Median Earnings (1yr)
$78,033
52nd percentile (40th in MD)
Median Debt
$31,000
24% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.40
Manageable
Sample Size
67
Adequate data

Analysis

Morgan State engineering graduates earn slightly below the Maryland median ($78,033 versus $79,606), but they're doing so while carrying above-average debt—ranking 40th percentile among Maryland's six engineering programs. This matters because stronger alternatives like University of Maryland-College Park deliver notably higher earnings ($85,500) for comparable debt levels. The program does perform at the national median, but for Maryland families paying in-state tuition, the comparison to other state options is more relevant.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $31,000, graduates owe more than the national median but meaningfully less than typical four-year debt loads. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, most graduates should manage repayment without severe financial strain. Earnings growth of 12% over four years suggests reasonable career progression, though this doesn't close the gap with top state programs.

For families choosing between Maryland engineering schools, this program represents a viable but not optimal investment. The moderate sample size suggests stable outcomes, and Morgan State's mission serving students from lower-income backgrounds (54% receive Pell grants) adds value beyond pure earnings. However, if your student can access UMD-College Park—whether through transfer or direct admission—the $7,500 earnings premium annually would compound significantly over a career. Morgan State works as an engineering pathway, just not the strongest one available in-state.

Where Morgan State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Morgan State UniversityOther electrical, electronics and communications engineering programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Morgan State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Morgan State University graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all electrical, electronics and communications engineering bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Morgan State University$78,033$87,460$31,0000.40
University of Maryland-College Park$85,500$89,937$23,8040.28
Capitol Technology University$79,606—$27,6490.35
National Median$77,710—$24,9890.32

Other Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering Programs in Maryland

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park
$11,505$85,500$23,804
Capitol Technology University
Laurel
$27,318$79,606$27,649

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Morgan State University, approximately 54% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 67 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.