Students at the University of Maryland-College Park achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes available at any public university, with graduates earning well above typical levels ten years after enrollment.
The combination of exceptional earnings potential and strong affordability for low-income families makes Maryland a standout choice for students seeking both academic excellence and long-term financial success.
Azimuth ranks the University of Maryland-College Park 15th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 4% for overall value. What distinguishes Maryland is its ability to deliver exceptional long-term financial outcomes while maintaining the breadth and research intensity of a major flagship university. Graduates earn a median of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 96th percentile nationally, with many students achieving earnings well above $75,000 annually.
The university's strength lies in its combination of academic excellence and career preparation across high-demand fields. With robust programs in engineering, computer science, business, and information sciences, Maryland consistently channels students into well-paying careers that continue to appreciate over time. The institution serves as a launching pad for students seeking both immediate career success and long-term financial security.
As Maryland's flagship research university located near Washington D.C., the institution offers unparalleled access to internships, research opportunities, and career networks in government, technology, and business sectors. For students who can gain admission and manage the investment, Maryland represents one of the strongest combinations of academic prestige and financial return available at a public university.
The University of Maryland-College Park offers a diverse portfolio of programs with particularly strong outcomes in technology, engineering, and information sciences. Information Science represents the university's highest aggregate-return program, combining substantial enrollment of 559 graduates with solid median earnings of $66,485, making it a key economic engine for the institution. Computer Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $80,466 for its 98 graduates, reflecting the strong demand for technical skills in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Biology stands out as Maryland's largest program with 483 graduates, though early-career earnings of $25,484 reflect the field's typical trajectory toward graduate school or career transitions into higher-paying roles. Many biology graduates pursue medical school, graduate programs, or transition into biotechnology and pharmaceutical careers where long-term earnings potential is substantial. The program's large scale demonstrates Maryland's strength in preparing students for health-related and research careers.
The university's location near Washington D.C. provides exceptional advantages for students across all programs, with access to internships and career opportunities in government, technology companies, consulting firms, and research institutions. This geographic advantage helps explain why even programs with modest early earnings often lead to strong long-term career trajectories, as graduates benefit from one of the nation's most dynamic job markets.
The University of Maryland-College Park delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes among public universities nationwide. Graduates earn a median of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 96th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. This exceptional performance reflects both the university's academic strength and its strategic location near major employment centers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, where graduates benefit from access to high-paying careers in technology, government, consulting, and finance.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly but trend toward strong earnings across most fields. Information Science stands out as Maryland's highest aggregate-return major, combining substantial enrollment of 559 graduates with solid median earnings of $66,485. Computer Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $80,466 for its 98 graduates, while Biology represents the largest program with 483 graduates earning $25,484 early in their careers. Even programs with more modest early earnings, like Biology, often lead to strong long-term outcomes as graduates pursue advanced degrees or transition into higher-paying roles.
The university's location in the high cost-of-living Washington D.C. region means graduates enter a competitive job market where salaries must stretch to cover higher housing and daily expenses. However, the strong earnings levels and career advancement opportunities available in this major metropolitan area typically more than compensate for the increased living costs, making Maryland an excellent long-term investment for career-focused students.
Affordability at the University of Maryland-College Park varies significantly by family income, with the strongest value proposition for low-income students. Families earning under $30,000 annually pay just $3,603 in net price, making Maryland exceptionally accessible for Pell-eligible students. Middle-income families face moderate costs around $12,237 per year, while higher-income households pay $26,239 annually, reflecting the typical pricing structure of a flagship public research university.
The university's financial aid strategy prioritizes need-based support, which helps explain why low-income students receive such substantial assistance. This approach makes Maryland particularly attractive for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who might otherwise find flagship-level education financially out of reach. The institution's strong graduation rates and exceptional post-graduation earnings help justify the investment across all income levels.
For families considering borrowing, Maryland's outcomes provide confidence in debt serviceability. With graduates earning well above national averages and the university's location providing access to high-paying career opportunities, most students can comfortably manage typical debt levels. The combination of strong need-based aid for lower-income families and exceptional earnings outcomes creates a sustainable affordability model that works across the income spectrum.
University Of Maryland-College Park Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
