University of Maryland Global Campus vs University of Baltimore

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Maryland Global Campus and University of Baltimore come out about even on financial return. University of Maryland Global Campus scores 63/100 and University of Baltimore scores 64/100 - 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 Baltimore runs $13,868 a year against $22,063 at University of Maryland Global Campus - $8,195 more a year, or about $32,780 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 $61,335 at University of Baltimore. The cost earns itself back in 7.5 years at University of Maryland Global Campus and 7.4 years at University of Baltimore.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Maryland Global Campus owing a median $21,000 versus $23,250 at University of Baltimore. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 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.