Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Maryland-College Park vs Western Governors University
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 15
- Western Governors Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Western Governors University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Maryland-College Park achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 48%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $15,678 compared to Western Governors University's $12,548 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Western Governors University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Maryland-College Park
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, 37% more than Western Governors University
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
Western Governors
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $3,130 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,116, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Maryland-College Park graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (25% of degrees); Western Governors in Business & Marketing (28%). 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 University of Maryland-College Park over Western Governors University. Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment vs $60,615.
Pick Western Governors University over University of Maryland-College Park. Net price $12,548 vs $15,678.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Western Governors University. 89% completion rate vs 48%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Maryland-College Park and Western Governors University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
What it costs
On price, Western Governors University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $3,130 a year below University of Maryland-College Park's $15,678. Graduates of Western Governors University also borrow less: median debt of $11,116, against $19,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $12,520 before any change in aid. Choosing Western Governors University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates report median earnings of $82,860, compared with $60,615 at Western Governors University. That is a 37% advantage. Set against borrowing, Western Governors University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.23x.
So what: An earnings gap of 37% 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.
Finishing the degree
University of Maryland-College Park graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 48%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 40% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Western Governors University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Maryland-College Park for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: Medium. Both schools report 4 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. Western Governors University saves about $3,130 a year, yet University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $22,245 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. University of Maryland-College Park concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Western Governors University leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $15,678 runs well above Western Governors University's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,000, against $11,116 at Western Governors University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Western Governors University's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Western Governors University's enrollment of 155,088 far exceeds University of Maryland-College Park's 30,760.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Western Governors offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Maryland-College Park does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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 Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of 155,088 students, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City stands out as a solid choice for those seeking flexibility in their education. It caters well to non-traditional students, particularly in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Education, and Engineering. The online format allows for self-paced learning, which is ideal for working adults or those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Looking at life after graduation, students can expect a median earning of $60,615 ten years post-degree. This figure suggests that graduates are finding solid job opportunities. While the graduation rate is 48%, the income potential indicates that those who complete their programs are likely to see a good return on their investment, despite the challenges that might come with juggling work and studies.
On the practical side, the net price after aid comes in at $12,548, with a median debt of $11,116. This suggests that many students can manage their educational expenses without overwhelming debt. Those who thrive here are typically self-motivated individuals who appreciate the autonomy of an online learning environment, making it a good fit for those ready to take charge of their education and career paths.
Rankings They Appear On
Western Governors University is featured on the Best Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Maryland-College Park's top program is Computer Science (25% of enrollment), while Western Governors leads with Business Administration (28%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Maryland-College Park) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Western Governors).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Maryland-College Park is strongest in Social Sciences, Engineering, while Western Governors University concentrates in Health Professions, Education. 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
Which is more affordable, University of Maryland-College Park or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park.
Do University of Maryland-College Park or Western Governors University graduates earn more?
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,615 at Western Governors University.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Maryland-College Park or Western Governors University?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 48%.
Should you choose University of Maryland-College Park or Western Governors University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Western Governors University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Maryland-College Park 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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