University of Maryland-College Park vs Bowie State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead: 94/100 to 40/100, a 54-point edge over Bowie State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Maryland-College Park runs $15,678 a year against $19,298 at Bowie State University - $3,620 more a year, or about $14,480 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn a median $82,860 against $54,537 at Bowie State University. The cost earns itself back in 4.2 years at University of Maryland-College Park and 11.1 years at Bowie State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Maryland-College Park owing a median $19,000 versus $22,985 at Bowie State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.38 and 0.67 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Maryland-Co... | Bowie State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,809 | $9,218 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,186 | $19,938 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,678 | $19,298 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $62,712 | $77,192 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $50,100 | $34,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $82,860 | $54,537 |
| Graduation Rate | 88.6% | 38.2% |
| Payback Period | 4.2 yr | 11.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,000 | $22,985 |
| Monthly Payment | $201 | $244 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.38 | 0.67 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 85.5% | 43.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 83.0% | 35.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 44.8% | 72.4% |
| Enrollment | 30,760 | 5,043 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Maryla... | Bowie State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $2,962 | $17,071 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $6,051 | $16,646 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,273 | $19,163 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,250 | $22,808 |
| $110,001+ | $26,691 | $24,919 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Maryla... | Bowie State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $86,590 | $70,427 |
| History | $60,089 | $68,077 |
| Sociology | $65,974 | $57,075 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $65,136 | $53,181 |
| Biology | $64,867 | $59,995 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $62,362 | $55,788 |
| Teacher Education | $58,086 | $60,746 |
| English Language and Literature | $59,288 | $48,707 |
| Psychology | $57,575 | $54,082 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Maryla... | Bowie State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 55 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 97 | 55 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 89 | 35 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 95 | 18 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 87 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 94 | 40 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Maryland-College Park clearly outperforms Bowie State University (94 vs 40), a 54-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Bowie State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Maryland-College Park.
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University of Maryland-College Park
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Bowie State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.