Business Administration, Management and Operations at Morgan State University

Morgan State's business program produces earnings that lag significantly behind Maryland's competitive market. With first-year graduates earning $40,361—about $11,000 less than the state median and $5,000 below the national average—this program ranks in the bottom quartile among both Maryland schools and national business programs. That's particularly stark in a state where University of Maryland-College Park grads start at $66,000 and even Towson manages $55,000.

The upside is that debt remains manageable at $31,000 (compared to Maryland's $25,000 median), and earnings grow steadily, reaching $53,000 by year four. That 32% growth trajectory is respectable and brings graduates closer to market rates over time. For families where Morgan State's access-oriented mission (54% Pell recipients, 83% admission rate) opens doors that flagship universities might not, this trade-off could make sense—you're accepting lower starting earnings in exchange for degree completion and career entry.

The bottom line: This works if your child needs Morgan State's supportive environment to finish their degree, but understand they'll start their career earning substantially less than peers from other Maryland business programs. The debt is reasonable enough that catching up over time is feasible, though those first few years will require careful budgeting. If your child can gain admission to Maryland's more selective programs, the earnings gap argues for pursuing those options instead.