Strayer University-Maryland

The graduation rate of 28.6% is a significant concern. Combined with median earnings that barely surpass median debt and a negative ROI score, prospective students should carefully weigh the financial and academic risks before enrolling at Strayer University-Maryland.

Median earnings 10 years after entry are $40,092, which is only slightly higher than the median debt at graduation of $40,621. This suggests limited upward mobility in earnings post-graduation.

While the tuition is $13,920, the low ROI and high debt relative to earnings suggest that affordability is questionable in terms of long-term financial benefit.

With a student body that is 73.4% Black, the experience may be tailored to this demographic. However, the low graduation rate suggests potential challenges in student support and academic success.

The provided data does not detail financial aid packages. However, given the high debt burden relative to earnings, it is crucial to investigate all financial aid options and their long-term implications.

Strayer University-Maryland, like many for-profit institutions, operates with a highly accessible admissions policy. While a specific official acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed or tracked in the same manner as traditional universities, it generally practices open enrollment. This means that most applicants who meet basic requirements, such as having a high school diploma or GED, are typically accepted. The focus is on providing educational opportunities to a broad range of students, particularly working adults and those seeking career-focused degrees, rather than on highly selective academic criteria. Therefore, getting into Strayer University-Maryland is generally not considered 'hard.' The institution aims to remove barriers to entry, making higher education attainable for individuals who may not meet the stringent academic prerequisites of more selective schools or who require the flexibility that Strayer offers. Prospective students should expect to complete an application, provide transcripts, and potentially discuss their academic and career goals with an admissions advisor. The ease of admission is a key feature for many adult learners who are balancing work, family, and educational pursuits, allowing them to quickly enroll and begin their studies without a lengthy or competitive application process.

Financially speaking, the data strongly suggests that Strayer University-Maryland is generally not worth the money for most students. With an annual tuition of $13,920 (for both in-state and out-of-state students), the cost is substantial, especially when weighed against the median earnings of $40,092 ten years after enrollment. More critically, the median student debt stands at $40,621, which is higher than the median annual earnings. This results in a negative Return on Investment (ROI) score of -28, indicating that, on average, graduates face a significant financial deficit. For a student to incur over $40,000 in debt for a degree that, on average, leads to an income barely above that debt figure, presents a challenging financial outlook. The low graduation rate of 28.6% further compounds this risk, as many students may take on debt without even completing their degree. While the flexibility and career-focused programs might appeal to working adults, the financial burden and the relatively modest earnings potential make it a high-risk investment. Students should carefully consider whether the potential career advancement justifies the significant financial outlay and debt, especially when more affordable alternatives with better ROI exist in the D.C. metro area.

Strayer University-Maryland, like other campuses within the Strayer system, focuses on career-oriented programs designed to equip working adults with practical skills for immediate application in the job market. While 'best' can be subjective, the most impactful majors are typically those that align with high-demand industries in the D.C. metro area and offer clear pathways to career advancement. **Business Administration** is consistently a strong choice, with concentrations in areas like Management, Marketing, and Project Management. These skills are universally applicable across various sectors, from government contracting to local businesses, and can lead to roles in operations, human resources, or general management. Given the region's robust economy, a business degree can open many doors. **Information Technology (IT)** programs, including those focused on Cybersecurity, Networking, and Cloud Computing, are particularly relevant. The D.C. area is a hub for federal IT and cybersecurity, creating a constant demand for skilled professionals. Graduates with these specializations can find roles in government agencies, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin or General Dynamics, and private tech firms. **Criminal Justice** is another popular major, appealing to those interested in law enforcement, corrections, or security roles within federal or local government agencies. Finally, **Healthcare Administration** programs can be beneficial for individuals looking to advance in the region's large healthcare sector, which includes major hospital systems and numerous clinics. These majors are 'best' in the sense that they directly address current workforce needs and provide tangible skills for career progression.

Student life at Strayer University-Maryland is distinctly different from a traditional residential college experience. As a private for-profit institution primarily serving working adults, often with families and existing professional commitments, the campus culture is not centered around dorms, sports teams, or a vibrant social scene. Instead, student life is characterized by flexibility, convenience, and a focus on academic and career goals. Most students attend classes either online or through hybrid formats, balancing their studies with full-time jobs and personal responsibilities. This means that the typical 'campus life' activities like student clubs, Greek life, or campus-wide social events are minimal or non-existent. The primary interactions among students often occur within the classroom setting (whether virtual or in-person) or through online discussion forums and study groups. The 'community' is more academic and professional, built around shared learning objectives and career aspirations. Support services are geared towards adult learners, offering resources like career counseling, academic advising, and technical support, often accessible online. While there might be occasional campus events or workshops, they are typically focused on professional development or networking rather than traditional social engagement. Students choose Strayer-Maryland for its practical education and adaptability, understanding that the 'student life' experience will be tailored to their unique circumstances as busy, goal-oriented individuals.

Strayer University-Maryland participates in federal financial aid programs, meaning eligible students can apply for federal Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and other forms of federal assistance. The amount of financial aid a student receives is determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results, which assess their financial need. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant was $6,895, which could significantly offset the $13,920 annual tuition. However, despite the availability of federal aid, the median student debt for Strayer-Maryland graduates is a substantial $40,621. This indicates that many students rely heavily on federal student loans to cover tuition and living expenses, often accumulating significant debt by the time they graduate. Unlike many traditional non-profit universities, Strayer University-Maryland does not typically offer large institutional grants or scholarships that significantly reduce the sticker price for a broad range of students. Any institutional aid is usually limited and specific. Prospective students should understand that while federal aid can make attendance possible, a significant portion of the cost will likely be covered by loans. Given the high median debt and the relatively modest median earnings post-graduation, students should carefully evaluate their financial aid package and the long-term implications of taking on such debt before enrolling.

Graduates from Strayer University-Maryland can expect a median salary of approximately $40,092 ten years after enrollment. This figure represents the mid-point of earnings for all graduates across various programs and career paths. It's important to note that this is a median, meaning half of graduates earn more and half earn less. Individual salaries will vary significantly based on the specific major, prior work experience, industry, and job role. For instance, graduates with degrees in high-demand fields like Information Technology or Cybersecurity, especially those with existing professional experience or additional certifications, might command higher starting salaries, potentially in the $50,000-$70,000 range in the D.C. metro area. Conversely, those in entry-level administrative roles or less specialized business fields might start closer to the $30,000-$40,000 range. The median figure also includes individuals who may have used their degree for career advancement within their existing lower-paying jobs. Compared to the high cost of living in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a $40,092 median salary can be challenging to manage, especially when coupled with the median student debt of over $40,000. While a Strayer degree can facilitate career entry or advancement, students should temper salary expectations and consider the overall financial picture, including debt repayment, when evaluating their potential post-graduation earnings.

Strayer University-Maryland does not offer on-campus housing or dormitories for its students. As a private for-profit institution primarily catering to working adults and non-traditional students, its operational model does not include providing residential facilities. Students attending Strayer University-Maryland are responsible for securing their own off-campus housing. This approach aligns with the university's focus on flexibility and accessibility for individuals who are often balancing their studies with full-time employment, family responsibilities, or who prefer to commute from their existing homes. The student body typically consists of local residents from Suitland, Prince George's County, and the broader D.C. metropolitan area, many of whom are already established in their communities. Prospective students should factor in the cost and logistics of off-campus living when considering attendance. While the absence of dorms means no additional room and board fees to the university, students will need to budget for rent, utilities, and other living expenses in the relatively high-cost D.C. metro area. The university's resources are directed towards academic and career support rather than providing a traditional residential campus experience.

No, Strayer University-Maryland is not designed or positioned as a research-intensive institution. Its mission and operational model are distinctly different from traditional universities that emphasize faculty-led research, graduate-level research opportunities, or contributions to academic scholarship. As a private for-profit institution, Strayer's primary focus is on providing career-oriented education and practical skills that can be immediately applied in the workforce. The curriculum is typically structured around applied learning, professional development, and industry-relevant competencies rather than theoretical exploration or original research. Faculty members are generally practitioners in their fields, bringing real-world experience to the classroom, but their roles do not typically involve conducting or supervising extensive academic research projects. Students are not expected to engage in significant research, nor are there dedicated research centers, labs, or funding opportunities commonly found at research universities. For students whose academic goals include participating in cutting-edge research, pursuing a Ph.D., or contributing to scholarly publications, Strayer University-Maryland would not be an appropriate choice. Its strengths lie in delivering flexible, accessible, and practical education for career advancement, not in fostering a research-intensive academic environment.

When comparing Strayer University-Maryland to similar schools, particularly other for-profit institutions or highly accessible community colleges in the D.C. metro area, several distinctions emerge. Compared to other large for-profit online providers like University of Phoenix or Capella University, Strayer offers a similar model of flexible, career-focused programs, often with a blend of online and limited in-person options. Its primary advantage in this specific comparison might be its physical presence in Suitland, MD, which can appeal to local students who prefer some face-to-face interaction or local support services. However, when compared to local community colleges such as Prince George's Community College or Montgomery College, Strayer-Maryland typically falls short on value. Community colleges offer significantly lower tuition rates, often with better transferability of credits to four-year public universities, and can provide a more cost-effective pathway to a bachelor's degree. While Strayer's programs are career-focused, community colleges often offer similar vocational training and associate degrees at a fraction of the cost, with potentially better ROI. Against public universities like University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), which also caters to adult learners with online programs, Strayer's cost-to-value proposition is often less favorable. UMGC, as a public institution, generally has lower tuition for in-state residents and often carries a stronger brand recognition among employers. Strayer's high tuition, coupled with its low graduation rate and negative ROI, positions it as a higher-risk, higher-cost option compared to many of its peers, particularly those in the public sector.

Employer perception of a degree from Strayer University-Maryland can be mixed and often depends on the specific employer, industry, and the individual graduate's experience. In general, degrees from for-profit institutions sometimes face a degree of skepticism compared to those from traditional public or well-established non-profit universities. Some employers may prioritize candidates from institutions with higher academic selectivity or stronger reputations for rigorous academic standards. However, for many employers, particularly in the D.C. metro area's government contracting, IT, and business sectors, the practical skills and relevant experience a candidate brings are often more important than the specific institution's prestige. For Strayer graduates, many of whom are working adults, their degree often serves as a credential to formalize existing skills or to advance within their current workplace. In these cases, the degree validates their professional development and commitment to their field. Employers who value specific certifications (e.g., in IT or project management) or who are looking for candidates with direct, applicable skills may view a Strayer degree positively, especially if it's accompanied by a strong resume of work experience. The key for Strayer graduates is to emphasize their practical competencies, professional achievements, and how their education directly contributes to their ability to perform the job effectively, rather than solely relying on the institutional brand.