University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) vs CSU Global

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) are two reputable online universities that offer flexible and accessible education to students worldwide. While both institutions share a commitment to providing quality online learning experiences, they differ in several key aspects. UMGC boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with diverse academic backgrounds. CSU-Global, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong focus on student success and completion. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these universities, including popular majors, student body demographics, and additional factors that may influence your decision. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and preferences, and embark on your educational journey with confidence.

	Colorado State University-Global Campus	University of Maryland Global Campus
Overview
Location	Aurora, Colorado	Adelphi, Maryland
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Trimester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	35.0%	52.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	96.0%	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	495 - 595	N/A
ACT range	16 - 18	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	3.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%
Total number of applicants	126
Total number of admissions given out	121
Admitted students who chose to enroll	99
Yield rate	81.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A
High school GPA	Required	N/A
Recommendation letters	Not required	N/A
High school transcript	Not required	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$20,440	In state: $29,702 Out of state: $34,334
Average net price	$12,351	$16,228
Tuition	$8,400	In state: $7,344 Out of state: $11,976
Room & board
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	35.0% Average amount $5,411	39.0% Average amount $5,824
Students receiving federal student loan	70.0% Average amount $6,934	33.0% Average amount $5,694
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	1.0% Average amount $15,445

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	6,897 Men 46.0% Women 54.0%	45,100 Men 54.4% Women 45.6%
Graduate students	3,947 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%	10,223 Men 45.5% Women 54.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	61.8%
International students	1.1%	2.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Maryland California New York District of Columbia Virginia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Computer and Information Science Health Professions Education Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Business Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science Health Professions Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	25:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	N/A	21.4%
Dropout rate	N/A	39.3%
Transferred out	N/A	35.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,807 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $93,776 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $74,882 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $86,237 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,824 Year 2: $76,117 Year 3: $80,492 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,872 Year 2: $72,022 Year 3: $80,318 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,994 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $77,595 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,480 Year 2: $70,522 Year 3: $74,901 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,152 Year 2: $66,111 Year 3: $71,617 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,677 Year 2: $64,344 Year 3: $71,163 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,425 Year 2: $60,041 Year 3: $64,862 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,055 Year 2: $59,193 Year 3: $60,979	Business/Commerce, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $107,564 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,350 Year 2: $89,921 Year 3: $97,293 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $83,768 Year 3: $94,669 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,658 Year 2: $87,025 Year 3: $94,423 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,077 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $88,008 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $89,702 Year 2: $87,068 Year 3: $87,604 Biotechnology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,827 Year 2: $75,921 Year 3: $82,324 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,028 Year 2: $66,302 Year 3: $78,894 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $74,590 Year 2: $72,006 Year 3: $77,920 International Business (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,389 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $77,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global)?

UMGC, part of the University System of Maryland, has a long history of serving military personnel and adult learners, offering a wide range of programs with a global focus. CSU-Global, on the other hand, is a fully online institution within the Colorado State University System, emphasizing career-relevant programs and competency-based learning. While both cater to working adults, UMGC has a broader international presence and a more extensive alumni network due to its longer history, while CSU-Global is known for its innovative online learning platform and focus on skills-based education.
Which university is more affordable, UMGC or CSU-Global?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the program and residency status. Generally, UMGC offers competitive tuition rates, especially for Maryland residents and military personnel. CSU-Global also offers competitive pricing, with a transparent tuition structure. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition information and to compare costs based on your specific program of interest and residency.
Do UMGC and CSU-Global offer the same degree programs?

While both universities offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, their specific offerings differ. UMGC has a broader range of programs, including those in cybersecurity, business, and healthcare administration. CSU-Global focuses on career-relevant fields like project management, human resources, and information technology. Reviewing the program catalogs of both universities is recommended to determine which institution offers the degree that best aligns with your career goals.
What is the learning experience like at UMGC versus CSU-Global?

Both UMGC and CSU-Global provide fully online learning experiences designed for working adults. UMGC utilizes a structured online classroom environment with set start and end dates for courses. CSU-Global emphasizes a more flexible, competency-based approach, allowing students to progress at their own pace and demonstrate mastery of skills. Both universities offer robust student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and technical assistance.
Which university has a stronger reputation?

Both UMGC and CSU-Global are regionally accredited institutions. UMGC benefits from its long-standing history and affiliation with the University System of Maryland, giving it a well-established reputation, particularly among military personnel and government employees. CSU-Global, while newer, has quickly gained recognition for its innovative online learning model and focus on career-relevant skills. The 'stronger' reputation depends on your specific field and career goals.
Are there differences in the student support services offered by UMGC and CSU-Global?

Both universities are committed to providing comprehensive student support services. You can expect to find academic advising, career services, library resources, and technical support at both institutions. However, the specific delivery and emphasis may vary. UMGC, with its larger student body, may offer a wider range of specialized support services. CSU-Global, with its focus on online learning, may have a more streamlined and technologically advanced support system. Check each university's website for details on their specific offerings.
How do UMGC and CSU-Global cater to military students?

Both UMGC and CSU-Global are known for their commitment to serving military students and veterans. UMGC has a long history of providing educational opportunities to military personnel stationed around the world and offers various military-specific benefits and resources. CSU-Global also provides dedicated support for military students, including tuition assistance guidance and credit for military training. Both institutions are considered military-friendly schools.
What are the accreditation differences between UMGC and CSU-Global?

Both UMGC and CSU-Global are regionally accredited, which is the gold standard for accreditation in the United States. UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), while CSU-Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Regional accreditation ensures that the universities meet rigorous standards of quality and that their degrees are widely recognized and respected.
Which university is better for international students?

UMGC has a more established international presence and experience in serving students from around the world. Its global campuses and online programs cater to a diverse international student body. CSU-Global primarily focuses on serving students within the United States, although it does accept international students into its online programs. If you are an international student seeking a university with a strong global network, UMGC might be a better fit. However, both universities require international students to meet specific admission requirements, including English language proficiency.
How do the career services at UMGC and CSU-Global compare?

Both UMGC and CSU-Global offer career services to help students achieve their professional goals. These services typically include resume and cover letter writing assistance, job search strategies, interview preparation, and networking opportunities. CSU-Global's career services may be more focused on skills-based career development, aligning with its competency-based learning model. UMGC's career services may leverage its extensive alumni network and connections with government and military employers. Explore the specific career services offered by each university to determine which aligns best with your needs.

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