Morgan State University combines an 83% acceptance rate with excellent mobility outcomes, ranking at the 91.5th percentile nationally. The institution serves 54.4% Pell-eligible students while delivering median earnings of $50,698, demonstrating effective pathways to economic advancement for diverse student populations with controlled debt levels.
Modestly below-average outcomes relative to educational investment
Showing above-average performance in managing costs relative to outcomes
The institution's top-tier performance in enrolling Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Exceptional ability to convert educational access into economic advancement for lower-income students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisMorgan State University combines accessible admission with manageable debt levels and reasonable post-graduation earnings. The institution's median student debt of $27,250 remains well above the peer median of $21,105, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54.
However, this debt burden coincides with controlled net costs averaging $15,015 annually, below the peer median of $14,093. Earnings range from $27,900 at the 25th percentile to $75,737 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines.
Students from lower-income backgrounds seeking an accessible public university with strong STEM programs. Well-suited for first-generation college students and those prioritizing economic mobility over prestigious selectivity.
Morgan State's excellent access and mobility performance, combined with manageable costs, makes it ideal for students seeking pathways to middle-class careers.
Morgan State University maintains an open access admission policy, accepting approximately 83% of applicants. This places the institution within the "Open Access" selectivity tier, meaning roughly 4 out of 5 applicants receive admission offers.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Morgan State's selectivity aligns closely with similar public institutions serving diverse student populations. This level of accessibility means that students with varied academic backgrounds can gain admission, though success depends on meeting basic academic preparation requirements.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Morgan State University's published cost of attendance reaches $24,778 annually, including $8,118 in-state tuition, $12,755 for room and board, and $2,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $18,800 in tuition.
However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $15,015 representing $9,763 in financial aid savings. This net price falls $922 below the peer median of $14,093, positioning Morgan State as moderately affordable within its comparison group.
The financial aid system substantially reduces costs for most families, with the difference between sticker price and average net price demonstrating robust aid programming. Net prices vary considerably by family income, ranging from $10,666 for the lowest-income families to $19,600 for middle-high income families, then declining to $16,768 for the highest income tier.
This pricing structure reflects need-based aid targeting that provides the greatest support to families with the least capacity to pay. The cost structure supports Morgan State's mission of providing accessible higher education to students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining reasonable pricing even for families receiving minimal aid.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
12 graduates
Construction Management, General.
22 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
86 graduates
Industrial Engineering.
30 graduates
Civil Engineering, General.
97 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grambling State University Similar quality tier (#261 ranked) | LA | 24% | $41,109 | #261 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Morgan State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/morgan-state-university/analysis.
Excellent access and mobility performance
Morgan State University demonstrates top-tier performance in access and mobility, ranking at the 91.5th percentile nationally for mobility outcomes. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, this medium-sized public historically black university maintains an open admission policy with an 83% acceptance rate while serving diverse student populations.
The institution enrolls 54.4% Pell-eligible students and 33.1% first-generation students, reflecting its commitment to educational accessibility. Morgan State delivers earnings of $50,698 ten years after enrollment, around the national average at the 43rd percentile.
However, graduates earn modestly below expectations relative to similar students, with value-added earnings of negative $2,835. The combination of exceptional access, above-average affordability, and strong mobility outcomes places Morgan State within the category of institutions that prioritize educational opportunity while supporting economic advancement for underrepresented student populations.
For most applicants, admission to Morgan State represents a realistic goal rather than a competitive reach. The open access model reflects the institution's mission to provide educational opportunity to students who might face barriers at more selective institutions.
Students should focus on academic preparation and degree completion rather than admission strategy, as the primary challenge lies in successfully navigating college-level coursework once enrolled. The relatively high acceptance rate allows students to build college lists that include Morgan State as a reliable option while exploring other institutions that match their academic and career interests.
Morgan State University graduates demonstrate modest earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $40,065 six years after enrollment to $46,142 at eight years and $50,698 at ten years, representing 26.5% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 2,410 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures.
Graduates earn $2,835 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Morgan State at the 43rd percentile for earnings uplift. Despite this modest underperformance relative to expectations, low-income graduates earn $39,900, which supports economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The earnings distribution spans from $27,900 at the 25th percentile to $75,737 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.7:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles. Approximately 24.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study based on program mix analysis, indicating preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Compared to the peer median of $50,116, Morgan State graduates earn $582 more annually, positioning the institution favorably within its comparison group.
Morgan State University offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Construction Management ranks #8 nationally and #1 in Maryland, producing 22 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $88,644 and a value score of 75.9.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering ranks #56 nationally and #1 in Maryland, graduating 86 students with median earnings of $87,460. Civil Engineering ranks #128 nationally and #2 in Maryland, with 97 graduates earning $68,737.
Several programs demonstrate strong state-level performance: Forensic Social Work ranks #29 nationally and #4 in Maryland with 61 graduates earning $49,525, while Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #56 nationally and #4 in Maryland. Business Administration and Management represents one of the largest programs with 87 graduates, reflecting student demand despite more modest earnings of $53,322.
The engineering programs collectively establish Morgan State's reputation in technical fields, while diverse offerings in education, business, and social services provide pathways for students with varied career interests.
University Of Rhode Island Similar quality tier (#262 ranked) | RI | 77% | $69,743 | #262 | Compare |
Grand Valley State University Similar quality tier (#264 ranked) | MI | 95% | $56,118 | #264 | Compare |
Tennessee Technological University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#266 ranked) | TN | 83% | $48,501 | #266 | Compare |
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Similar quality tier (#267 ranked) | IL | 97% | $56,346 | #267 | Compare |
