Bowie State University vs McDaniel College: which has better ROI?
McDaniel College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,664 in 7.1 years versus 12.5 years at Bowie State University, on median earnings of $60,663 vs $54,537 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Bowie State University | McDaniel College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,298 | $21,916 |
| Total net cost | $77,192 | $87,664 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,537 | $60,663 |
| Median debt | $22,985 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 12.5 yrs | 7.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $46,348 | $158,396 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Bowie State University or McDaniel College?
Bowie State University, at $19,298 a year after aid versus $21,916 — a gap of $2,618 a year, or $10,472 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Bowie State University or McDaniel College graduates earn more?
McDaniel College graduates report a median $60,663 ten years after entry, $6,126 more than the $54,537 at Bowie State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Bowie State University or McDaniel College?
Bowie State University: its completers carry a median $22,985 in federal loans versus $25,000 at McDaniel College, a difference of $2,015. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at McDaniel College, against 38% at Bowie State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.