At $6,007/yr net price, Coppin State University graduates earn $46,490/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,490/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,007 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,028 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,490/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,490/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,635/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,960/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,140/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,586/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,238/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,231 | $23,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $47,260 | $68,598 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $20,017 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $36,132 | $29,982 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,864 | $30,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,046 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,772 | $25,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,839 | $35,250 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $25,000 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $32,595 |
The Risk Factor
25.6% of students at Coppin State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Coppin State University offers excellent value for nursing students but troubling returns for most other majors. The low net price of around $6,000 annually makes this one of Maryland's most affordable four-year options, yet the 26% graduation rate creates serious completion risk that undermines potential returns.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $73,000 while carrying just $23,000 in debt. This program delivers strong ROI in Baltimore's healthcare job market. However, other health-related programs show concerning debt loads, particularly rehabilitation and therapeutic professions where graduates face nearly $69,000 in debt for $47,000 salaries.
Education, biology, and health administration majors earn in the mid-to-upper $30,000s with moderate debt burdens, creating weak long-term returns despite the low upfront costs. The overall median earnings of $46,490 reflects the nursing program's success but masks poor outcomes elsewhere.
You face significant completion risk here. Nearly three out of four students who start never graduate, and the 73% retention rate signals early academic struggles. If you struggle academically or lack strong support systems, this risk becomes your primary concern.
Coppin works financially if you can secure admission to nursing and have the academic preparation to complete the program successfully. The school also makes sense if you need to stay local in Baltimore while minimizing debt. However, if you're considering other majors or have admission options elsewhere with higher graduation rates, those alternatives likely offer better financial prospects even at higher upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coppin State University worth the cost?
Coppin State has a very low net price at $6,007 per year, but graduates earn only $46,490 after 10 years and the graduation rate is just 25.6%. The nursing programs offer strong returns with graduates earning over $73,000, but other majors show weaker outcomes.
What programs at Coppin State University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Coppin State deliver the strongest returns, with graduates earning $73,231 annually. Other health-related fields like rehabilitation earn around $47,260, while education and general biology majors earn significantly less at $35,000-38,000.
How much debt do Coppin State University graduates have?
Coppin State graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. However, with median earnings of $46,490, debt-to-income ratios vary widely depending on your major.
Why is Coppin State University's graduation rate so low?
Only 25.6% of students graduate from Coppin State, which significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.