UMD Ranks in the Top 10 for First-Year Student Retention

The University of Maryland ranks No. 9 among public doctoral institutions for the retention of first-time, full-time undergraduate students, according to data published Friday in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2026–27 Almanac. The ranking highlights that 96.2% of UMD’s Fall 2023 entering class returned the following year to continue their education.

The retention rate rose to 96.6% for the Fall 2024 class, reflecting the university’s continued investment in efforts that support first-year student success focused on proactive degree planning, targeted support programs and campus engagement.

“This ranking reflects our commitment to making sure students feel connected to our campus from the moment they arrive,” said William A. Cohen, UMD’s associate provost and dean for undergraduate studies. “It takes a whole university effort to achieve such stellar persistence rates, including dedicated academic advisers, innovative faculty who design classes for engaged learning, and teams of professional staff in numerous learning communities who give students the support to stay and succeed.”

The university’s programs and practices aim to help freshmen succeed and progress to their sophomore year. All students receive academic advising, including four-year graduation plans and academic benchmarks, with mandatory interventions for those who encounter challenges. 

At the course level, the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center offers services that support students’ learning, such as guided study sessions, math success coaching, academic coaching and learning-strategy workshops. The Fundamental Studies Math Success Initiative, a cross-campus multiyear collaboration, focuses on strengthening math placement, enhancing math instruction, expanding tutoring and test-retaking resources while using AI tools to improve the student experience in introductory math courses.

Financial, community-building and wellness resources also help students overcome barriers to first-year success. Programs dedicated to student success and thriving, such as the Academic Achievement Programs, the C.D. Mote, Jr. Incentive Awards Program, and the Maryland Promise Program offer scholarships, cohort-based support, close-knit communities, networking and mentoring, which have improved retention rates among low income and first generation students. 

Living-learning communities and other special programs targeting first-year students foster connections with faculty and staff, hands-on learning experiences and exploration beyond students’ majors, strengthening first-year engagement.

The Counseling Center, University Health Center, Career Center, RecWell and Office of the Dean of Students provide wellness resources and student support, while the Thrive Center for Essential Needs addresses challenges such as food and housing insecurity.