Best Colleges in Maryland 2024

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By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Maryland. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Maryland

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  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. United States Naval Academy
  4. Loyola University Maryland
  5. University of Baltimore
  6. Towson University
  7. Morgan State University
  8. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  9. Goucher College
  10. Washington College
  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. United States Naval Academy
  4. Goucher College
  5. Washington College
  6. Loyola University Maryland
  7. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  8. Morgan State University
  9. Towson University
  10. McDaniel College
  1. Salisbury University 91%
  2. University of Baltimore 89%
  3. Frostburg State University 88%
  4. Bowie State University 87%
  5. Morgan State University 85%
  6. Stevenson University 84%
  7. Loyola University Maryland 83%
  8. McDaniel College 82%
  9. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 82%
  10. University of Maryland, Baltimore County 81%
  1. University of Maryland Global Campus 19 to 1
  2. University of Maryland, College Park 18 to 1
  3. University of Maryland, Baltimore County 18 to 1
  4. Morgan State University 17 to 1
  5. Stevenson University 15 to 1
  6. Bowie State University 15 to 1
  7. Towson University 15 to 1
  8. Salisbury University 13 to 1
  9. Loyola University Maryland 13 to 1
  10. Mount St. Mary's University 13 to 1
  1. Johns Hopkins University $60,480
  2. Loyola University Maryland $53,430
  3. Washington College $52,481
  4. Goucher College $49,220
  5. McDaniel College $46,800
  6. Mount St. Mary's University $45,870
  7. Hood College $44,500
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University $40,730
  9. Stevenson University $38,738
  10. St. John's College, Annapolis $37,260
  1. Johns Hopkins University $60,480
  2. St. John's College, Annapolis $19,692
  3. Loyola University Maryland $18,900
  4. St. Mary's College of Maryland $16,530
  5. University of Maryland, College Park $16,238
  6. University of Baltimore $14,382
  7. Mount St. Mary's University $13,899
  8. Goucher College $13,185
  9. University of Maryland, Baltimore County $12,582
  10. Notre Dame of Maryland University $11,889
  1. St. John's College, Annapolis
  2. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  3. Mount St. Mary's University
  4. University of Maryland Global Campus
  5. Stevenson University
  6. Coppin State University
  7. Hood College
  8. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  9. Washington Adventist University
  10. Frostburg State University
  1. St. John's College, Annapolis
  2. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  3. Washington Adventist University
  4. Stevenson University
  5. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  6. University of Maryland Global Campus
  7. Coppin State University
  8. Salisbury University
  9. Frostburg State University
  10. Hood College
  1. Johns Hopkins University 7%
  2. United States Naval Academy 11%
  3. Coppin State University 45%
  4. University of Maryland, College Park 45%
  5. St. John's College, Annapolis 50%
  6. Washington Adventist University 51%
  7. Notre Dame of Maryland University 70%
  8. Washington College 75%
  9. St. Mary's College of Maryland 77%
  10. Hood College 78%
  1. Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
  2. Washington Adventist University 6 to 1
  3. Goucher College 7 to 1
  4. St. John's College, Annapolis 8 to 1
  5. Notre Dame of Maryland University 8 to 1
  6. United States Naval Academy 8 to 1
  7. Washington College 9 to 1
  8. University of Baltimore 10 to 1
  9. St. Mary's College of Maryland 10 to 1
  10. Coppin State University 10 to 1
  1. Coppin State University $4,836
  2. Morgan State University $5,477
  3. University of Maryland Eastern Shore $5,637
  4. Bowie State University $5,874
  5. Frostburg State University $6,974
  6. Towson University $7,238
  7. University of Baltimore $7,296
  8. University of Maryland Global Campus $7,488
  9. Salisbury University $7,556
  10. University of Maryland, Baltimore County $9,056
  1. Coppin State University $6,316
  2. Salisbury University $7,842
  3. Morgan State University $8,190
  4. Frostburg State University $8,208
  5. Bowie State University $8,236
  6. University of Maryland Eastern Shore $8,304
  7. Stevenson University $8,340
  8. Towson University $8,676
  9. Hood College $9,000
  10. University of Maryland Global Campus $9,252

Colleges and Universities in Maryland

The Old Line State has 46 colleges and universities, 30 of which are public and 16 of which are private. The United States Naval Academy offers programs in physical sciences, aeronautical engineering, and naval architecture. The largest private institution, Johns Hopkins University, has just over 24,000 students and a tuition rate of $54,000. Located in Baltimore, this research university is known for its science and medical discoveries.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The University of Maryland in College Park boasts over 35,000 students with a price tag of $11,000. The school has 15 campuses, and students can choose from areas of study like criminal justice, communications, physics, and sociology. The most affordable school in the state, Baltimore City Community College comes in at $3,000 and has 37 associate degree programs to choose from. Maryland also provides loan forgiveness programs for its residents, including those for dentists and public servants. Students can also check out the Maryland SmartBuy Home Buyer Assistance and Forgiveness Program, where eligible applicants can receive up to 15% of the home purchase price toward outstanding student loan, to be paid off as part of closing.

Maryland is a state bursting with history, from its numerous museums to its historic battlegrounds. Students who attend school in Maryland can explore the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park and walk the same streets as many influential Marylanders, including Francis Scott Key, Babe Ruth, Billie Holiday, and Thurgood Marshall.

Whether you’re looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, Maryland offers its students history, legacy, and numerous degree paths.


What are Maryland’s Colleges & Universities?

Maryland’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Maryland's Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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We’ve identified 24 colleges and universities in Maryland that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Maryland below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Maryland.

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Best Colleges in Maryland 2023

  1. #1

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $62,840
    Expenses: $22,725
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Johns Hopkins University known for?

    Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Maryland, College Park

    College Park , MD
    #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #17 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

    Cost of Degree: $11,505
    Expenses: $19,380
    Starting Salary: $70,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maryland, College Park known for?

    University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Baltimore

    Cost of Degree: $9,772
    Starting Salary: $63,400
    What is University of Baltimore known for?

    University of Baltimore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Baltimore’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Policy, Politics And International Affairs
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Morgan State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #6 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Morgan State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,118
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Morgan State University known for?

    Morgan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Morgan State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Cloud Computing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Cost of Degree: $12,952
    Expenses: $19,218
    Starting Salary: $59,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maryland, Baltimore County known for?

    University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Washington College

    Chestertown , MD
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington College

    Cost of Degree: $53,776
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $56,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington College known for?

    Washington College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Salisbury University

    Salisbury , MD
    #9 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Salisbury University

    Cost of Degree: $10,638
    Expenses: $18,892
    Starting Salary: $54,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Salisbury University known for?

    Salisbury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Bowie State University

    Bowie , MD
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowie State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,999
    Expenses: $17,432
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bowie State University known for?

    Bowie State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    St. Mary's College of Maryland

    St. Mary's City , MD
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/29

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Mary's College of Maryland

    Cost of Degree: $15,236
    Expenses: $17,283
    Starting Salary: $55,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Mary's College of Maryland known for?

    St. Mary's College of Maryland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    McDaniel College

    Westminster , MD
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College

    Cost of Degree: $49,647
    Expenses: $16,498
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is McDaniel College known for?

    McDaniel College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Frostburg State University

    Frostburg , MD
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,998
    Expenses: $17,058
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Frostburg State University known for?

    Frostburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Frostburg State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Washington Adventist University

    Takoma Park , MD
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington Adventist University

    Cost of Degree: $25,200
    Expenses: $12,640
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington Adventist University known for?

    Washington Adventist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne , MD
    #6 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Cost of Degree: $8,898
    Expenses: $17,656
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maryland Eastern Shore known for?

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Hood College

    Frederick , MD
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hood College

    Cost of Degree: $45,870
    Expenses: $19,272
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hood College known for?

    Hood College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Coppin State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Coppin State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,001
    Expenses: $18,766
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Coppin State University known for?

    Coppin State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Coppin State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  23. #20

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $39,708
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $54,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stevenson University known for?

    Stevenson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Stevenson University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity And Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Mount St. Mary's University

    Emmitsburg , MD
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount St. Mary's University

    Cost of Degree: $47,240
    Expenses: $17,500
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount St. Mary's University known for?

    Mount St. Mary's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Cost of Degree: $41,910
    Expenses: $18,635
    Starting Salary: $56,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Notre Dame of Maryland University known for?

    Notre Dame of Maryland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Online Degrees

    BA/MAcc in Business And Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accelerated 2nd Degree
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    St. John's College, Annapolis

    Annapolis , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/31

    Career Outlook for degree at St. John's College, Annapolis

    Cost of Degree: $39,126
    Expenses: $16,414
    Starting Salary: $42,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. John's College, Annapolis known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Maryland’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. United States Naval Academy
  3. Goucher College
  4. University of Maryland, College Park
  5. St. Mary's College of Maryland
  6. Washington College
  7. Loyola University Maryland
  8. Mount St. Mary's University
  9. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  10. McDaniel College
  11. Hood College
  12. Towson University
  13. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  14. St. John's College, Annapolis
  15. Stevenson University
  16. Salisbury University
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