University of Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland · Public · 78.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
University of Baltimore scores 64 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale. The institution sits at the intersection of promising earnings outcomes and a troubled completion record: median 6-year earnings of $45,100 and a 7.4-year payback on $13,868 net price are decent for a public regional, but a 38.2% completion rate and a 56.3% repayment rate are serious structural problems. Fewer than two in five students who enroll here graduate; fewer than three in five borrowers are making progress on repayment. In-state tuition is $9,992. The student body is small (1,133 students) and predominantly non-traditional -- 44.9% Pell grant rate signals significant low-income and working-adult enrollment. Business Administration and Management is the dominant program (116 graduates), earning $52,329 year one and $71,211 at year four (C+ grade). Criminal Justice (31 graduates) earns $48,991 year one and $63,032 at year four (C+ grade). Scorecard does not report the 75001-110000 net price band. The earnings premium sub-score of 88 and payback of 7.4 years are the brighter parts of an otherwise mixed picture.
The data raises concerns about University of Baltimore
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- 6-year graduation rate38.2% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
University of Baltimore
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,992/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $23,984/yr |
| Average net price | $13,868/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $55,472 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,335 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $45,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $246 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 38.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,133 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Baltimore is $9,992/year ($23,984/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,868/year, or roughly $55,472 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,680/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $19,406/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $246 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $61,335 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.52 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,680 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,337 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,472 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | $19,406 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $11,680 per year. Scorecard does not report the 75001-110000 net price band. Against $45,100 median 6-year earnings and a 7.4-year payback, the low-income cost is defensible on paper -- but the 38.2% completion rate means most low-income students do not reach the graduation outcome that makes the math work. The combination of need-based enrollment and low completion is a high-risk profile for students with the least financial cushion.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $17,472. Scorecard does not report a value for the 75001-110000 bracket. At $17,472 per year, middle-income students are paying a moderate amount for a public institution. The financial case is reasonable for students who complete; the completion rate of 38% is the primary disqualifier for an undifferentiated recommendation.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $19,406 per year. This is low in absolute terms for a public university. High-income families considering this institution for a dependent are likely doing so because of specific program access, Baltimore geographic ties, or adult learner flexibility -- not because the earnings profile is exceptional. The 38.2% completion rate is the most important number for any income tier.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Baltimore with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $71,211 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $63,032 | C+ |
| Psychology | $48,862 | C |
| Human Services, General | $58,117 | D |
| Information Science | $54,529 | D |
| English Language and Literature | $48,981 | C |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $49,445 | D |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $64,305 | - |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other | $48,988 | C |
| Accounting | $73,028 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration and Management (116 graduates) is the dominant program and earns $52,329 year one and $71,211 at year four, with a C+ grade (debt-to-earnings 0.478, median debt $25,000). These are adequate earnings for an urban public with open admissions, reflecting Baltimore-area corporate and government sector employment. The C+ grade reflects moderate debt relative to earnings -- not a red flag but not exceptional either.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice (31 graduates) earns $48,991 year one and $63,032 at year four, with a C+ grade (debt-to-earnings 0.521, median debt $25,500). These are above-average criminal justice outcomes, partly reflecting Baltimore-area law enforcement and government salaries. The debt load is moderate and the ratio acceptable. This is among the better criminal justice outcomes in this batch.
Health and Medical Administrative Services
Health and Medical Administrative Services earns $53,551 year one and $66,614 at year four, with a C grade (debt-to-earnings 0.665, median debt $35,588). Graduate count is not reported. The debt figure of $35,588 is high relative to earnings, driving the C grade. Health administration roles in Baltimore's large medical system employers (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System) provide the earnings base here.
Psychology
Psychology (26 graduates) earns $34,426 year one and $48,862 at year four, with a C grade (debt-to-earnings 0.638, median debt $21,956). Year-one earnings are low and the debt-to-earnings ratio is elevated. Psychology at a regional public with open admissions and a 38% completion rate is a financially risky path. Students who plan to pursue graduate school in psychology should factor additional debt and time into their planning.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 51.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 56.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 52.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 58.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 78.7% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 370-680 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 370-650 |
| Enrollment | 1,133 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 44.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,975 |
At 78.7%, UBaltimore is broadly accessible. The wide SAT range (370-680 Math, 370-650 Reading) is consistent with open-access urban public enrollment. Admission is not a meaningful barrier; the institution accepts most applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements. Completion, not admission, is the primary challenge at this institution.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Miami University-Middletown, and Ohio University-Chillicothe. UBaltimore's ROI of 64 is the strongest in this peer group, driven by its earnings premium sub-score of 88. Bowie State and Coppin State serve similar Baltimore-area populations but have different program mixes and demographics. The peer set reflects urban commuter institutions more than academic comparability. UBaltimore's law school reputation (nationally ranked) creates a pipeline from the undergraduate institution to legal careers that the Scorecard does not capture in these earnings figures.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Baltimore (this school) | 64 | $13,868 | $61,335 |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | 72 | $10,864 | $66,479 |
| Miami University-Middletown | 63 | $10,809 | $55,076 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | 60 | $5,755 | $52,581 |
| Bowie State University | 40 | $19,298 | $54,537 |
| Coppin State University | 33 | $9,977 | $46,490 |
Who Thrives Here
University of Baltimore admits 78.7% of applicants. SAT mid-ranges are 370-680 Math and 370-650 Reading -- an extremely wide spread that reflects an open-access orientation. ACT data is not reported. Enrollment of 1,133 is small. The institution primarily serves Baltimore-area adult learners and career-changers seeking upper-division credentials and professional degrees. Students transferring from community college are a substantial population. The 38.2% completion rate means the modal outcome is not graduating, which should factor prominently into any enrollment decision. Students with a clear career goal and structured completion plan are better positioned than those who enroll with uncertainty.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Baltimore offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $13,868 per year leads to $55,472 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $61,335 a decade out. The payback period of 7.4 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 38.2% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $23,250 against $61,335 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.