Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Based on comparable engineering programs in Maryland, Morgan State's graduates can expect starting salaries around $64,000—solidly in the middle of the pack for the state and just shy of the $68,000 national benchmark. With estimated debt of roughly $26,000, the financial equation looks reasonable: you'd be borrowing less than half of that first-year salary, which puts loan payments at a manageable level for an engineering career. For context, Morgan State serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (54%), making this a particularly important pathway for students who might not otherwise access engineering degrees.
The uncertainty here matters, though. These figures come from peer programs rather than Morgan State's actual graduate outcomes, so there's less clarity about how this specific program performs. What we can say is that engineering credentials generally hold their value—the field has consistent employer demand and clear career progression. The debt load, while not trivial, shouldn't be crushing on an engineering salary.
The practical takeaway: if your child is drawn to Morgan State for reasons beyond the numbers—location, community, specific faculty—the estimated financials don't raise red flags. But given the lack of program-specific data, it's worth directly asking the school about placement rates, employer partnerships, and where recent graduates actually landed. Those conversations will tell you more than state averages can.
Where Morgan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,118 | $64,116* | — | $25,832* | — | |
| $8,898 | $73,839* | — | $18,166* | 0.25 | |
| $55,480 | $64,116* | $80,796 | $27,000* | 0.42 | |
| $9,998 | $62,968* | — | $23,750* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911* | — | $26,056* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.