University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park, is the State's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the University is home to more than 40,000 students, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 352,000 alumni dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas.
Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts, and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation's first "Do Good" campus.
The University of Maryland's proud past stretches back to 1856 when the tiny Maryland Agricultural College was carved from Charles Benedict Calvert's plantation along a dirt road now called U.S Route 1. From its start with 34 students, the institution slowly grew to include engineering and the liberal arts and add athletics, women, and minorities. It survived the Great Fire of 1912, re-emerged as a public college, and boomed following World War II. Today, the University is a national powerhouse in research and academics, even as it embraces its roots as a land-grant institution.
The mission of the University of Maryland, College Park, is to provide excellent teaching, research, and service. The University educates students and advances knowledge in areas of importance to the State, the nation, and the world. The University is committed to being a preeminent national center for research and graduate education and the institution of choice for Maryland's undergraduates of exceptional ability and promise.
The University of Maryland is a public research university, the University System of Maryland's flagship campus, and the original 1862 land-grant institution in the State. It is one of 62 members of the Association of American Universities, comprising the leading research universities in the United States and Canada. The University creates and applies knowledge, nourishing a climate of intellectual growth and providing outstanding instruction and a broad range of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary fields. As a land-grant institution, the University shares its research, educational, cultural, and technological strengths with the Maryland citizenry and other constituencies. Its collaborations with State, federal, private, and non-profit partners promote economic development and improve life quality. The University offers faculty and students a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures and encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in various ways. As a public flagship campus, the University is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities that all students can afford regardless of family income.
The excellence of the University's faculty, staff, and students is vital to these activities. The University counts the diversity of its community as among its greatest strengths and integral to its excellence mission. It is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in both educational and work environments. Providing equal educational opportunity, hiring and retaining a diverse faculty and staff of exceptional achievement, recruiting and graduating talented students from traditionally underrepresented groups, and providing a supportive climate for their health, wellbeing, and professional growth are institutional priorities.
The University of Maryland ranks high among the nation's colleges and universities, having academic programs that are believed to lead to student success, according to annual U.S. News and World Report polls of college presidents and deans of students. Maryland has been recognized in four or more categories every year since the poll results were first published in 2003.
For 2009, Maryland, Stanford, and Elon University are the only institutions in all four of the categories shown below. Maryland is the only member of the nation's Top 25 Public Universities to be so honored.
Living & Learning Programs are specialized residential programs initiated by and having direct connections with faculty and specific academic units/departments within the University's Division of Academic Affairs. In partnership with Resident Life staff and other student services staff at the University, these faculty and academic administrators link the curricular and residential experiences in ways that create opportunities for deeper understanding and integration of classroom material.
Highly acclaimed living-learning programs for students with exceptional academic talents in a close-knit community of faculty and undergraduates committed to acquiring a broad and balanced education.
The Honors College is home to Maryland's highly acclaimed living-learning programs for students with exceptional academic talents. The Honors College welcomes students into a close-knit community of faculty and intellectually gifted undergraduates committed to acquiring a broad and balanced education. The Honors College features small classes taught by outstanding faculty who encourage discussion and foster innovative thinking. Each year, approximately 1000 undergraduates are welcomed into this highly selective program.
Honors College is all about the people — a truly exceptional group of people. Honors scholars are lively students from all intellectually curious, creative, and inspired majors by diverse ideas. Combine excellent students with superb faculty in small classes, and the result is a power-packed and highly effective learning environment. Honors students thrive in this stimulating environment, develop lasting friendships, and succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.