Compare 7 General Studies. programs in Maryland. Average earnings: $43,544.
General Studies programs produce graduates earning between $36,533 and $49,700—a $13K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in Maryland, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation alone.
Salisbury University's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $49,700, while the state average sits at $43,544. Frostburg State follows closely at $47,725, showing that regional public universities can deliver strong outcomes. Notre Dame of Maryland rounds out the top three at $47,178, proving program strength varies within institution types.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Salisbury University graduates borrow $21,000 and face a 10.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. For families considering parent loans, Frostburg State leads with a 24.7% family burden, demonstrating that the best financial choice depends on your payment strategy.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Salisbury UniversityPublic | $49,700 | 66 | $21,000 | Good | $33,815 | High |
| #2 | $47,725 | 52 | $21,105 | Good | $21,004 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $47,178 | 40 | $22,666 | Manageable | $22,517 | High | |
| #4 | Coppin State UniversityPublic | $43,786 | 15 | $25,000 | Manageable | $14,554 | High |
| #5 | Washington CollegePrivate | $40,188 | 8 | $26,956 | Challenging | $54,726 | High |
| #6 | Morgan State UniversityPublic | $39,699 | 90 | $27,250 | Challenging | $22,000 | High |
| #7 | St. John's CollegePrivate | $36,533 | 124 | $27,000 | High | $28,485 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
