A Place for Everyone
With 12 universities across the state, there is a place for every Maryland student.
Low Student Debt
47% of USM students graduate with no debt.
More Job Opportunities
99% of all new jobs require some college education.
Higher Lifetime Earnings
College grads can earn $635,000 to $1,000,000 more than high school grads.
More Engaged Citizens
College grads vote at twice the rate of high school grads and are more likely to volunteer in civic organizations.
More Jobs
Unemployment rates for college graduates are 50% lower than for high school graduates.
Save Money
USM has saved students over $6.3 million on textbooks since 2014.
Strong Financial Aid
USM has awarded $1 billion in financial aid.
Multiple Pathways to a Degree
One-third of USM students transfer to USM institutions from Maryland community colleges.
Greater Happiness
94% of college graduates report being “very happy” or “pretty happy.”
Higher Salaries
College grads make 2/3 more each year than high school grads.
More Charitable Giving
College grads support communities by donating money at twice the rate of high school grads.
Achieving success in today’s increasingly knowledge-driven job market demands a college education. This is especially true in Maryland, where shortages of skilled employees in areas from cybersecurity to nursing are creating new job opportunities for young people across the state.
College is an investment in the future. According to the Association of Governing Boards (AGB), the average college graduate can expect to enjoy a lifetime of benefits, including more job opportunities and job security, plus higher wages and lifetime earnings. On average, college graduates are also more likely to report more personal happiness and to be more engaged as community members and citizens.
There are many pathways to success. College may not be the right choice for everyone. And even for college-bound students, not every journey is the same. A large percentage of undergraduates at the University System of Maryland’s 12 universities, for instance, began their college education at a Maryland community college.
It’s vital that every young person and her or his family understand the facts before choosing the educational or vocational opportunity that’s right for them. And the facts show that, for most young people today, choosing college is a smart investment that can pay dividends well into the future.
