Overview
Founded in 1921 as the College of Business and Public Administration, the school was renamed in 1998 after alumnus and real estate magnate Robert H. Smith following a landmark gift. It has grown into one of the nation's leading public business schools, earning AACSB accreditation and consistent top-25 rankings for both undergraduate and MBA programs. The school is particularly recognized for its strengths in finance, marketing analytics, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management, benefiting from proximity to Washington D.C.'s dense concentration of federal agencies, consulting firms, and tech companies.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | College Park, Maryland |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Total students | 5,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 32% |
| Graduation rate | 92% |
| Average starting salary | $78,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $14,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $36,000 |
| Room & board | $13,500 |
| Average financial aid | $18,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 55% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1330-1500 |
| ACT range | 30-34 |
| Average GPA | 3.90 |
| Regular deadline | January 20 |
Top Programs
- Finance
- Marketing Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Supply Chain Management
- Accounting
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.