UMGS struggles

[sarahmac]

I certainly agree that $500mil for marketing is absolutely insane. We can set that one aside.

Maryland global’s tuition certainly isn’t cheap, but it is in line with similar institutions. This is by no means comprehensive, but I made a quick comparison between Purdue Global, Maryland Global, Penn State World, and Colorado State Global and looked at the cost of earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a master’s degree in accounting and/or finance (chosen purely as they are degrees that interest me).  Assumed zero transfer credits or special discounts (military, first responders, etc); full tuition for the full degree, in other words.

Bachelor in Criminal Justice:
Penn State: $77,040
Purdue: $66,780
Maryland: $59,880
Colorado State: $42,000

Masters in Accounting/Finance:

Penn State: $30,210
Purdue: $25,220
Maryland: $23,724
Colorado State: $18,000

I have no idea how the Maryland program is relative to the other schools mentioned (enrollment, profitability, etc), but their prices seem very much in line with comparable programs.

I wouldn't necessarily compare it to Penn State. Penn State World Campus hosts the online classes for the other campuses across the commonwealth and the distinct UP colleges but does not award its own degrees. You still get a main campus (University Park) degree - and pay the cost of doing so. It is why it is the most expensive on the list. CSG, PUG are distinct online schools, as is Maryland.