Degree Dividend
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Morgan State University vs Johns Hopkins University: which has better ROI?

Public, Baltimore MD · vs · Private nonprofit, Baltimore MD

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Johns Hopkins University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,236 in 1.9 years versus 25.6 years at Morgan State University, on median earnings of $87,555 vs $50,698 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMorgan State UniversityJohns Hopkins University
Net price / yr$14,985$18,809
Total net cost$59,940$75,236
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,698$87,555
Median debt$27,250$10,250
Payback25.6 yrs1.9 yrs
20-year net return-$13,180$708,664

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Morgan State University or Johns Hopkins University?

Morgan State University, at $14,985 a year after aid versus $18,809 — a gap of $3,824 a year, or $15,296 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Morgan State University or Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more?

Johns Hopkins University graduates report a median $87,555 ten years after entry, $36,857 more than the $50,698 at Morgan 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, Morgan State University or Johns Hopkins University?

Johns Hopkins University: its completers carry a median $10,250 in federal loans versus $27,250 at Morgan State University, a difference of $17,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

94% of students finish at Johns Hopkins University, against 41% at Morgan 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.

Morgan State University vs Johns Hopkins University: frequently asked questions

Is Morgan State University or Johns Hopkins University a better value?
Johns Hopkins University. It clears its $75,236 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 25.6 years at Morgan State University, on median earnings of $87,555 vs $50,698 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Morgan State University or Johns Hopkins University?
Morgan State University: $14,985/yr net price after aid versus $18,809/yr at Johns Hopkins University — a difference of $3,824 a year, or about $15,296 over four years.
Do Morgan State University or Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more?
Johns Hopkins University graduates earn a median $87,555 ten years after entry, versus $50,698 at Morgan State University — a $36,857 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.