At $15,590/yr net price, University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $82,860/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $48,860/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,590 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,360 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $82,860/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$48,860/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 88.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,603/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,327/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,237/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,855/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,239/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $112,923 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,102 | $64,438 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $101,746 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $94,112 | $35,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $84,653 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $80,466 | $20,417 |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $73,949 | |
| Agricultural Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,164 | $22,437 |
| Physics. | Doctoral | $72,899 |
The Risk Factor
88.6% of students at University of Maryland-College Park graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Maryland-College Park delivers strong financial returns with median earnings exceeding $80,000 annually and relatively low debt loads. The $15,590 net price makes this one of the better values among flagship public universities, especially given the 88% graduation rate.
Your major choice matters significantly at UMD. Business administration graduates earn over $106,000 but carry $64,000 in debt, creating a less favorable debt-to-income ratio. Engineering programs offer better balance, with general engineering majors earning $94,000 while carrying just $35,500 in debt. Aerospace engineering provides the strongest ROI among STEM fields at over $101,000 annually. Educational administration tops all programs at nearly $113,000, though this typically requires graduate study.
The biggest financial risk at UMD is program selection. While flagship status opens doors across majors, earnings vary dramatically by field. Liberal arts and social science majors may struggle to justify even the relatively modest costs given Maryland's competitive job market.
UMD works best financially for in-state students pursuing business, engineering, or computer science. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs that may not justify the premium over their home flagship unless targeting specific highly-ranked programs. The low percentage receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, making family income a key factor.
Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive given UMD's selectivity. Your best cost strategy involves graduating in four years, which the 95% retention rate and strong academic support make achievable. The Washington DC proximity creates internship opportunities that boost post-graduation earning potential, particularly for business and policy-related majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Maryland-College Park worth the cost?
University of Maryland-College Park offers solid value with a net price of $15,590 and graduates earning $82,860 after 10 years. The relatively low debt load of $19,000 and strong 89% graduation rate make it a good investment for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Maryland-College Park?
Educational Administration leads at $112,923, followed by Business Administration at $106,102 and Aerospace Engineering at $101,746. These programs significantly outperform the school's average graduate earnings of $82,860.
How much student debt do University of Maryland-College Park graduates have?
The median debt is $19,000, which is manageable compared to the $82,860 starting salary most graduates earn. This debt-to-income ratio makes repayment realistic for most students.
Does University of Maryland-College Park have good financial aid?
With a net price of $15,590 for in-state students, UMD provides decent value through state funding and aid programs. Out-of-state students face much higher costs that may not justify the return on investment.