East Division of the Big 10. HQ in Maryland. The University of Maryland, College Park (University of Maryland, UMD, or simply Maryland) is a public research university in College Park, Maryland.[9] Founded in 1856, UMD is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland.[10] It is also the largest university in both the state and the Washington metropolitan area, with more than 41,000 students representing all fifty states and 123 countries, and a global alumni network of over 360,000.[11] Its twelve schools and colleges together offer over 200 degree-granting programs, including 92 undergraduate majors, 107 master's programs, and 83 doctoral programs.[12] UMD is a member of the Association of American Universities and competes in intercollegiate athletics as a member of the Big Ten Conference.