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's financial picture is mixed. Your net price runs around $15,000 a year and median earnings ten years out sit near $50,700, which puts you slightly ahead of your median debt of $27,250. The return exists, but it's thin unless you pick the right major.
Engineering and nursing are where the money is. Industrial engineering graduates clear $69,000, and nursing and electrical engineering both land in the high $60,000s. Civil engineering stands out for a different reason: graduates earn over $61,000 while carrying only about $21,000 in debt, the best debt-to-earnings balance on the list. These programs feed Baltimore's healthcare systems and the mid-Atlantic construction and infrastructure market, so the jobs are local and real.
The risk is finishing at all. A 41.6% graduation rate means fewer than half of you cross the finish line, and retention drops to 71% after the first year. If you borrow the median debt and leave without a degree, you carry the loans with none of the earnings payoff. That is the single biggest financial danger here.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $10,700. the $30,000-$48,000 band pays roughly $13,300. Oddly, families earning $75,000-$110,000 pay the most at nearly $19,600, more than families above $110,000. If you sit in that upper-middle band, run your own aid numbers carefully.
Morgan State fits you if you're targeting engineering, nursing, or construction management and you're confident you'll graduate. If you're undecided on a major or shaky on finishing, the combination of a below-half graduation rate and $27,000 in typical debt makes this a gamble. Pick a high-earning program and commit to completing it, or the math works against you.
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.