University of Maryland-Baltimore County's published cost of attendance is $27,935 per year, including $12,952 in-state tuition, $14,204 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition costs of $30,308 annually.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,576 |
| Tuition and Fees | $31,275 |
| Room and Board | $15,146 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,109 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,467 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $5,087 |
| $30–48k | $10,714 |
| $48–75k | $16,543 |
| $75–110k | $22,172 |
| $110k+ | $25,439 |
University of Maryland-Baltimore County's published cost of attendance is $27,935 per year, including $12,952 in-state tuition, $14,204 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition costs of $30,308 annually. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $18,328 representing $9,607 in financial aid savings.
This net price falls $2,738 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating above-average affordability compared to similar institutions. The substantial gap between sticker price and actual cost reflects UMBC's commitment to making education accessible through need-based financial aid. Financial aid effectively reduces the published cost by 34.4%, demonstrating significant institutional and federal support for enrolled students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UMBC graduates carry median debt of $19,500, placing the institution in the 72nd percentile nationally and just $500 above the peer median of $20,000. Debt levels span from $7,398 at the 25th percentile to $25,250 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 indicates that median debt represents about 28% of first-year post-graduation earnings, reflecting manageable borrowing relative to income potential. Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $22,830 with monthly payments of $301 for families who utilize federal parent loans.
The controlled debt levels relative to earnings outcomes suggest that UMBC graduates typically avoid excessive borrowing that could compromise long-term financial stability. Compared to peer institutions, UMBC's slightly higher debt load is offset by earnings that exceed peer medians by $9,417, creating a favorable overall financial position.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of moderate debt and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $9,417 above the peer median while carrying debt just $500 above peer levels, creating favorable debt-to-earnings dynamics.
The return index places UMBC in the 79th percentile nationally with well above average performance, reflecting efficient translation of educational costs into long-term economic benefits. While earnings fall $2,132 below expectations relative to student demographics, this modest shortfall is offset by controlled borrowing and net prices below peer medians.
The 26.9% earnings growth from six to ten years after enrollment demonstrates sustained career progression that improves return over time. Median earnings of $69,960 support comfortable debt service on typical borrowing levels, with the 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio indicating sustainable financial obligations.
UMBC enrolls 29.6% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial service to lower-income families who qualify for federal grants. The average financial aid package of $9,607 reduces costs by more than one-third from the published sticker price of $27,935.
This aid targeting helps explain the progressive net price structure, where families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,048 compared to $27,013 for the highest-income tier. The significant Pell share demonstrates institutional commitment to educational access, as these students typically face the greatest financial barriers to college attendance.
Financial aid concentration toward need-based assistance reflects UMBC's public mission to serve diverse student populations regardless of economic background. The aid structure supports the institution's role as an Opportunity Builder, providing pathways for students from various economic circumstances.
