Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Maryland Baltimore

This University of Maryland Baltimore nursing program delivers solid early earnings but shows concerning patterns that warrant careful consideration. Graduates earn $78,568 in their first year—above the national average of $74,888 and ranking in the 65th percentile nationally. However, within Maryland's competitive nursing landscape, this program sits at just the 40th percentile, trailing the state median by nearly $1,000 and ranking 6th among 13 programs.

The debt picture is less favorable, with graduates carrying $21,500 in debt compared to the national median of $27,000—though this lands in the 84th percentile nationally, meaning most programs saddle students with less debt. More troubling is the negative earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn $3,200 less four years out than in their first year, suggesting limited career advancement potential compared to other nursing programs where earnings typically grow.

For a parent evaluating this investment, the 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable and the program provides reliable entry into a stable profession. However, given that several Maryland nursing programs offer both higher starting salaries and better growth potential—with top programs like UMD Global Campus reaching over $92,000—this represents a middle-tier option in a state with stronger alternatives. The robust sample size gives confidence in these figures, making this a safe but not exceptional choice for nursing education in Maryland.