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University of Maryland-Baltimore County vs Johns Hopkins University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Johns Hopkins University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,236 in 1.9 years versus 3 years at University of Maryland-Baltimore County, on median earnings of $87,555 vs $69,960 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Maryland-Baltimore CountyJohns Hopkins University
Net price / yr$16,467$18,809
Total net cost$65,868$75,236
Median earnings, 10 yrs$69,960$87,555
Median debt$19,500$10,250
Payback3 yrs1.9 yrs
20-year net return$366,132$708,664

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

Which is cheaper, University of Maryland-Baltimore County or Johns Hopkins University?

University of Maryland-Baltimore County, at $16,467 a year after aid versus $18,809 — a gap of $2,342 a year, or $9,368 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Maryland-Baltimore County or Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more?

Johns Hopkins University graduates report a median $87,555 ten years after entry, $17,595 more than the $69,960 at University of Maryland-Baltimore County. 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, University of Maryland-Baltimore County or Johns Hopkins University?

Johns Hopkins University: its completers carry a median $10,250 in federal loans versus $19,500 at University of Maryland-Baltimore County, a difference of $9,250. 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 70% at University of Maryland-Baltimore County. 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.

University of Maryland-Baltimore County vs Johns Hopkins University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Maryland-Baltimore County or Johns Hopkins University a better value?
Johns Hopkins University. It clears its $75,236 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 3 years at University of Maryland-Baltimore County, on median earnings of $87,555 vs $69,960 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Maryland-Baltimore County or Johns Hopkins University?
University of Maryland-Baltimore County: $16,467/yr net price after aid versus $18,809/yr at Johns Hopkins University — a difference of $2,342 a year, or about $9,368 over four years.
Do University of Maryland-Baltimore County or Johns Hopkins University graduates earn more?
Johns Hopkins University graduates earn a median $87,555 ten years after entry, versus $69,960 at University of Maryland-Baltimore County — a $17,595 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.