Best Colleges & Universities Maryland 2024

Maryland is home to 55 accredited, degree-granting, postsecondary institutions. Notable research universities, community colleges, and small liberal arts colleges are found in this state.

The Best Colleges in Maryland ranking is based on four main data points in three categories:

  • Affordability (net price)
  • Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
  • Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)

Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.

In the case of a tie in scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.

All data was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics website, Payscale and school websites.

Popular Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Colleges & Universities Maryland 2023

1. Johns Hopkins University

  • Average Net Price: $14,254
  • Graduation Rate: 93.44%
  • Retention Rate: 96.09%
  • Median Earnings: $89,551

Key Details

  • Private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 1876
  • Considered the first American university modeled after European research institutions
  • Highly selective, with an 8% acceptance rate
  • Enrolls around 5,700 undergraduate students
  • Ranked #11 National University by U.S. News & World Report
  • Graduation rate is 93% (for first-time full-time students)
  • Average cost after aid is around $14,000 per year
  • Strong programs include biomedicine, public health, engineering, business, nursing, international studies
  • Affiliated with the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Operates campuses in Washington D.C. and overseas in China and Italy
  • Notable alumni include U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, billionaire Mike Bloomberg, author Wes Craven

2. University of Maryland-College Park

  • Average Net Price: $17,500
  • Graduation Rate: 82.21%
  • Retention Rate: 95.31%
  • Median Earnings: $76,997

Key Details

  • Public university located in College Park, Maryland, founded in 1856
  • Over 30,000 undergraduate students, with over 100 undergraduate majors across 12 colleges and schools
  • Considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the country
  • Offers high-level courses taught by top researchers
  • 52% acceptance rate (moderately selective)
  • Average in-state cost after aid is around $18,000 per year
  • Ranked 63rd among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report
  • Strong programs include engineering, computer science, business, public policy, agriculture and natural resources
  • Notable alumni include Sergey Brin (Google co-founder), Kevin Plank (Under Armour founder), Jim Henson (Muppets creator)

3. University of Maryland-Baltimore County

  • Average Net Price: $9,262
  • Graduation Rate: 69.25%
  • Retention Rate: 86.99%
  • Median Earnings: $67,473

Key Details

  • Public research university located in Catonsville, Maryland, founded in 1966
  • Enrolls around 14,000 total students, over 10,000 undergraduates
  • Ranked #133 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report
  • Designated an R1 "Very High Research Activity" doctoral university
  • 81% acceptance rate, average incoming GPA is 3.5
  • Strong programs include information technology, public policy, biological sciences
  • In-state tuition is around $12,000 per year, 70% 4-year graduation rate
  • Notable alumni include author Tom Clancy, TV host Kathleen Turner, "Ace of Cakes" Duff Goldman

4. Towson University

  • Average Net Price: $12,621
  • Graduation Rate: 72.93%
  • Retention Rate: 84.62%
  • Median Earnings: $61,376

Key Details

  • Public university located in Towson, Maryland, founded in 1866
  • Over 17,000 undergraduate students across 8 academic colleges
  • Ranked #21 Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report
  • Graduation rate is 76% (for non-first-time full-time students)
  • 88% acceptance rate, average incoming GPA is 3.4
  • Strong programs include business, education, health professions, performing arts
  • Average in-state cost after aid around $13,000 per year
  • 19 Division I varsity sports teams compete in the Colonial Athletic Association
  • Notable alumni include comedian Amy Schumer, actor John Krasinski, TV host Gayle King

5. St. Mary's College of Maryland

  • Average Net Price: $20,512
  • Graduation Rate: 76.89%
  • Retention Rate: 84.07%
  • Median Earnings: $60,455

Key Details

  • Public liberal arts honors college located in St. Mary's City, Maryland, founded in 1840
  • Small undergraduate enrollment of around 1,500 students
  • 77% acceptance rate, average incoming GPA is 3.7
  • In-state tuition is $15,236 per year, 4-year graduation rate is 77%
  • Ranked #97 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News
  • Offers Bachelor's degrees across humanities, sciences and social sciences
  • Distinguished for close student-faculty interaction and research opportunities
  • Historic campus located along the St. Mary's River in Southern Maryland
  • Notable alumni include bestselling author James Michener

6. Loyola University Maryland

  • Average Net Price: $30,217
  • Graduation Rate: 80.25%
  • Retention Rate: 87.28%
  • Median Earnings: $81,216

Key Details

  • Private Jesuit university located in Baltimore, founded in 1852
  • Enrolls around 4,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students
  • Member of the Patriot League for NCAA Division I athletics
  • 84% acceptance rate, with average incoming GPA of 3.7
  • In-state tuition around $52,000 per year, 83% 4-year graduation rate
  • Ranked #5 Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report
  • Strong programs include business, communications, education, psychology
  • Emphasis on ethics, service, social justice rooted in Jesuit tradition
  • Suburban campus located just north of downtown Baltimore
  • Notable alumni include Maryland governor Herbert O’Conor, astronaut Ricky Arnold

7. Salisbury University

  • Average Net Price: $18,706
  • Graduation Rate: 70.41%
  • Retention Rate: 78.67%
  • Median Earnings: $57,122

Key Details

  • Public university located in Salisbury, Maryland, founded in 1925
  • Over 6,400 undergraduate students across a variety of programs
  • Member of the University System of Maryland
  • 86% acceptance rate, average incoming GPA is around 3.4
  • Graduation rate is 70% (for first-time full-time students)
  • Average in-state cost after aid is around $19,000 per year
  • Strong programs include nursing, education, social work, communications
  • 19 Division II varsity sports teams compete in the Coastal Athletic Conference
  • Campus size of 167 acres located near the Wicomico River
  • Notable alumni include Under Armour CEO Steve Bisciotti, Perdue Farms CEO Frank Perdue

8. Washington College

  • Average Net Price: $30,803
  • Graduation Rate: 66.97%
  • Retention Rate: 81.03%
  • Median Earnings: $66,291

Key Details

  • Private liberal arts college located in Chestertown, Maryland, founded in 1782
  • Enrolls around 1,000 undergraduate students focusing on the arts & sciences
  • Historic campus situated along the Chester River on Maryland's Eastern Shore
  • 70% acceptance rate, with average incoming GPA around 3.6
  • In-state tuition is $70,375 per year, 67% 4-year graduation rate
  • Emphasis on small classes, undergraduate research opportunities
  • Member of the Centennial Conference for Division III athletics
  • Notable alumni include actress Linda Hamilton, Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein

9. Goucher College

  • Average Net Price: $19,781
  • Graduation Rate: 68.19%
  • Retention Rate: 74.03%
  • Median Earnings: $52,886

Key Details

  • Private liberal arts college located in Towson, Maryland, founded in 1885
  • Historically a women's college, now co-ed with 82% acceptance rate
  • Enrolls around 1,000 undergraduate students
  • Ranked #46 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News
  • Graduation rate is 68%, average cost after aid is $20,000 per year
  • Emphasizes study abroad, with campuses in Europe and Latin America
  • Popular majors include psychology, business, political science, education
  • Member of NCAA Division III for varsity athletics
  • Notable alumni include scientist Florence Seibert, author Darcey Steinke

10. Hood College

  • Average Net Price: $22,508
  • Graduation Rate: 67.33%
  • Retention Rate: 73.41%
  • Median Earnings: $54,057

Key Details

  • Private college located in Frederick, Maryland, founded in 1893
  • Enrolls around 1,200 undergraduate and 960 graduate students
  • 77% acceptance rate, average incoming GPA is 3.3
  • Graduation rate is 67%, average cost after aid is $23,000 per year
  • Strong programs include education, biology, business, social work
  • Historic campus with Tudor-Gothic style architecture
  • 17 varsity athletic teams compete in MAC Commonwealth Conference
  • Notable alumni include Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly Schulz, fashion designer Claire McCardell

11. Notre Dame of Maryland University

  • Average Net Price: $27,149
  • Graduation Rate: 65.32%
  • Retention Rate: 69.43%
  • Median Earnings: $56,906

Key Details

  • Private Catholic university located in Baltimore, founded in 1895
  • Enrolls around 780 undergraduate and over 1,300 grad students
  • 65% acceptance rate, with average incoming GPA around 3.4
  • Graduation rate is 65%, average cost after aid is $27,000 per year
  • Strong programs include nursing, education, pharmacy, arts & sciences
  • Historic campus located in scenic North Baltimore neighborhood
  • Competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the "Gators"
  • Notable alumni include state delegate Mary Ann Lisanti, poet Shelley Puhak

12. Maryland Institute College of Art

  • Average Net Price: $27,421
  • Graduation Rate: 73.57%
  • Retention Rate: 74.22%
  • Median Earnings: $45,668

Key Details

  • Private art and design college located in Baltimore, founded in 1826
  • Enrolls around 1,500 undergraduate and 500 graduate students
  • 86% acceptance rate, with average incoming GPA of 3.6
  • Graduation rate is 74%, average cost after aid is $27,000 per year
  • Ranked #8 Fine Arts School (tie) by U.S. News & World Report
  • Variety of degree programs including graphic design, illustration, painting
  • Historic campus houses galleries, studios and the Rinehart School of Sculpture
  • Notable alumni include contemporary artist Jeff Koons and comedian Abbi Jacobson

13. Morgan State University

  • Average Net Price: $16,645
  • Graduation Rate: 47.35%
  • Retention Rate: 72.95%
  • Median Earnings: $46,092

Key Details

  • Public historically Black university located in Baltimore, founded in 1867
  • Largest HBCU in Maryland with over 7,000 undergrad students
  • 87% acceptance rate, average incoming GPA is around 3.2
  • Graduation rate is 47%, average cost after aid is $17,000 per year
  • Strong programs include engineering, business, social work, communications
  • 17 Division I varsity athletic teams compete in the MEAC
  • Notable alumni include actress Mo'Nique, magazine publisher Earl Graves, Sr.

14. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

  • Average Net Price: $11,662
  • Graduation Rate: 44.49%
  • Retention Rate: 67.25%
  • Median Earnings: $43,696

Key Details

  • Public HBCU located in Princess Anne, Maryland
  • Founded in 1886, enrolls around 1,750 undergraduate students
  • 82% acceptance rate, average incoming GPA is 2.7
  • Graduation rate is 44%, average cost after aid is $12,000 per year
  • Strong programs include biology, criminal justice, hospitality management
  • Classified as an R2 "High Research Activity" doctoral institution
  • 15 Division I varsity athletic teams compete in the MEAC conference
  • Notable alumni include NFL stars Emerson Boozer and Art Shell

15. University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Average Net Price: $15,635
  • Graduation Rate: 30.45%
  • Retention Rate: 53.17%
  • Median Earnings: $59,823

Key Details

  • Public university located in Adelphi, MD, part of the University System of Maryland
  • Founded in 1947 to serve working adult students, over 40,000 enrolled
  • Emphasis on career-focused online degree programs for non-traditional learners
  • Variety of associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees offered
  • Strong programs include cybersecurity, business, computer science, data analytics
  • No official acceptance rate or average GPA data available
  • Graduation rate is 28% (for part-time non-first-time undergrads)
  • Average cost after aid around $16,000 per year for in-state students
  • Notable alumni include NFL stars Ray Lewis and Derrick Mason

Further Reading: Cheapest Affordable Online Colleges

Insights and Analysis: Colleges & Universities in Maryland

Top Academics

  • Johns Hopkins leads with 93% graduation rate, pioneering research
  • UM-College Park and UMBC are distinguished public research universities

Affordability and Value

  • Private schools like Johns Hopkins provide generous aid
  • Public options under $20K/year like Salisbury, Towson

Inclusive Access

  • HBCUs (Morgan State, UMES) serve African American students
  • UM Global Campus aids working and non-traditional learners

High Return on Investment

  • Most schools have $60K+ median salary after 10 years
  • Johns Hopkins offers greatest career edge from brand name

Popular Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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