University of Maryland Global Campus vs Kennesaw 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 Global Campus comes out ahead: 63/100 to 60/100, a 3-point edge over Kennesaw 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, Kennesaw State University runs $15,048 a year against $22,063 at University of Maryland Global Campus - $7,015 more a year, or about $28,060 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland Global Campus graduates earn a median $65,287 against $57,552 at Kennesaw State University. The cost earns itself back in 7.5 years at University of Maryland Global Campus and 8.9 years at Kennesaw State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Maryland Global Campus owing a median $21,000 versus $23,833 at Kennesaw State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.62 - 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 Gl... | Kennesaw State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,136 | $5,808 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $12,336 | $17,736 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,063 | $15,048 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $88,252 | $60,192 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,700 | $38,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $65,287 | $57,552 |
| Graduation Rate | 33.3% | 52.2% |
| Payback Period | 7.5 yr | 8.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $23,833 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $253 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.62 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 62.7% | 69.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 45.4% | 60.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 69.2% |
| Enrollment | 49,664 | 41,254 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Maryla... | Kennesaw State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $21,830 | $12,235 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $24,400 | $12,661 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $24,400 | $15,185 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | N/A | $18,263 |
| $110,001+ | N/A | $19,309 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Maryla... | Kennesaw State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $104,450 | $87,935 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $101,498 | $83,249 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $100,937 | $95,958 |
| Information Science | $100,208 | $84,364 |
| International Relations | $82,263 | $61,971 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $78,512 | $81,002 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $79,801 | $70,708 |
| Accounting | $76,478 | $77,710 |
| Marketing | $60,811 | $72,089 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,848 | $55,033 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $67,181 | $59,675 |
| Psychology | $58,439 | $50,645 |
| History | $55,336 | $43,954 |
| English Language and Literature | $54,444 | $50,587 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Maryla... | Kennesaw State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 75 | 79 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 79 | 69 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 45 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 13 | 44 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 22 | 38 |
| Overall ROI Score | 63 | 60 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Maryland Global Campus edges out Kennesaw State University by 3 points (63 vs 60), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Kennesaw State University
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.