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Morgan State University vs St. John's College: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Morgan State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,940 in 25.6 years versus 56.6 years at St. John's College, on median earnings of $50,698 vs $51,584 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMorgan State UniversitySt. John's College
Net price / yr$14,985$45,597
Total net cost$59,940$182,388
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,698$51,584
Median debt$27,250$27,000
Payback25.6 yrs56.6 yrs
20-year net return-$13,180-$117,908

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

Which is cheaper, Morgan State University or St. John's College?

Morgan State University, at $14,985 a year after aid versus $45,597 — a gap of $30,612 a year, or $122,448 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 St. John's College graduates earn more?

St. John's College graduates report a median $51,584 ten years after entry, $886 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 St. John's College?

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

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at St. John's College, 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 St. John's College: frequently asked questions

Is Morgan State University or St. John's College a better value?
Morgan State University. It clears its $59,940 net cost in about 25.6 years versus 56.6 years at St. John's College, on median earnings of $50,698 vs $51,584 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Morgan State University or St. John's College?
Morgan State University: $14,985/yr net price after aid versus $45,597/yr at St. John's College — a difference of $30,612 a year, or about $122,448 over four years.
Do Morgan State University or St. John's College graduates earn more?
St. John's College graduates earn a median $51,584 ten years after entry, versus $50,698 at Morgan State University — a $886 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.