Time Ranks UMD Among Top Schools for Future Leaders

The University of Maryland has been named one of the Best Colleges for Future Leaders in 2026 by Time magazine. 

UMD ranked No. 17 among all public universities on the list, which identifies the U.S. schools and colleges that appear most frequently in the academic and career highlights of 4,800 influential entrepreneurs, policymakers, scientists, educators and other leaders. 

The ranking recognizes UMD’s longstanding role in shaping the careers of some of the nation’s most influential leaders. It highlights UMD’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship and its dedication to fostering real-world skills, such as communication, collaboration and adaptability, which prepare graduates for future leadership and workforce success.

The university’s nationally recognized living-learning programs bring students from diverse majors together around shared interests, building early networks and broad perspectives. Over the last decade, more than 7,000 students have participated in UMD’s First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE), where they sharpen their resilience, problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence through team-based, hands-on research.

The university’s Fellows Program further strengthens this leadership pipeline through a yearlong experience that combines rigorous seminars led by policy practitioners with spring internships at high-impact organizations. Today, more than 2,400 program alums serve in policy, diplomacy and civic leadership roles across agencies and institutions, from the U.S. Department of State to the Maryland General Assembly.

“We are proud of all of the Terp alums who are making a difference as leaders and innovators in their fields today, and of the students who are following in their footsteps,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “We’re committed to equipping our students with skills, confidence and real-world experience that will help them to launch their careers and make a positive impact on the world as future leaders.”

The recognition is the latest acknowledgement of UMD’s growing reputation as a leading center for scholarship and research, as well as its consistency in delivering a strong return on investment through high graduation and career placement rates. Last month, The Chronicle of Higher Education included UMD among the top 10 four-year U.S. public universities for its graduation rates. Earlier this fall, U.S. News and World Report ranked UMD no. 16 among all public universities, the university’s highest ranking to date. 

Graduates from UMD continue to excel after commencement, with over 90% of the Class of 2024 joining the workforce, pursuing advanced degrees, starting businesses, serving in the military or volunteering for public service within six months of graduation.