At $14,514/yr net price, University of Maryland Global Campus graduates earn $65,287/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,287/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,514 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,287/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,287/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.6% |
| 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 | $14,514/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Doctoral | $103,078 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $89,921 | $35,875 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $87,068 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $87,025 | $41,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $83,768 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Certificate | $77,401 | |
| Biotechnology. | Master | $75,921 | $37,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $75,518 | $12,500 |
| Security Science and Technology. | Master | $74,953 | $39,520 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,006 | $40,166 |
The Risk Factor
29.6% of students at University of Maryland Global Campus 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 Global Campus delivers strong financial returns despite concerning graduation metrics. The $14,514 annual net price produces a median 10-year salary of $65,287, creating solid value for students who complete their degrees.
Business and technology programs drive the school's earning power. Business majors earn $103,078 annually, making this degree one of the strongest financial bets at UMGC. Computer and information technology fields cluster around $85,000-$90,000 in earnings, though some carry higher debt loads of $35,000-$41,000 compared to the school median of $21,000.
The major red flag is UMGC's 29.6% graduation rate and 52.8% retention rate. You face significant risk of leaving without a degree, which would eliminate any return on investment. This pattern suggests the school attracts many working adults who struggle to balance education with other responsibilities.
UMGC works best for disciplined students pursuing business or technology degrees who can handle the online-heavy format. The low net price makes it affordable even if you need extra time to graduate. However, students needing extensive support or campus community should look elsewhere.
Only 28.4% of students receive financial aid, indicating either limited need-based support or a student population that doesn't qualify for traditional aid. The school's focus on working adults and military personnel means many students use employer tuition assistance or military benefits rather than federal aid.
Your success at UMGC depends heavily on your ability to complete the program. The strong earning potential in key majors makes the financial risk worthwhile only if you have the self-direction and time management skills to reach graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Maryland Global Campus worth the cost?
UMGC offers decent value with a low net price of $14,514 and median debt of just $21,000. However, the 29.6% graduation rate is concerning, and the 10-year median earnings of $65,287 are modest compared to other Maryland schools.
What programs at University of Maryland Global Campus have the best ROI?
Business and technology programs show the strongest returns, with business graduates earning around $103,000 and computer/IT management graduates earning $87,000-$90,000 ten years after graduation. These programs justify the investment better than the school average.
How much debt do University of Maryland Global Campus graduates typically have?
UMGC graduates carry a median debt of $21,000, which is relatively manageable. The low net price helps keep borrowing down, though the poor graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Does University of Maryland Global Campus have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 29.6% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. While graduates in business and tech fields see decent earnings, the low completion rate indicates significant risk that students may not reach graduation to benefit from job placement services.