Head-to-Head Comparison
Stevens Institute of Technology vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 11
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,678 vs Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346, University of Maryland-College Park delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 31% more than University of Maryland-College Park
Maryland-College Park
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $25,668 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stevens Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (45% of degrees); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over University of Maryland-College Park. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $82,860.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $15,678 vs $41,346.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stevens Institute of Technology and University of Maryland-College Park are close on paper, but University of Maryland-College Park wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Maryland-College Park is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,446 to 1,473.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Maryland-College Park sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $25,668 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $102,672 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park. That is a 31% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Maryland-College Park has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 31% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Maryland-College Park to keep costs and debt down; pick Stevens Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Maryland-College Park saves about $25,668 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $25,912 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Maryland-College Park leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $19,000 at University of Maryland-College Park.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and University of Maryland-College Park offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Stevens Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Maryland-College Park's enrollment of 30,760 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Maryland-College Park holds onto its admits more tightly: 22% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Stevens Technology — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
Rankings They Appear On
Stevens Institute of Technology is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Stevens Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (45% of enrollment), while Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stevens Institute of Technology is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Social Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,860 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 88%.
Should you choose Stevens Institute of Technology or University of Maryland-College Park?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens Institute of Technology if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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