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Maryland accounting students face a remarkable $23,626 cost difference between the most and least affordable programs. Coppin State University charges just $6,007 net price while private institutions like Mount St. Mary's reach $24,987. This gap reflects the state's position near Washington D.C., where accounting professionals serve federal agencies, defense contractors, and the region's growing cybersecurity firms. Public universities dominate the lower cost range, with six schools under $17,000. University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $64,387 annually despite moderate net costs of $15,590. The proximity to federal employment creates strong demand for accounting graduates who understand government contracting and compliance requirements. Maryland's 17 programs serve students from Baltimore's urban center to rural Princess Anne, offering paths into both private sector and government accounting careers.
17
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
2 $14,035 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
3 $14,514 $7,992 29.6%
4 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
5 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
6 $15,323 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
7 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
8 $16,456 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
9 $16,791 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
10 $17,546 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
11 $18,092 $13,920
12 $18,328 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
13 $20,923 $49,647 63.8% 82.1%
14 $23,707 $45,870 55.3% 77.9%
15 $24,987 $47,240 58.0% 79.6%
16 $26,806 $39,708 66.4% 84.1%
17 $29,633 $55,480 80.5% 83.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $58,000 earnings gap between Maryland accounting programs?

University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduates earn $37,568 while UMD-College Park graduates make $64,387, a difference of $26,819. This gap reflects program reputation, alumni networks, and proximity to high-paying employers. College Park's location near Washington D.C. provides access to federal agencies and major corporations that typically offer higher starting salaries than rural markets.

How do public university costs compare to private schools for accounting in Maryland?

Public universities average around $16,000 in net costs while private schools reach $24,000 or higher. Coppin State offers the lowest cost at $6,007, followed by University of Maryland Eastern Shore at $14,035. Private institutions like McDaniel College charge $20,923 despite offering similar career outcomes to many public alternatives.

Is University of Maryland-College Park worth the higher cost for accounting students?

UMD-College Park charges $15,590 but delivers strong value with 88.6% graduation rates and $64,387 median earnings. Graduates carry just $15,000 in debt compared to $23,036 at Salisbury University. The program's proximity to federal agencies and major accounting firms justifies the moderate premium over cheaper alternatives.

Where do most affordable Maryland accounting programs cluster geographically?

The cheapest options concentrate in Baltimore and the Eastern Shore regions. Coppin State and Morgan State both operate in Baltimore with net costs under $16,000. University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne offers rural access at $14,035. Frostburg State provides mountain region access at $15,323 with decent career outcomes.

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