At $15,323/yr net price, Frostburg State University graduates earn $55,493/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,493/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,323 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,292 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,493/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,493/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,105 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,930/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,850/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,130/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,905/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,754/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,719 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $16,750 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $18,500 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,426 | $31,761 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,789 | $37,462 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,153 | $22,001 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,363 | $19,938 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,398 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,637 | $25,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
52.1% of students at Frostburg State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Frostburg State University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The school's $15,323 annual net price creates reasonable debt levels for most graduates, but a 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their degree.
Business Administration stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $78,719 annually while carrying just $20,500 in debt. Nursing also provides strong returns at $68,219 in earnings with below-average debt of $16,750. Engineering graduates earn $63,005 but face limited program availability at this regional campus.
Education majors face concerning economics at Frostburg. General Education graduates earn just $43,426 while carrying $31,761 in debt, and Teacher Education majors earn even less at $41,789 with significantly higher debt of $37,462. These programs create problematic debt-to-income ratios that could strain your finances for years.
The school works best for Maryland residents seeking affordable business or nursing degrees who can handle the academic demands. The 66% retention rate suggests many students struggle with coursework or campus fit. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want strong career networks, or plan to major in education.
Financial aid reaches only 33% of students, indicating limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but are competitive. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-earning major, as the relatively low graduation rate suggests many students accumulate debt without the income to justify it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frostburg State University worth the money?
Frostburg State offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $15,323 and manageable debt of $21,105. However, the 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who leave without a degree.
What are the highest paying majors at Frostburg State University?
Business Administration leads at $78,719 average earnings, followed by Nursing at $68,219 and Engineering at $63,005. Education majors earn significantly less at around $42,000, making the program harder to justify financially.
How much student debt do Frostburg State University graduates have?
The median debt of $21,105 is reasonable compared to many schools. With average earnings of $55,493 ten years after graduation, most graduates should be able to manage their loan payments.
What is the job market like for Frostburg State University graduates?
Graduates earn $55,493 on average ten years out, which is modest but reasonable given the school's affordable cost. The high acceptance rate and low graduation rate suggest academic standards may not prepare all students well for competitive job markets.