The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland–College Park (UMD) stands as one of the leading public business schools in the nation. With a strong emphasis on innovation, data analytics, global business, and leadership development, Smith delivers a world-class education backed by outstanding faculty, research initiatives, and student support.
Is University of Maryland College Park a Good College?
Yes, the University of Maryland–College Park is widely regarded as one of the top public universities in the United States.
University Rankings & Recognition:
- U.S. News & World Report (2024):
- #19 Top Public Universities
- #46 National Universities Overall
- QS World University Rankings: Ranked among the top 150 global universities
- Carnegie Classification: R1 Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity
UMD offers more than just academic prestige—it fosters a vibrant campus community, top-tier research, and a strong network of alumni and corporate partners.
Is UMD Smith a Good School?
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is not only a good school—it is one of the most competitive and prestigious business schools in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
What Sets Smith School Apart:
- STEM-Designated MBA Program
- Renowned Faculty in areas such as analytics, finance, supply chain, and marketing
- Experiential Learning through initiatives like the Center for Global Business, Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, and Smith Analytics Consortium
- High ROI for both undergraduate and graduate business students
- Diversity and Inclusion are core institutional priorities
Smith’s strong reputation is reinforced by its connections with top employers such as Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, Capital One, and IBM.
Is It Hard to Get Into UMD Business School?
The Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland is selective, especially for direct admission into its undergraduate and full-time MBA programs.
Undergraduate Admissions (Direct Admission from High School):
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 22%–30% for business majors
- Average Admitted GPA: 4.2 (weighted)
- SAT Range: 1380–1510
- ACT Range: 31–34
Admission into Smith is holistic, considering leadership, extracurricular involvement, essay responses, and academic performance.
Internal Transfer Admission (UMD Students Switching Majors):
- Competitive GPA (usually 3.5+ cumulative)
- Strong performance in gateway courses like calculus, economics, and accounting
Graduate Admissions (MBA and MS Programs):
- Full-Time MBA Acceptance Rate: ~35%–40%
- Average GMAT: 660+
- Average GPA: 3.3–3.7
- Work Experience Required: Minimum 2 years (MBA)
For the online MBA and MS programs, the criteria are slightly more flexible, but academic and professional readiness remains essential.
What GPA Do You Need for Smith School of Business?
The GPA requirements vary by program and applicant type.
For Undergraduate Freshman Applicants:
- Competitive Weighted GPA: 4.2 or higher
- Unweighted GPA: Typically 3.8+
- Strong performance in honors/AP/IB classes is advantageous.
For Internal Transfers (Within UMD):
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0 required
- Competitive GPA: 3.5 or higher
- Completion of gateway courses with at least a B grade
For Graduate Programs (MBA and MS Degrees):
- Average Undergraduate GPA:
- Full-Time MBA: 3.3–3.7
- MS Programs (Finance, Business Analytics, etc.): 3.2–3.6
While GPA plays a key role, the admissions team also considers test scores, work experience, leadership, and fit with the program.
Smith School of Business Rankings and Academic Strength
The Smith School of Business consistently ranks among the top public business schools in the U.S. for both undergraduate and graduate education.
Recent Rankings (2024):
- U.S. News & World Report:
- #23 Best Undergraduate Business Programs
- #26 Full-Time MBA (Public Schools)
- #10 Information Systems Specialty
- #13 Supply Chain Management Specialty
- Financial Times:
- Top 20 U.S. Online MBA Programs
- Poets&Quants:
- Highly ranked for student satisfaction, faculty quality, and career outcomes
Career Outcomes and Industry Connections
The Office of Career Services (OCS) at Smith is a powerful resource for students, providing career coaching, internship support, job placement, and networking events.
Employment Stats for Smith Graduates (2023):
- Undergraduate Average Starting Salary: $74,500
- MBA Average Salary + Bonus: $120,000+
- Internship Placement Rate: Over 90%
- Top Hiring Industries:
- Consulting
- Technology
- Financial Services
- Government & Nonprofit
- Consumer Goods
Students benefit from access to the Smith Alumni Network, with thousands of active professionals working in leading roles across the globe.
Global and Experiential Opportunities
Smith students have access to a wide range of global immersion programs, consulting projects, and startup incubators.
- Center for Global Business: International study Online MBA tours and research opportunities
- Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship: Funding and mentoring for student startups
- Smith Business Leadership Fellows: A unique honors experience focused on strategic thinking
