At $16,456/yr net price, Salisbury University graduates earn $61,515/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,515/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,456 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,824 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,515/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,515/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,351/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,779/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,904/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,344/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,689/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,576 | $24,313 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,267 | $21,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $22,000 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $57,564 | $23,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,931 | $23,036 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $54,296 | $30,208 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,537 | $20,250 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $53,358 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,823 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,112 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
67.4% of students at Salisbury University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Salisbury University delivers solid financial returns for a regional public school, though your major choice will largely determine your economic outcome. The combination of relatively low debt loads and decent earnings makes this a financially sensible option for most Maryland residents.
Computer science stands out as the clear winner, generating nearly $75,000 in median earnings with manageable debt. Nursing also provides strong returns at over $63,000, making both programs excellent investments. Business majors land in the middle tier with finance and accounting graduates earning in the mid-to-upper $50,000s, which represents fair value given the debt levels.
Your biggest financial risk lies in choosing lower-earning liberal arts programs that saddle you with similar debt but weaker job prospects in the Delmarva Peninsula's limited economy. The 67% graduation rate signals that one in three students never finish, making degree completion your primary concern.
This school works best for in-state students pursuing high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, or business who want to stay in the mid-Atlantic region. Out-of-state students should look elsewhere unless they receive substantial aid, as the premium rarely justifies the limited alumni network and regional job market.
With only 24% of students receiving need-based aid, Salisbury operates more as a middle-class institution than a destination for low-income students. Merit scholarships exist but competition is fierce. Your smartest financial strategy involves graduating on time in a marketable major while minimizing borrowing through in-state residency and summer work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salisbury University worth the cost for the average student?
With a net price of $16,456 and median earnings of $61,515 ten years after graduation, Salisbury University offers decent value for a public institution. However, the 67% graduation rate means one in three students won't finish their degree, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying majors at Salisbury University?
Computer science graduates earn the highest salaries at $74,576, followed by nursing at $63,267. Business majors in finance and accounting see more modest returns around $56,000-$58,000, which is reasonable given the school's lower tuition costs.
How much debt do Salisbury University graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $21,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. Most graduates can expect monthly payments around $200-250, making this debt burden reasonable for the earning potential.
Does Salisbury University provide good value compared to other Maryland schools?
Salisbury offers solid value for students who complete their degree, especially in technical fields. The relatively low cost helps offset the modest earning potential, though students should be aware of the below-average graduation rate.