Frostburg State University
- Graduation Rate
- 51% C-
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $55,493 B
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $16,715 C
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 89% D+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C+ overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 22.7× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $22.7 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $22.7 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,450,216.
What The Data Says
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A C+ overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Earnings 36% above the national college median.
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Every $1 invested returns $22.7 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Why Frostburg State University Matters
Frostburg State University is a public university in Frostburg, MD and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 2,909
- Setting
- Town
- Primary Strengths
- Health Professions, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Psychology
Why students choose Frostburg State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 89% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $16,715 a year after grants and scholarships — 2% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $55,493 ten years after enrolling — 36% above the typical college, against $21,105 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Strong cross-class social capital — an economic-connectedness score of 1.65 (Opportunity Insights).
See mobility →Overview
With an acceptance rate of 89%, Frostburg State University is a fitting choice for students seeking a welcoming environment that emphasizes personal growth and academic exploration. This public university, located in the scenic hills of Maryland, stands out for its focus on practical programs like Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science & IT, Business & Marketing, and Psychology. Students here can expect a diverse learning experience that prepares them for various career paths.
Looking at life after graduation, students can anticipate a median earning of about $55,493 ten years post-degree. While the graduation rate sits at 51%, those who complete their education often find themselves in a solid financial position. The affordability factor is also worth noting—especially for students receiving Pell Grants, who make up 32% of the student body. This financial support can significantly ease the transition into the workforce.
In terms of cost, the average net price after aid is approximately $16,715, and the median debt for graduates is $21,105. This balance makes Frostburg a practical option for students who are budget-conscious yet eager to achieve their educational goals. Those who thrive here tend to be self-motivated, ready to engage in campus life, and willing to take advantage of the support systems available to help them succeed.
Rankings
- #13 Best Education Colleges in Maryland
- #15 Best Psychology Colleges in Maryland
- #16 Best Biology Colleges in Maryland
- #17 Best Bachelor's Programs in Maryland
- #17 Best Master's Programs in Maryland
- #22 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland
- #22 Best Nursing Colleges in Maryland
- #25 Best Computer Science Colleges in Maryland
Can I Get In?
How selective Frostburg State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Frostburg State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Frostburg, Maryland, Frostburg State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 89%. Admitted students typically arrive with a mid-range ACT score around 21. The graduation rate is roughly 51%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Retention Rate
- 69%
- ACT Midpoint
- 21
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $9,386
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.61
- First-Gen Students
- 36%
- Applicants
- 3,976
- Admitted
- 3,494
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Frostburg State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Frostburg State University is $25,814, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $16,715. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $12,129 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $21,105 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $10,220
- Out-of-State
- $25,814
- Avg Net Price
- $16,715
- Median Debt
- $21,105
- Pell Grant Rate
- 32%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 38%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $12,129
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $12,240
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $15,709
- Family Income $110K+
- $23,297
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Frostburg State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Frostburg State University earn a median of $55,493, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $43,638
- 8 Years
- $50,909
- 10 Years
- $55,493
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.38x
- Earning > $25K
- 64%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (248)
- 26%
- 100% (248)
- 26%
- 100% (248)
- 26%
- 100% (248)
- 26%
How Frostburg Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Frostburg State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Frostburg State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $16,715/year ($66,860 total). Graduates earn $55,493 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,517,076 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,450,216 (22.7× your investment). The median debt is $21,105, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 51% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $66,860
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,517,076
- Net Return
- $1,450,216
- ROI Multiple
- 22.7×
- Cost Per Year
- $16,715
- Median Debt
- $21,105
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $2,871,570
- Investment Income
- $358,823
Top Programs
The fields Frostburg State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
- Health Professions 22%
- Social Sciences 13%
- Business & Marketing 9%
- Psychology 8%
- Education 8%
- Computer Science & IT 6%
- Humanities 5%
- Visual & Performing Arts 3%
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Frostburg State University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
- B-Software Developer$132,270 · 25% growthVulnerable 40
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Frostburg State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Frostburg, Maryland, Frostburg State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 89%. Admitted students typically arrive with a mid-range ACT score around 21. The graduation rate is roughly 51%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Frostburg State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Frostburg State University is $25,814, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $16,715. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $12,129 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $21,105 in federal student loans.
Is Frostburg State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Frostburg State University earn a median of $55,493, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
How Connected Is Frostburg State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Frostburg State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.65, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.01), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 6% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Frostburg State University.
- SUNY College of Technology at DelhiDelhi, NY · Close peer47% grad $51,629 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Fitchburg State UniversityFitchburg, MA · Close peer54% grad $53,874 earn 87% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusTeaneck, NJ · Close peer58% grad $57,273 earn 91% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Keene State CollegeKeene, NH · Close peer59% grad $54,368 earn 90% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth, NH · Close peer50% grad $57,304 earn 88% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- SUNY at FredoniaFredonia, NY · Close peer52% grad $54,247 earn 78% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Frostburg State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Frostburg State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.65, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.01), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 6% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note