University of Maryland Global Campus vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Maryland Global Campus and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus come out about even on financial return. University of Maryland Global Campus scores 63/100 and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus scores 62/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Maryland Global Campus runs $22,063 a year against $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - $10,812 more a year, or about $43,248 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 $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. The cost earns itself back in 7.5 years at University of Maryland Global Campus and 9.5 years at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Maryland Global Campus owing a median $21,000 versus $25,000 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.57 - 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... | Pennsylvania State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,136 | $20,644 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $12,336 | $41,790 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,063 | $32,875 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $88,252 | $131,500 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,700 | $43,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $65,287 | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 33.3% | 86.1% |
| Payback Period | 7.5 yr | 9.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $25,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $265 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 62.7% | 79.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 45.4% | 74.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 60.6% |
| Enrollment | 49,664 | 42,284 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Maryla... | Pennsylvania State U... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $21,830 | $19,845 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $24,400 | $20,049 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $24,400 | $25,667 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | N/A | $31,834 |
| $110,001+ | N/A | $37,831 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Maryla... | Pennsylvania State U... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $101,498 | $120,729 |
| Registered Nursing | $104,450 | $91,032 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $100,937 | $98,637 |
| Information Science | $100,208 | $91,671 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $78,512 | $96,714 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | $93,246 | $81,617 |
| Accounting | $76,478 | $88,192 |
| International Relations | $82,263 | $68,918 |
| Human Resources Management | $67,012 | $81,755 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $79,801 | $72,218 |
| Marketing | $60,811 | $79,343 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $77,259 | $60,193 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $70,119 | $75,396 |
| Non-Professional Legal Studies | $70,845 | $60,745 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,848 | $56,877 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Maryla... | Pennsylvania State U... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 75 | 46 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 79 | 64 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 58 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 13 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 22 | 68 |
| Overall ROI Score | 63 | 62 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Maryland Global Campus edges out Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus by 1 points (63 vs 62), 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
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
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.