University of Maryland Eastern Shore Campus

2025 admissions data

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 90.4% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 90 actually get in. No guessing. University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a UNIV institution located in Princess Anne, MD — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an excellent choice for students who value a strong sense of community and a curriculum that's deeply connected to its HBCU heritage. Students aspiring to pursue degrees in fields like education, agriculture, or business can thrive here, thanks to specialized programs and personal support. However, prospective students looking for a bustling urban campus with an expansive nightlife or extensive research facilities might find the experience less appealing. Balancing an intimate campus feel with access to diverse programs, UMES ensures that classes remain small with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. One trade-off to consider is while resources are abundant, they may not always match those of larger institutions, possibly limiting exposure to certain extracurricular activities or research opportunities. Choose UMES if you appreciate the rich history and community-driven environment, but be aware that those seeking a high-energy metropolitan experience may need to adjust their expectations.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

89.5%

Acceptance Rate

Women

90.9%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

8,032

Admitted

7,258

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose University of Maryland Eastern Shore. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

MathN/A

ReadingN/A

ACT Score Range

English13–18

Math15–17.25

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Interpreting the Acceptance Rate at University of Maryland Eastern Shore as an Applicant

When students ask about the acceptance rate at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, they’re usually looking for reassurance or clarity. The challenge is that acceptance rates don’t operate at the individual level—they summarize institutional outcomes.

An acceptance rate of 90.4% reflects the admissions cycle as a whole, combining applicants with different goals, backgrounds, and levels of readiness. This makes the statistic helpful for broad comparison, but limited for personal decision-making.

Why Acceptance Rate Alone Isn’t Enough

Acceptance rates don’t show how competitive specific programs are or how admissions decisions vary across applicant types. At University of Maryland Eastern Shore, some majors attract far more interest than others, which can create uneven competition.

Additionally, universities that receive a high volume of exploratory applications often appear less selective than they truly are. That’s why acceptance rates can sometimes feel misleading when viewed without context.

Turning Acceptance Data into Useful Insight

The best way to use the acceptance rate at University of Maryland Eastern Shore is as a directional signal. It helps applicants understand the admissions environment, but real outcomes depend on preparation, academic focus, and alignment.

Students who combine acceptance rate data with thoughtful self-assessment tend to approach the application process with more confidence and better expectations.

Admissions Insight

One significant yet often overlooked factor impacting student outcomes at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is the close-knit environment fostered by a relatively small student population. With roughly 2,518 students, of which 1,933 are undergraduates, the intimate setting allows for a more personalized educational experience. This structure not only encourages strong relationships among students but also enhances interactions with faculty. A student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 means that faculty members are more likely to know students by name, engage with their passions, and provide tailored academic guidance. This factor is crucial for many first-generation college students or those who thrive in nurturing environments. However, students who may be more independent or used to larger settings might feel constrained or seek opportunities that larger universities typically provide. Beyond sheer numbers, this connection can lead to significant academic success, as students often feel supported in their endeavors, leading to better retention rates and graduation outcomes. Moreover, this close-knit atmosphere encourages collaboration within the classroom, often resulting in project-based learning and shared resources. Students are likely to develop networks that serve them not only during their academic journey but also in their professional lives, as they cultivate relationships with peers who share similar goals. However, it is essential to recognize that this environment can have trade-offs. Those looking for less familiarity and more diversity in experiences might feel the impact of fewer available resources or extracurricular opportunities compared to larger institutions. Additionally, while students will benefit from a strong support system, the expectations for personal responsibility and initiative can be heightened in this intimate setting. Ultimately, students must assess their own learning styles and preferences when considering the impact of UMES’ unique environment on their academic experience.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $35

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: www.umes.edu/Admissions/Default.aspx?id=4322

Your Chances of Getting Into University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at University of Maryland Eastern Shore based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

What Prospective Students Should Take Away from Admissions Data

At some point, admissions research needs to turn into decisions. Numbers alone don’t make that easier—but interpretation does. For students considering University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the most important takeaway is not whether admissions are competitive in general, but whether the school aligns with their goals and preparation.

Admissions data reflects past cycles, not future guarantees. Changes in applicant interest, program demand, and institutional priorities all influence outcomes year to year.

Turning Information into Confidence

Students who use admissions data as context rather than judgment tend to feel more confident in their application strategies. They understand where competition may be stronger, where they are well-positioned, and how to balance ambition with realism.

If University of Maryland Eastern Shore fits your academic direction and learning preferences, then admissions data should guide preparation—not discourage effort. The most successful applicants are often those who focus less on perceived difficulty and more on fit and readiness.

Should You Apply to University of Maryland Eastern Shore?

If 90.4% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About University of Maryland Eastern Shore Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate and application deadline for University of Maryland Eastern Shore?

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has a 90% acceptance rate with rolling admissions. The application fee is $35, and fee waivers are available for eligible students.

What are the most popular majors at UMES?

While the specific popular majors at UMES are not detailed, the institution is known for strong programs in education, agriculture, and business, reflective of its HBCU focus and community needs.

Does UMES require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

UMES has an optional test policy, meaning that submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission, allowing students more flexibility in their applications.

What is the average class size at University of Maryland Eastern Shore?

The average class size at UMES is relatively small, with 61% of classes having between 2 to 19 students, promoting personalized interaction between faculty and students.

How many undergraduate degree programs does UMES offer?

UMES offers a total of 38 bachelor's degree programs spread across five schools, catering to a wide range of academic interests and career paths.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

University of Maryland Eastern Shore isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

Next step

Move ahead in your future

Start your journey with Orbit AI

✨ ORBIT TOOLS

Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit

Everything you need to maximize your college application success

AI Essay Coach

Stronger story = higher admission odds

Solvi: Your AI College Counselor

Talk to an AI built with real college counseling data