areas like engineering and business.

Research Impact & Facilities

The University of Maryland is a high-tier R1 research university, with internationally acclaimed excellence in computer science, physics, artificial intelligence, and public policy. It has robust partnerships with government agencies such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and federal research laboratories.

Virginia Tech is also an R1 research institution, being well known in its contributions to engineering, applied sciences, and agriculture. It spends a lot of money on innovation, with it having state-of-the-art facilities such as the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS).

Cost & Financial Aid

Both Virginia Tech and UMD, being state universities, charge lower tuition rates for in-state students than for out-of-state and international students. Both universities award need-based assistance, merit scholarship awards, and assistantships, which make them relatively affordable in comparison to private universities.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UMD graduates enjoy substantial advantages from the location of the university in proximity to Washington, D.C., such that successful career paths exist in technology, government, policy, defense, and research. It maintains a large and vibrant alumni network with connections to large industries.

Virginia Tech graduates are well-employed in the fields of engineering, technology, agriculture, and business, boasting strong industry partnerships and practical training that sets students up for real-world application. Its alumni base is extensive and active, especially within the fields of engineering and applied sciences.