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Morgan State University delivers Maryland's most affordable Economics education at just $15,015 annually, while Johns Hopkins offers the same field for $18,161 despite its $63,340 sticker price. This $3,146 gap reflects how financial aid can level the playing field between public and private institutions. Maryland's proximity to federal agencies and the Baltimore-Washington corridor creates strong demand for economics graduates who understand government policy and regulatory frameworks. The state's 15 programs span from Frostburg's rural campus to Baltimore's urban centers, with net costs ranging up to $29,633. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with four of the five cheapest options being state schools. However, private institutions like Johns Hopkins demonstrate that generous aid packages can make elite education accessible, producing graduates earning $75,047 annually.
15
Programs
$15,015 – $29,633
Net Price Range
$51,404
Avg. Program Earnings
67.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
2 $15,323 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
3 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
4 $16,456 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
5 $16,791 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
6 $18,092 $13,920
7 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
8 $18,328 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
9 $18,362 $15,236 68.0% 77.3%
10 $20,923 $49,647 63.8% 82.1%
11 $23,707 $45,870 55.3% 77.9%
12 $23,774 $51,250 60.0% 80.2%
13 $24,987 $47,240 58.0% 79.6%
14 $29,095 $54,356 74.1% 74.7%
15 $29,633 $55,480 80.5% 83.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Johns Hopkins' low net price for Economics despite high tuition?

Johns Hopkins charges $63,340 in tuition but offers substantial financial aid that reduces the average net cost to $18,161 for Economics students. This represents a discount of over $45,000 annually through need-based and merit aid. The university's 7.25% acceptance rate indicates selectivity that often correlates with generous aid packages. Graduates earn $75,047 on average, justifying the investment through strong career outcomes.

How do Maryland's public universities compare for affordable Economics programs?

Maryland's public universities cluster between $15,015 and $18,362 in net costs, with Morgan State leading at $15,015 and UMBC at the higher end with $18,328. University of Maryland-College Park offers the best value proposition with a net cost of $15,590 and 88.6% graduation rate. In-state tuition ranges from $8,118 at Morgan State to $15,236 at St. Mary's College, reflecting different funding models across the state system.

Does location within Maryland affect Economics program costs?

Baltimore-area schools show significant cost variation, from Morgan State's $15,015 to Loyola's $29,633, demonstrating how institutional type matters more than location. Rural programs like Frostburg State ($15,323) and Washington College in Chestertown ($29,095) span the same price spectrum. The proximity to Washington D.C. creates job opportunities but doesn't necessarily drive up program costs. Private institutions in any location typically cost more than public alternatives regardless of their specific Maryland placement.

What career outcomes can Economics graduates expect in Maryland?

Economics graduates in Maryland earn between $41,565 and $75,047 annually, with Johns Hopkins leading at $75,047 and St. Mary's College at the lower end with $41,565. The state's proximity to federal agencies, think tanks, and policy organizations creates strong demand for economics expertise. Debt loads range from $12,250 at Johns Hopkins to $27,000 at Washington College, with most graduates carrying manageable debt relative to their earning potential. The Baltimore-Washington corridor provides abundant opportunities in government consulting, financial services, and policy analysis.

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