The University of Baltimore

If you go to UMBC, you are definitely getting your money's worth. The academics and professors here are top notch.

Yes I've read complaints about how there's never anything to do on campus and no parties, etc. What did you expect? The students here are serious about earning their degrees, and persueing their dream careers rather than get wasted for 5-6 years. The students and professors here are friendly and willing to help you out if you ever have a problem. The professors here all have reasonable office hours, if you have trouble understanding a certain topic, most of them are more than happy to help. Also there are tutorial centers where you can be tutored in chemistry, physics, etc. by other students. The majority of the students though are commuters though so if you're also a commuter, social life can be a little slow but a social life is still possible.

As far as the campus goes, it is a beautiful looking campus, the Commons looks great, the residence halls are top notch (especially Ericcson and Harbor), the academic halls are completely modernized and clean. Also UMBC happens to give a generous financial aid package if you're worried about the cost.

If you're one of those students concerned about safety, do not worry, UMBC is probably one of the safest, if not the safest university in all of Maryland, the only crimes that get reported here time to time is someone leaving a bookbag unattended in the library and having it stolen. The campus police here does its job, it keeps its students safe. Unlike schools like Maryland-College Park, there's never been crimes such as people getting mugged or carjacked at this school. Also the campus is incredibly well lit at night time, I mean I could lets say go jogging at 12am at night without fear of being hurt. Bottom line, UMBC is a top notch university, if you're interested in a university where there is a positive learning atmosphere, feel free and check out the school. If you're more interested in getting wasted and failing out, go somewhere else!

2nd Year Male -- Class 2007

Education Quality: A+, Extracurricular Activities: B-

I like UMBC, I feel I'm getting my money's worth. The academics are excellent. Students are bright and hard-working, and this is not a party school, but a school where earning a degree and working hard are expected and typical of most students. I came to UMBC because I wanted to be in an environment where people studied hard rather than partying all the time like at my high school. UMBC is a great school, plus there is a Commons, rather than just a dining hall, and the residence halls are very nice, particularly the two new ones.

1st Year Female -- Class 2008

Education Quality: A+, Social Life: B