Head-to-head · 2026
Howard Community College vs University of Maryland-College Park
Compare average net price ($11,133 at Howard Community College; $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park), ROI score (11.01 vs 13.21), ten-year median earnings ($49,020 vs $82,860), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Howard Community College; 44.8% at University of Maryland-College Park) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Maryland-College Park has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. University of Maryland-College Park leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Howard Community College | University of Maryland-College Park |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.01 | 13.21 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,133 ✓ | $15,678 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $49,020 | $82,860 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 44.8% |
| Graduation rate | 24% | 88.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,500 ✓ | $19,000 |
| Enrollment | 6,649 | 30,760 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1473 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Maryland-College Park costs $4,545 more per year than Howard Community College ($15,678 vs $11,133). University of Maryland-College Park graduates report $33,840 higher median earnings after ten years ($82,860 vs $49,020). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Maryland-College Park ahead on projected ROI (13.21 vs 11.01, 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; Howard Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Howard Community College vs University of Maryland-College Park, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Howard 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 11.01), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Howard Community College is cheaper — average net price $11,133 per year vs $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park. The annual difference of $4,545 adds up to about $18,180 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Maryland-College Park reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $82,860 vs $49,020 at Howard Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $33,840.
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. Howard Community College reports a A value grade; University of Maryland-College Park reports A.