What Is UMBC (umbc.edu)?

UMBC stands for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County — a public research university in Maryland, and umbc.edu is its official website. The site is the starting point for prospective first-year and transfer students, current students, researchers, and anyone who wants to understand what the university offers. It is an information and admissions hub rather than a service you sign up for, so you can browse most of it without an account.

What the site tells you about the university

The homepage presents UMBC through a set of headline figures and positioning statements:

The page also describes UMBC as an R1 research university — the classification for institutions with the highest level of research activity — and highlights national leadership in teaching, innovation, and diversity. Its tagline, "DIFFERENT MAKES A DIFFERENCE," frames the university's identity around an inclusive culture and innovative teaching.

What you can do on umbc.edu

The homepage is organized around a few clear paths:

• Academics — find the right program and get help exploring your options.
• About UMBC — background on the community and what it stands for.
• Apply to UMBC — the entry point for joining as a student.
• Visit / attend an event — the page invites first-year and transfer students to register for an upcoming event and experience the campus.

Beyond admissions, the site covers several areas of campus life:

• Arts and culture — described as a transformative arts destination with live performances and showcases.
• Athletics and recreation — sports and recreational activities focused on fitness, teamwork, and personal development.
• International — study abroad programs and international partnerships.
• Research and creative achievement — a hub for research tackling real-world challenges.
• Campus life — activities, friendships, and the day-to-day student experience.
• Career Center — resources to explore careers, build professional skills, and connect with employers.

Who it's for

• Prospective students (first-year and transfer) researching programs, visiting campus, and applying.
• Current students looking for academic, career, and campus-life resources.
• Researchers and faculty interested in UMBC's R1 research activity and creative work.
• International audiences exploring global programs and partnerships.

How to use it

If you're evaluating UMBC as a school, start with the Academics section to check whether your intended program exists, then use the event registration link to visit or attend a session before applying. If you're already set on applying, go straight to the Apply to UMBC path. For a quick sense of the university's scale and reputation, the facts and figures block on the homepage gives you the headline numbers in one place.