Baltimore, MD · Private University
Is University of Maryland-Baltimore County Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$69,960
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,952
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,308
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$121,232
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.31x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
70.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,328
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Maryland-Baltimore County graduates earn $24,960 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Maryland-Baltimore County ranked by graduate earnings
50 graduates
221 graduates
64 graduates
273 graduates
119 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Maryland-Baltimore County
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Maryland-Baltimore County, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Engineering: $99,299) and the lowest (Music: $39,896) is $59,403/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer EngineeringBest ROI | $99,299 | 3.3x |
| Computer Science | $95,052 | 3.1x |
| Chemical Engineering | $85,876 | 2.8x |
| Information Science/Studies | $82,936 | 2.7x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $82,502 | 2.7x |
| Mathematics | $74,668 | 2.5x |
| Economics | $68,275 | 2.3x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $61,985 | 2.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $57,577 | 1.9x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $53,762 | 1.8x |
| Biology, General | $53,673 | 1.8x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $52,755 | 1.7x |
| Social Work | $52,571 | 1.7x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | $50,731 | 1.7x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $49,889 | 1.6x |
| International/Global Studies(1yr data) | $49,115 | 1.6x |
| Psychology, General | $48,488 | 1.6x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $48,306 | 1.6x |
| Sociology | $47,327 | 1.6x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $45,665 | 1.5x |
| Area Studies | $44,928 | 1.5x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $44,605 | 1.5x |
| Chemistry(1yr data) | $44,215 | 1.5x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $43,351 | 1.4x |
| MusicLowest | $39,896 | 1.3x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | 2.31x | $69,960 | Strong ROI |
| James Madison University | 2.27x | $69,954 | Strong ROI |
| University of Delaware | 1.84x | $72,950 | Good ROI |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | 2.50x | $61,767 | Strong ROI |
| Rowan University | 2.35x | $59,988 | Strong ROI |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | 2.35x | $84,276 | Strong ROI |
The Bottom Line
University of Maryland-Baltimore County stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $69,960 10 years after starting — $24,960 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.5 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.