University of Maryland-College Park ROI Analysis
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
above 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. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $56,509, which is significantly higher than the in-state tuition cost of $11,505. Five years post-graduation, earnings increase to $67,785, and after ten years, they reach $82,860. The high earnings potential suggests a positive return on investment for graduates.
The median debt for graduates is $19,000. With a starting salary of $56,509, the debt-to-income ratio is relatively low. The high earnings potential, combined with a manageable debt load, indicates a favorable financial outlook for graduates.
Given the tuition cost and the earnings trajectory, graduates likely break even on their investment within a few years of graduation. The high retention and graduation rates, at 95.7% and 88.9% respectively, suggest that most students successfully complete their degrees and enter the workforce, further supporting a positive return on investment.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $130,292 | 4041% |
| Information Science/Studies | $95,042 | 2509% |
| Economics | $72,814 | 1543% |
| Public Health | $86,599 | 2142% |
| Biology, General | $57,608 | 883% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $95,162 | 2515% |
| Engineering, General | $121,019 | 3638% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,980 | 2289% |
| Criminology | $60,067 | 989% |
| Political Science and Government | $67,120 | 1296% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $63,691 | 1147% |
| Psychology, General | $54,690 | 756% |
Peer Comparison
1325%
20yr ROI
946%
20yr ROI
1212%
20yr ROI
2168%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.