Cheapest Business Administration Colleges in Maryland

Maryland's business programs reveal a striking gap between public and private options, with net costs ranging from $6,007 at Coppin State University to nearly $24,000 at private colleges. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique advantages for business students, as federal contracting, cybersecurity firms, and biotech companies drive demand for management professionals throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with seven schools offering business programs under $17,000 annually. University of Maryland-College Park stands out among budget options, combining a modest $15,590 net cost with the highest graduate earnings at $59,314. The federal government remains Maryland's largest employer, creating steady demand for business administration graduates who understand regulatory environments and government contracting processes. Private institutions like McDaniel College and Hood College charge significantly more but maintain strong alumni networks in the region's competitive job market.

Programs

$6,007 – $29,633

Net Price Range

$45,945

Avg. Program Earnings

57.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland	$6,007	$7,001	25.6%	45.0%
2	University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland	$14,035	$8,898	34.6%	81.6%
3	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$7,992	29.6%
4	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
5	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026	$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
6	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
7	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
8	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
9	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
10	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
11	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
12	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335	$8,999	38.1%	86.5%
13	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
14	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707	$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
15	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
16	Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, Maryland	$24,536	$41,910	51.9%	69.6%
17	Capitol Technology University Laurel, Maryland	$24,678	$27,318	46.7%	64.3%
18	Stevenson University Owings Mills, Maryland	$26,806	$39,708	66.4%	84.1%
19	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%
20	Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland	$29,633	$55,480	80.5%	83.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Maryland-College Park strong among affordable business programs?

Despite a net cost of just $15,590, UMD graduates earn $59,314 annually, nearly $10,000 more than the next highest earners. The university maintains an 88.60% graduation rate, far above other affordable options. Students graduate with only $19,500 in debt, well below the state average. The College Park campus connects directly to D.C.'s business corridor through Metro access.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for business majors?

Public universities average under $17,000 in net costs, while private colleges range from $20,923 to $23,774 annually. The price gap reaches nearly $18,000 between Coppin State at $6,007 and Goucher College at $23,774. In-state students at public universities pay between $7,001 and $12,952 in tuition. Private institutions offer substantial financial aid, reducing sticker prices by $20,000 to $27,000.

Does proximity to Washington D.C. affect business graduate earnings?

Maryland business graduates benefit significantly from federal employment opportunities, with salaries ranging from $31,854 to $59,314. University of Maryland Global Campus graduates earn $54,198 despite the school's online focus, reflecting strong demand for business skills in government contracting. Regional employers include federal agencies, defense contractors, and cybersecurity firms. The Baltimore-Washington corridor offers more business opportunities than most college markets.

What graduation rates can students expect from affordable Maryland business programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from 25.60% at Coppin State to 94.60% at Johns Hopkins University. Mid-tier public universities like Salisbury and Towson achieve 67% graduation rates while maintaining affordable costs. Frostburg State graduates 52.10% of students at a net cost of $15,323. Private colleges generally maintain higher completion rates, with McDaniel College graduating 63.80% of business students.

How much student debt do Maryland business graduates typically carry?

Business graduates leave with debt levels between $17,250 and $28,973, depending on their school choice. Towson University produces the lowest debt loads at $17,250, while Morgan State graduates average $28,973. University of Maryland-College Park keeps debt at $19,500 despite strong earning potential. Private colleges like McDaniel and Hood maintain debt levels around $25,000, reasonable given their higher sticker prices.

More Business Administration, Management and Operations Rankings

Best Value Business Administration, Management and Operations in Maryland Business Administration, Management and Operations Under $20,000 in Maryland

All Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs Best Colleges in Maryland Best Business Administration, Management and Operations in Maryland

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