University of Maryland Ascends in Forbes’ Ranking of Top U.S. Colleges

The University of Maryland ranks No. 13 among the nation’s best public schools, according to Forbes magazine’s 2023 Top Colleges.

The university climbed one spot in that list from last year and jumped six places among all U.S. institutions, to earn a No. 34 ranking, according the results released Aug. 25.

The magazine also listed UMD at No. 31 among all U.S. research universities and named it the 15th-ranking institution, public or private, in the northeastern U.S.

“I am thrilled to see the University of Maryland’s continued rise in the Forbes’ 2023 Top Colleges list,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and students and a reflection of our commitment to excellence in education, research and innovation.”

(UMD Ranked Nation’s No. 1 College for LGBTQ+ Students)

The rankings, which prospective students may use when deciding where to apply, are based on factors including alumni salaries, student debt loads, retention and graduation rates, and academic success as measured by national scholarships won by students and the percentage of alums who earn a Ph.D. soon after graduation.

Data for the rankings came from federal, private and nonprofit databases, as well as lists maintained by Forbes.

Beyond academic rankings, Forbes this summer named UMD one of the best places to work in the state of Maryland, ranking it No. 7.