University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Baltimore
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 64/100, a 30-point edge over University of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore runs $13,868 a year against $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park - $1,810 more a year, or about $7,240 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 $61,335 at University of Baltimore. The cost earns itself back in 4.2 years at University of Maryland-College Park and 7.4 years at University of Baltimore.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Maryland-College Park owing a median $19,000 versus $23,250 at University of Baltimore. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.38 and 0.52 - 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... | University of Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,809 | $9,992 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,186 | $23,984 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,678 | $13,868 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $62,712 | $55,472 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $50,100 | $45,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $82,860 | $61,335 |
| Graduation Rate | 88.6% | 38.2% |
| Payback Period | 4.2 yr | 7.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,000 | $23,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $201 | $246 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.38 | 0.52 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 85.5% | 56.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 83.0% | 52.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 44.8% | 78.7% |
| Enrollment | 30,760 | 1,133 |
| SAT Range | 1400-1530 | 740-1330 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Maryla... | University of Baltim... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $2,962 | $11,680 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $6,051 | $14,337 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,273 | $17,472 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,250 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | $26,691 | $19,406 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Maryla... | University of Baltim... |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science | $109,092 | $54,529 |
| Accounting | $97,314 | $73,028 |
| English Language and Literature | $59,288 | $48,981 |
| Psychology | $57,575 | $48,862 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Maryla... | University of Baltim... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 88 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 97 | 80 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 89 | 70 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 95 | 18 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 87 | 13 |
| Overall ROI Score | 94 | 64 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Maryland-College Park clearly outperforms University of Baltimore (94 vs 64), a 30-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless University of Baltimore 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
University of Baltimore
Fair 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.