At $18,328/yr net price, University of Maryland-Baltimore County graduates earn $69,960/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,960/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,328 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,312 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,960/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,960/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,048/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,374/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,506/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,763/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,013/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $75,383 | $41,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,112 | $19,744 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $72,134 | $28,537 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $70,009 | $19,500 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,600 | $20,500 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $62,111 | $19,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,240 | $19,563 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Certificate | $57,318 |
The Risk Factor
70.6% of students at University of Maryland-Baltimore County graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Maryland-Baltimore County delivers solid financial returns with a net price under $20,000 and median earnings approaching $70,000 ten years after graduation. The school's location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor creates strong job placement opportunities, particularly in technology and government contracting.
Your best financial bets are business administration and computer engineering, both offering strong earnings potential with manageable debt loads. Information science pays well but saddles you with twice the typical debt at $41,000, making the return less attractive despite higher starting salaries. Education programs through curriculum and instruction offer surprisingly strong earnings for the field.
The main financial risk is UMBC's 70% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree premium. The 87% retention rate suggests most students who start make it to year two, but three in ten still don't graduate.
UMBC works financially if you're Maryland resident pursuing STEM fields or business, can handle the academic demands, and want proximity to DC-area employers without paying private school prices. Out-of-state students should look elsewhere unless they receive significant aid, as the higher tuition erases the value proposition.
Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either families can afford the costs or aid packaging is limited. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your strategy should focus on graduating in four years and leveraging Baltimore-Washington internship opportunities to maximize your post-graduation earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Maryland-Baltimore County worth the cost for the salary you'll earn?
UMBC graduates earn a median of $69,960 after 10 years, which is solid but not exceptional given the $18,328 annual net cost. The return on investment is reasonable for most students, though not outstanding compared to other Maryland public universities.
Which programs at University of Maryland-Baltimore County have the best ROI?
Business Administration and Curriculum and Instruction lead with $76,460 median earnings, followed by Information Science at $75,383. Computer Engineering also pays well at $73,112, making these the strongest financial choices at UMBC.
How much debt do University of Maryland-Baltimore County students typically graduate with?
UMBC graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. This relatively low debt load helps improve the overall value proposition for most students.
Is University of Maryland-Baltimore County a good value for students who don't finish their degree?
With a 70.6% graduation rate, nearly 30% of UMBC students don't complete their degrees. Those who don't graduate still face debt without the earning potential that comes with a diploma, making completion rates a real financial risk to consider.