<p>Here is the Smith school of business stats: [Career</a> Management - Robert H. Smith School of Business - University of Maryland, College Park](<a href=“http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/career/students/undergrad/stats.aspx]Career”>http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/career/students/undergrad/stats.aspx)</p>
<p>At first glance, not much higher than Towson or Salisbury, but you can see they break it down into categories like “employed versus pursuing higher education versus postponing job search for whatever reason versus actually unemployed etc.” </p>
<p>I have to say I was shocked at the high number of “actually unemployed” people - close to 30%. A bit scary 
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<p>Within the business school, people tend to enjoy the experience and really like the advising. There are some complaints about some profs who have full-time jobs (at a corporation, or even at other universities) who don’t care as much about the students as profs in other fields, or don’t have as much time for them. The other side to this is that there are a lot of networking opportunities if students seek them out - being a good student means a lot, it can definitely mean a job after graduation. And some complaints about some classes being “silly” or “frivolous” (probably depends on whether you’re a marketing major or a financing major whether your classes will be frivolous!). But, that’s certainly not the majority of the experience of students. And there is a huge emphasis (within your peer group at least) on getting good grades, internships, etc. It seems a little more competitive than other departments. This has both it’s good and bad sides. But overall CP is a MUCH, much more “chill” school than a lot of the schools my friends went to. Sweatshirts and sweat pants is typical attire even for a sorority girl here, and there’s always the regular mix of students who do care about grades and those that don’t.</p>
<p>Re: the party atmosphere, certainly Maryland is considered to be a more academic school than Towson or Salisbury. Really, though, at every school a student must seek out his or niche - there are plenty of students who aren’t the crazy party type at UMCP (I’m not, none of my friends are), but I’m sure the same is true for Towson or Salisbury too. Really the only school that’s considered to NOT have a party reputation in the system is UMBC. The downside to that is it is still sort of considered a commuter school with a less active on-campus (and to some extent off campus) life than the other three we’ve been talking about.</p>
<p>I can’t really say much more about Towson versus Salisbury than I have said already, but I whole-heartedly agree about your sons and daughters going where they feel they fit in most, where they feel they have the best opportunity to join the activities that are meaningful to them and do important things with their time. It’s a tough recruiting world out there sure, but when it comes down to it, grades, experience, and recommendations are what matters, always. Go to a school where you can get good grades so you can get good internships and good recommendations and a good job, go to a school where you can get involved with things you are passionate about.</p>