Coppin State University
Coppin State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Coppin State University at a Glance
Coppin State University (Coppin) is a public historically black university in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It is part of the University System of Maryland and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
1900
126 years old
2,210
1,907 undergrad · 303 grad
52 acres
Identity
Is Coppin State University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Coppin State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,490 — 14% below average — while paying $9,977/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 26% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 54% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Coppin State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Coppin State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #61 of 87 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #61 | Coppin State University | 30 | $9,977 | $46,490 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Coppin State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Coppin State University
The highest-earning program at Coppin State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $71,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Social Work at $30,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Coppin State University earns $71,200, while a Social Work graduate earns $30,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,327 in median debt vs. $26,669 for Social Work.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,977/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $71,200 | $71,200 | $22,327 |
| Psychology, General | $34,200 | $34,200 | $24,587 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,500 | $31,500 | $23,375 |
| Social Work | $30,200 | $30,200 | $26,669 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Baltimore, MD
- Student Body
- 1,844 students
- Admission Rate
- 46%
- Graduation Rate
- 26%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,977
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,490
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000