University of Maryland-College Park
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$46,020
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$32,785/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1325%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Maryland-College Park has a strong return on investment. The median debt for graduates is $19,000. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $56,509. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $67,785, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $82,860.
The debt-to-income ratio is favorable. The in-state tuition is $11,505. With a median debt of $19,000 and earnings of $56,509 one year after graduation, the debt is manageable relative to income.
The break-even timeline is relatively short. Given the tuition cost and earnings, graduates likely recoup their tuition investment within a year or two of graduating. The high earnings and manageable debt contribute to a positive financial outcome for graduates.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,505
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$67,785
Graduation Rate
89%
Receive Financial Aid
23%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | $46,020 | $95,042 | 2509% |
| Biology, General. | $46,020 | $57,608 | 883% |
| Economics. | $46,020 | $72,814 | 1543% |
| Public Health. | $46,020 | $58,232 | 910% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $46,020 | $130,292 | 4041% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $46,020 | $95,162 | 2515% |
| Political Science and Government. | $46,020 | $67,120 | 1296% |
| Engineering, General. | $46,020 | $121,019 | 3638% |
| Criminology. | $46,020 | $60,067 | 989% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $46,020 | $63,691 | 1147% |
| Psychology, General. | $46,020 | $54,690 | 756% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $46,020 | $89,980 | 2289% |
Peer Comparison
1325%
20yr ROI
946%
20yr ROI
1212%
20yr ROI
2168%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.