Head-to-head · 2026
Harford Community College vs University of Maryland-College Park
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Harford Community College, 3 for University of Maryland-College Park — University of Maryland-College Park has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Harford Community College | University of Maryland-College Park |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.08 | 13.21 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $9,234 ✓ | $15,678 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,608 | $82,860 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 44.8% |
| Graduation rate | 39.3% | 88.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,812 ✓ | $19,000 |
| Enrollment | 3,696 | 30,760 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1473 |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Maryland-College Park costs $6,444 more per year than Harford Community College ($15,678 vs $9,234). University of Maryland-College Park graduates report $38,252 higher median earnings after ten years ($82,860 vs $44,608). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Maryland-College Park ahead on projected ROI (13.21 vs 12.08, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Maryland-College Park) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Maryland-College Park reports 44.8% acceptance; Harford Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Harford Community College vs University of Maryland-College Park, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Harford Community College or University of Maryland-College Park the better value?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.21 vs 12.08), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Harford Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,234 per year vs $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park. The annual difference of $6,444 adds up to about $25,776 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Maryland-College Park reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $82,860 vs $44,608 at Harford Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $38,252.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Harford Community College reports a A value grade; University of Maryland-College Park reports A.