Acceptance Rate
96%
Avg. SAT
1030
75th percentile
“A historic land-grant university on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, blending agricultural roots with a tight-knit, supportive community.”
Princess Anne, MD
Location
Nestled in the small town of Princess Anne, Maryland, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) carries a legacy as a historically Black university founded in 1886. Originally established as the Delaware Conference Academy, it evolved through various names and missions before becoming a land-grant institution focused on agriculture and mechanical arts. Its history is deeply tied to providing access to higher education for underserved communities, and today, it stands as a public university with a mission to foster opportunity and growth. You’ll feel that sense of purpose on campus—a place where perseverance and community are woven into the fabric of daily life.
What kind of student thrives here? If you’re someone who values a smaller, close-knit environment where professors know your name and peers feel like family, UMES could be your fit. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a slower pace and a campus that prioritizes personal connections over the hustle of a big city school. However, if you’re craving constant urban excitement or a sprawling, high-energy campus, the rural setting and modest size—around 2,000 undergraduates—might feel limiting. The surrounding area offers peaceful landscapes and a taste of Eastern Shore life, with its marshes, seafood culture, and proximity to the Atlantic coast, but it’s far from major metropolitan hubs like Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
Princess Anne itself is a quiet, historic town with a population under 4,000, so don’t expect a bustling nightlife or endless off-campus entertainment. You’ll need to create your own fun on campus or take weekend trips to nearby Ocean City for beach vibes. The tradeoff of this isolation is a focused, distraction-free environment, though some students might find the lack of nearby amenities a challenge. UMES embodies a spirit of resilience, drawing students who are ready to build their own path in a supportive, understated setting.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
At UMES, the academic focus shines in areas tied to its land-grant heritage, particularly agriculture, natural resources, and marine sciences. Programs like marine-estuarine-environmental sciences stand out, taking advantage of the Eastern Shore’s unique ecosystem—think hands-on research in nearby wetlands or coastal labs. You can expect a practical, applied learning style here, with an emphasis on preparing students for real-world careers in fields like agribusiness, hospitality, and technology. The university also offers solid programs in health professions and education, reflecting its commitment to community impact.
Classroom experiences often feel personal due to the smaller enrollment, and you’re likely to build strong relationships with faculty who are invested in your success. However, the range of majors isn’t as broad as at larger universities, so if you’re undecided or looking for niche fields, you might need to look elsewhere. Resources for research and facilities are growing, but they may not match the scale of bigger research institutions. UMES suits students who want a focused education with a clear career path, though those seeking a vast array of academic options or highly competitive programs might find the offerings more limited.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,476 undergrad • 701 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
12%
Black / African American
70%
Hispanic / Latino
4%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
11%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UMES revolves around a strong sense of community, where students often describe the vibe as warm and family-like. You’ll find plenty of events hosted by student organizations, from cultural celebrations to homecoming festivities, which are a big deal here with parades, games, and alumni gatherings. Traditions like the annual HawkFest bring everyone together for music, food, and school spirit, showcasing the pride students take in being part of the Hawk family. Social life leans heavily on campus activities since Princess Anne offers little in the way of entertainment, so you’ll likely spend a lot of time at the student center or hanging out in dorm common areas.
Living on the Eastern Shore means dealing with humid summers and occasionally harsh winters, though the proximity to beaches can be a perk for warm-weather escapes. Housing is generally available for undergraduates, but options can feel basic compared to larger schools, and some students choose to commute if they’re local. The cost of living in the area is relatively low, which is a plus, but the rural setting can make transportation tricky without a car. If you’re someone who thrives in tight-knit groups and doesn’t mind creating your own fun, UMES’s culture will feel like home; however, if you need constant stimulation or a lively off-campus scene, the pace might test your patience.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conf.
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
62%
4 Years Graduation Rate
28%
6 Years Graduation Rate
43%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$47,697
62% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and return in the fall. 28% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 43% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
28%
4-5 years
15%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
55%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$5,637
Acceptance
96%
Undergrads
2,476
4-Year Grad Rate
28%
Endowment
$68M
Princess Anne, MD 21853-1299