The University of Maryland was established in the mid 18th century as a public research education institution in Maryland. There are 12 colleges & schools within the university that together offer 200 degree programs in which 90+ are undergraduate, and 100+ are master's, and 80+ are doctoral programs. The university is a constituent member of the Association of American Universities. Moreover, it's a part of the Big 10 Conference. Thus, it also indulges in intercollegiate athletics. The university's proximity to the country's capital has strengthened the research relationships with the federal government. This university receives funding and support from the agencies like NASA, Food & Drug Administration, Carnegie Foundation, National Institute of Health, and National Institute of Standards & Technology. The Cargnie Foundation has claimed that this university exists among the top tier research universities and the educational quality of this institution is competitive to most of the private Ivy League Universities. UMD has consistently ranked under top 100 universities at the national as well as international level. The university's campus is famous for Mckeldin Mall and red-brick Georgian buildings. Credit for the popularity of Mckeldin Mall goes to its size because it's among the biggest academic malls. Moreover, McKeldin Mall is surrounded by various academic buildings on the north as well as south end. Apart from this, the university incorporates departments like College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Natural & Agriculture Resources, and Arts & Humanities. Due to the prestige of its College Park, the university's enrollment procedure has become more selective than ever.