Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $64,387 annually after completing their accounting programs, the highest among Maryland's 17 schools offering accounting degrees. This strong return reflects the state's proximity to federal agencies and contractors who heavily recruit financial professionals. The cost spread tells an interesting story: public universities charge net prices between $6,007 and $18,328, while private schools range from $20,923 to $29,633. Maryland's accounting graduates benefit from the Washington D.C. metro area's concentration of government agencies, defense contractors, and consulting firms that require extensive financial oversight and compliance expertise. Public options like Salisbury University deliver solid outcomes with 67% graduation rates and $56,931 average earnings at just $16,456 net cost. Even the most expensive option, Loyola University Maryland at $29,633, produces graduates earning $64,865 annually with an 80% graduation rate.

Programs

$6,007 – $29,633

Net Price Range

$52,432

Avg. Program Earnings

55.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$64,387	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
2	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$51,440	$7,992	29.6%
3	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$56,931	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
4	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$54,717	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
5	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$45,383	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
6	University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland	$14,035	$37,568	$8,898	34.6%	81.6%
7	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$55,693	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
8	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$39,153	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
9	Strayer University-Maryland Suitland, Maryland	$18,092	$44,407	$13,920
10	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987	$56,157	$47,240	58.0%	79.6%
11	Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland	$29,633	$64,865	$55,480	80.5%	83.5%
12	Stevenson University Owings Mills, Maryland	$26,806	$58,479	$39,708	66.4%	84.1%
13	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328		$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
14	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707		$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
15	Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland	$6,007		$7,001	25.6%	45.0%
16	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026		$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
17	University of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland	$17,546		$9,772	46.7%	89.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $27,000 earnings gap between Maryland's highest and lowest accounting programs?

University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $64,387 compared to $37,568 at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, reflecting differences in alumni networks and regional job markets. College Park's proximity to Washington D.C. connects students to federal agencies and major consulting firms. Eastern Shore's rural location limits access to high-paying metropolitan opportunities. The 51% graduation rate difference also indicates varying program rigor and student support systems.

How do Maryland's public accounting programs compare to private alternatives in cost effectiveness?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with net costs averaging $15,000 compared to $25,000 at private schools. University of Maryland-College Park provides the best return at $15,590 net cost and $64,387 earnings. Private schools like Loyola achieve similar earnings but cost nearly double. Towson University delivers strong outcomes with $54,717 earnings at just $16,791 net cost, demonstrating that public options can compete effectively.

Does proximity to Washington D.C. impact accounting graduate earnings in Maryland?

Schools near the D.C. metro area consistently show higher graduate earnings, with College Park and Loyola both exceeding $64,000 annually. These institutions benefit from federal contractor recruiting and government agency internships. Rural programs like Frostburg State and Eastern Shore report earnings in the $37,000-$39,000 range. The federal government's massive financial operations create substantial demand for accounting professionals throughout the region.

What graduation rate trends appear among Maryland's accounting programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 25% at Coppin State to 88% at University of Maryland-College Park, indicating significant differences in student preparedness and institutional support. Private schools generally maintain rates between 55-80%, while public institutions range more widely. Schools with rates below 50% include Morgan State at 41% and Eastern Shore at 34%. Higher graduation rates typically correlate with better post-graduation earnings and lower student debt levels.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.