15 Economics Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
|
$18,161 | $75,047 | $63,340 | 94.6% | 7.3% |
| 2 |
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, Maryland
|
$15,590 | $51,760 | $11,505 | 88.6% | 44.6% |
| 3 |
Salisbury University
Salisbury, Maryland
|
$16,456 | $48,823 | $10,638 | 67.4% | 91.1% |
| 4 |
McDaniel College
Westminster, Maryland
|
$20,923 | $60,623 | $49,647 | 63.8% | 82.1% |
| 5 |
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Baltimore, Maryland
|
$18,328 | $47,260 | $12,952 | 70.6% | 80.6% |
| 6 |
Towson University
Towson, Maryland
|
$16,791 | $42,073 | $11,306 | 67.6% | 78.6% |
| 7 |
St. Mary's College of Maryland
St. Mary's City, Maryland
|
$18,362 | $41,565 | $15,236 | 68.0% | 77.3% |
| 8 |
Goucher College
Baltimore, Maryland
|
$23,774 | $46,087 | $51,250 | 60.0% | 80.2% |
| 9 |
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland
|
$29,633 | $54,713 | $55,480 | 80.5% | 83.5% |
| 10 |
Washington College
Chestertown, Maryland
|
$29,095 | $46,087 | $54,356 | 74.1% | 74.7% |
| 11 |
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, Maryland
|
$15,323 | $9,998 | 52.1% | 87.9% | |
| 12 |
Hood College
Frederick, Maryland
|
$23,707 | $45,870 | 55.3% | 77.9% | |
| 13 |
Morgan State University
Baltimore, Maryland
|
$15,015 | $8,118 | 41.6% | 85.4% | |
| 14 |
Mount St. Mary's University
Emmitsburg, Maryland
|
$24,987 | $47,240 | 58.0% | 79.6% | |
| 15 |
Strayer University-Maryland
Suitland, Maryland
|
$18,092 | $13,920 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Johns Hopkins economics program such strong value despite being private?
Johns Hopkins combines a relatively moderate $18,161 net price with the state's highest economics graduate earnings at $75,047 annually. The university's Baltimore location provides access to federal agencies, research institutions, and financial firms that actively recruit economics graduates. Students graduate with just $12,250 in median debt while achieving a 94.60% graduation rate, creating an outstanding cost-to-benefit ratio.
How do Maryland public universities compare for economics value?
University of Maryland-College Park leads public options with $51,760 graduate earnings at a $15,590 net cost and 88.60% graduation rate. Salisbury University offers strong regional value at $16,456 net cost with $48,823 earnings, while UMBC provides $47,260 earnings for an $18,328 investment. These public programs deliver solid returns while keeping debt levels manageable for in-state students.
Is the earnings gap between Maryland economics programs significant?
Graduate earnings span from $41,565 to $75,047 across Maryland economics programs, representing an $33,482 difference that reflects both institutional reputation and regional job market access. Private universities like Johns Hopkins ($75,047) and McDaniel College ($60,623) typically lead earnings, while some public options like St. Mary's College ($41,565) focus more on liberal arts preparation. The variation often correlates with proximity to Washington D.C.'s high-paying policy and consulting sectors.
Where do Maryland economics graduates typically find employment?
Maryland's location between Baltimore and Washington D.C. creates abundant opportunities in federal agencies, consulting firms, and financial services. The state hosts Federal Reserve operations, major defense contractors, and biotech companies that value economic analysis skills. Graduate earnings ranging from $41,565 to $75,047 often depend on whether students enter government positions, private consulting, or corporate roles in the broader mid-Atlantic region.
More Economics Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.