UMGC Celebrates Record-Breaking Class of 2025, Looks Ahead to Winter Grad Walk

Adelphi, Md. - Dec. 4, 2025 - University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) today announced its largest graduating class in history, with 17,855 students earning a degree or certificate in Fiscal Year 2025-a 17.6% increase over last year. Graduates are also completing their studies more quickly, with average time-to-completion dropping below 36 months for the first time.

"These numbers tell a powerful story," said UMGC President Gregory W. Fowler, PhD. "We are reaching more learners, and our graduates are completing their degrees faster, bringing more prior learning to the table, and achieving their goals at record levels. This is what transformation looks like."

These milestones come as UMGC prepares to welcome some 2,800 graduates and an estimated 22,000 guests at its stateside Winter Grad Walk, December 11-14 at its global headquarters in Adelphi, Maryland. A personalized commencement experience designed to spotlight individual achievement, Grad Walk offers graduates the opportunity to mark their learning milestone in an intimate celebration with family and friends at a time of their choosing.

Key Highlights from FY25

• Largest Class Ever: 17,855 graduates (+17.6% year-over-year)

• Faster Completion: Average time-to-degree dropped below 36 months for the first time (a reduction of 13% over the past decade)

• Military-Affiliated Graduates: 7,540 (+18%), including 2,656 veterans (+35%)

• Expanded Reach Through Partnerships:

• 2,320 graduates from Maryland outreach

• 2,218 from corporate partnerships

• 1,802 community college transfers

• Opportunity Gains: 7,923 graduates self-identified as underrepresented populations (+24%)

• Career Impact: In a recent survey of winter graduate candidates, 35% reported a new job, promotion, raise, or career change as a direct result of their education.

Founded just after World War II to serve adults in the workforce and military, UMGC continues to explore innovative ways to expand access to higher education in Maryland and around the world. The university partners with employers, community colleges, and the military to help learners advance professionally by developing new skills, documenting the knowledge and skills they already have, and completing credentials faster.

About University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military service members. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland. It continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit https://www.umgc.edu.

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