Est. Earnings (1yr)
$50,740
Est. from national median (31 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,621
Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

A business degree from University of Maryland Eastern Shore carries an estimated debt load of $24,621—slightly below what graduates typically face at similar institutions nationwide. With estimated first-year earnings around $50,740 based on comparable business programs, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests a manageable financial starting point. For context, this means roughly half a year's salary in debt, which is generally considered reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree.

What matters here is UMES's mission as a historically black university serving a student body where 53% receive Pell grants. The estimated earnings align exactly with the national median for business degrees, suggesting the program delivers market-competitive outcomes despite its focus on access. The 90% admission rate and significant Pell population indicate this institution prioritizes opportunity over selectivity, which is valuable when many business schools gate-keep.

The limitation is clear: these are estimates derived from peer programs because too few graduates participated in the earnings survey. For a parent deciding between multiple Maryland schools, that's a genuine information gap. But the estimated numbers tell a straightforward story—debt is manageable, earnings appear competitive with national norms, and the school serves students who might otherwise lack access to four-year business education. If your child is choosing UMES for its community, location, or fit, these estimates shouldn't raise red flags, though you'd benefit from connecting with actual alumni to supplement what limited data exists.

Where University of Maryland Eastern Shore Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Maryland Eastern ShorePrincess Anne$8,898$50,740*$24,621*
University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston$13,120$82,115*$29,062*0.35
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$80,842*$15,697*0.19
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$73,382*$78,432$27,000*0.37
Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester$59,070$72,850*$89,485$26,500*0.36
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$70,365*$89,440$26,000*0.37
National Median$50,740*$26,000*0.51
* Estimated from similar programs
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 University of Maryland Eastern Shore, approximately 53% 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 national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.