At $15,015/yr net price, Morgan State University graduates earn $50,698/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,698/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,015 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,060 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,698/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,698/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,666/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,284/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,670/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,600/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,768/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | Doctoral | $91,744 | |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $27,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,660 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,964 | $28,544 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $26,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,218 | $20,909 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $51,750 | $33,500 |
| Social Work. | Master | $47,673 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.6% of students at Morgan 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
Morgan State University offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's $15,015 annual net price keeps debt manageable, but the 41% graduation rate creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Social work graduates earn $91,744 annually, making it the clear winner financially. Engineering programs also deliver strong returns, with industrial and general engineering graduates earning around $69,338 and electrical engineering majors earning $65,964. Nursing graduates can expect $67,660 annually. These programs justify the investment and position you well in Baltimore's healthcare and engineering job markets.
The major risk at Morgan State is the low graduation rate. With only 4 in 10 students finishing their degrees, you face real odds of leaving with debt but no credential. The 71% retention rate shows many students struggle after freshman year. If you're not academically prepared or lack strong support systems, this school poses financial danger.
Morgan State works best financially if you're pursuing one of the high-earning majors and have the academic foundation to graduate. The school serves Maryland residents well with its affordable tuition, and the Baltimore location provides internship and job opportunities in healthcare and government sectors.
Avoid Morgan State if you're considering lower-earning majors or if your academic record suggests you might struggle to complete your degree. The combination of modest overall earnings and poor graduation rates makes this a risky investment unless you're committed to one of the strong programs and confident in your ability to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morgan State University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Morgan State University offers reasonable value with a net price of $15,015 per year and graduates earning $50,698 after 10 years. However, the 41.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at Morgan State University?
Social Work graduates from Morgan State earn the highest median salary at $91,744, followed by Industrial Engineering at $69,338. These programs offer strong earning potential that justifies the investment, while other majors may not provide the same return.
How much student debt do Morgan State University graduates typically have?
Morgan State graduates leave with a median debt of $27,250, which is manageable given the $50,698 average earnings after 10 years. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for most graduates who complete their degrees.
Should I attend Morgan State University if I'm considering engineering programs?
Morgan State's engineering programs show solid returns, with Industrial and General Engineering graduates earning around $69,338 and Electrical Engineering graduates earning $65,964. These salaries make the investment worthwhile for students who successfully complete these demanding programs.