Public Policy Analysis at University of Maryland-College Park

At one of Maryland's flagship universities, Public Policy Analysis graduates earn slightly more than the state median ($45,642 versus $44,636), placing them in the 60th percentile among Maryland programs. However, this matters less than it might seem—with only two schools offering this degree in Maryland, the comparison point is limited. More telling is that earnings barely edge above the national median of $44,740, despite UMD's selective admissions (45% acceptance rate, 1463 average SAT).

The debt load of $21,500 translates to a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary. This is squarely in line with both national and state benchmarks for the program. Students aren't paying a premium for the UMD name, but they're also not seeing a significant earnings advantage from it. First-year salaries in the mid-$40,000s are typical for policy analysis roles, which often start in government or nonprofit sectors where pay scales are standardized.

For families considering this program, the value proposition is straightforward: you'll get what you pay for—standard outcomes at standard costs. The moderate debt burden won't be crushing, but students passionate about policy work should understand they're entering a field where earnings growth matters more than starting salary. If your child is drawn to public service or government work, this is a solid path forward. If maximizing early earnings is the priority, other UMD programs deliver more immediate financial returns.