Students at Notre Dame of Maryland University achieve substantially higher earnings than similar students at comparable institutions, with graduates earning roughly $13,800 more than expected.
This earnings premium, combined with strong graduation rates and zero loan defaults, demonstrates the university's effectiveness in preparing students for financial success.
Notre Dame of Maryland University is a small private nonprofit institution in Baltimore that delivers exceptionally strong long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. Despite serving a relatively modest student body, the university consistently produces graduates who earn significantly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $65,344, placing the university in the 87th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
The university's strength lies in its focused academic programs, particularly in nursing and health sciences, which drive much of its strong return on investment. With about 32% of students receiving Pell Grants and 41% being first-generation college students, Notre Dame of Maryland maintains meaningful access while delivering outcomes typically associated with more selective institutions. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, it combines solid access with strong graduate earnings.
What sets Notre Dame of Maryland apart is its ability to generate substantial earnings premiums for graduates. Students earn roughly $13,800 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's effectiveness in preparing students for high-value careers. This combination of personalized education, career-focused programs, and strong alumni outcomes makes it a compelling choice for students seeking both academic support and long-term financial security.
Notre Dame of Maryland University's program portfolio reflects its focus on professional preparation and career-oriented education. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, graduating 69 students who earn a median of $71,295 ten years after graduation, making it the clear economic engine of the institution. This program combines substantial scale with excellent financial outcomes, reflecting the strong demand for nursing professionals in the Baltimore region and beyond.
General Studies represents the university's largest program by footprint, graduating 40 students who earn about $41,725 in their early careers. While earnings are more moderate, this program serves students seeking flexibility in their academic path and career preparation. The contrast between nursing and general studies outcomes illustrates how program choice significantly impacts long-term financial results at the institution.
The university's strength lies in its concentrated focus on health sciences and professional programs rather than broad academic diversity. This specialization allows for deep expertise, strong industry connections, and targeted career preparation that translates into the substantial earnings premiums graduates achieve. Students benefit from faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, and professional networks that are particularly strong in nursing and related health fields, contributing to the university's overall reputation for career preparation and graduate success.
Graduates of Notre Dame of Maryland University achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that significantly exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $65,344, with the university ranking in the 87th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. More importantly, graduates earn approximately $13,800 more than similar students at comparable institutions, representing one of the strongest earnings premiums among small private colleges. This earnings advantage reflects the university's effectiveness in preparing students for high-value careers and connecting them with opportunities that maximize their long-term earning potential.
The university's program portfolio drives much of this strong return on investment. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate return program, graduating 69 students who earn a median of $71,295 ten years out, combining substantial enrollment with excellent pay outcomes. General Studies, while representing the largest program footprint with 40 graduates, shows more moderate earnings at $41,725, reflecting the diverse career paths students pursue. The concentration in nursing and health-related fields helps explain the university's overall earnings strength, as these programs consistently lead to stable, well-compensated careers with strong growth potential.
The university's small size creates advantages for career preparation and professional networking. With focused programs and close faculty relationships, students receive personalized guidance that helps them maximize their career potential. This individualized approach, combined with the university's location in Baltimore's healthcare and professional services market, contributes to the substantial earnings premiums graduates achieve compared with peers at similar institutions.
Affordability at Notre Dame of Maryland University presents a mixed picture, with higher upfront costs balanced by strong long-term financial outcomes. Low-income students pay about $17,820 annually, while middle-income families face costs around $24,228, and high-income families pay approximately $28,315. These net prices are higher than typical public universities but reflect the personalized education and small class sizes that characterize private college experiences. The university ranks in the 27th percentile nationally for affordability, indicating that costs are above average compared with similar institutions.
Debt levels are manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $22,666, while Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,458 for families who choose this option. With graduates earning a median of $65,344 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment without significant financial strain. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes the higher costs more sustainable is the substantial earnings premium graduates achieve. Earning roughly $13,800 more than similar students at comparable institutions means the additional upfront investment typically pays off through stronger long-term financial outcomes. For families who can manage the higher net prices, Notre Dame of Maryland offers a clear path to enhanced earning potential that justifies the premium pricing structure.
Notre Dame Of Maryland University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
