At $14,035/yr net price, University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduates earn $47,697/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,697/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,035 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,140 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,697/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,697/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,634/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,164/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,886/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,771/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,204/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,486 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,964 | |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $61,516 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $31,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $46,478 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $24,750 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $32,658 | $20,437 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,854 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $28,000 |
The Risk Factor
34.6% of students at University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns for specific health and engineering programs but concerning outcomes for most students. The pharmacy program stands out with median earnings of $119,486, delivering strong ROI that justifies any debt load. Allied health professions also provide solid returns at $101,964 annually.
The concerning reality is that two-thirds of students never graduate, making this a high-risk investment for many. With a 34.6% graduation rate and 66% retention rate, your chances of completing a degree are statistically poor. The median debt of $27,000 becomes problematic when combined with the overall median earnings of just $47,697.
Computer science graduates earn $47,260 while carrying $31,000 in debt, creating a weak return compared to other schools. Student counseling pays even less at $46,478, making those programs poor financial choices at UMES.
This school works financially if you can gain admission to pharmacy or allied health programs and have strong academic preparation to beat the graduation odds. The $14,035 net price is reasonable for Maryland residents, and 52.6% of students receive aid.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering general programs, lack strong study habits, or need extensive academic support. The low retention and graduation rates suggest many students struggle academically or financially. Community college transfer or stronger four-year institutions offer better odds of degree completion and career outcomes for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Maryland Eastern Shore worth the cost?
University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers mixed value depending on your program. While the low net price of $14,035 makes it affordable, the 35% graduation rate and median earnings of $47,697 ten years after enrollment suggest limited returns for most students.
What programs at University of Maryland Eastern Shore have the best ROI?
Pharmacy and allied health programs at University of Maryland Eastern Shore deliver strong returns, with pharmacy graduates earning around $119,486 and allied health professionals earning $101,964. Most other programs show weaker financial outcomes relative to the time investment.
How much debt do University of Maryland Eastern Shore students typically graduate with?
University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of Maryland Eastern Shore have a good graduation rate?
University of Maryland Eastern Shore has a 35% graduation rate, which is well below the national average. This means roughly two-thirds of students who enroll do not complete their degree within six years.