Human Resources Management and Services at University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus produces HR graduates who earn solidly above the national average from day one—$53,685 versus the $50,361 national median—and they see healthy earnings growth to $64,649 by year four. That's a 20% bump that outpaces many business programs. The debt load of $26,552 is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, which means graduates are borrowing less than half their first year's salary. In Maryland's limited HR program landscape (only two schools offer this degree), UMGC matches the state median, performing at the 60th percentile.

The real question is whether these outcomes justify choosing UMGC over other Maryland institutions. While the earnings trajectory is positive, graduates aren't breaking into the top quartile nationally. For families prioritizing steady, middle-class employment with reasonable debt, this program delivers. The large sample size (100+ graduates) means these numbers reflect consistent outcomes, not outliers. However, if your child is weighing this against other business degrees or schools with stronger networking advantages, consider that HR salaries tend to plateau earlier than some other business disciplines.

This works as a practical choice for students seeking a respectable HR credential without excessive debt, especially those who need the flexibility of UMGC's online-focused model. The financial fundamentals are sound—just don't expect exceptional returns.