Best Colleges in Maryland 2026

Badge for BEST IN MARYLAND COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
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 in 2026

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. United States Naval Academy
  4. Goucher College
    +5
  5. Loyola University Maryland
    –1
  6. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    +2
  7. Morgan State University
  8. Towson University
    –2
  9. Washington College
    +1
  10. University of Baltimore
    –5

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

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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 2026 #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $67K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $62,840
    Expenses: $22,725
    Starting Salary: $104,590
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
    #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #16 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #16 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

    Cost of Degree: $11,505
    Expenses: $19,380
    Starting Salary: $89,228
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 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
  4. #4

    Goucher College

    Baltimore , MD
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1207/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Goucher College

    Cost of Degree: $51,250
    Expenses: $20,650
    Starting Salary: $59,069
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Goucher College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Loyola University Maryland

    Baltimore , MD
    #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Maryland

    Cost of Degree: $55,480
    Expenses: $20,110
    Starting Salary: $90,179
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Loyola University Maryland known for?

    Loyola University Maryland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Baltimore , MD
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Cost of Degree: $12,952
    Expenses: $19,218
    Starting Salary: $74,881
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
  8. #7

    Morgan State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #6 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    955/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Morgan State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,118
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $56,585
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Applied Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Towson University

    Towson , MD
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #5 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1092/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Towson University

    Cost of Degree: $11,306
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $70,158
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Towson University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Washington College

    Chestertown , MD
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington College

    Cost of Degree: $53,776
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $74,001
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  12. #10

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Baltimore

    Cost of Degree: $9,772
    Starting Salary: $65,666
    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
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Policy, Politics And International Affairs
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Bowie State University

    Bowie , MD
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #7 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowie State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,999
    Expenses: $17,432
    Starting Salary: $61,890
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
  14. #12

    St. Mary's College of Maryland

    St. Mary's City , MD
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1241/28

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

    Cost of Degree: $15,236
    Expenses: $17,283
    Starting Salary: $66,796
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  15. #13

    Hood College

    Frederick , MD
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hood College

    Cost of Degree: $45,870
    Expenses: $19,272
    Starting Salary: $60,061
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
  16. #14

    McDaniel College

    Westminster , MD
    #6 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College

    Cost of Degree: $49,647
    Expenses: $16,498
    Starting Salary: $62,070
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
  18. #15

    Salisbury University

    Salisbury , MD
    #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Salisbury University

    Cost of Degree: $10,638
    Expenses: $18,892
    Starting Salary: $68,206
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
  19. #16

    Coppin State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #8 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Coppin State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,001
    Expenses: $18,766
    Starting Salary: $53,198
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Frostburg State University

    Frostburg , MD
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #4 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,998
    Expenses: $17,058
    Starting Salary: $60,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $39,708
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $69,703
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity And Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Rn To Bs In Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Washington Adventist University

    Takoma Park , MD
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington Adventist University

    Cost of Degree: $25,200
    Expenses: $12,640
    Starting Salary: $61,426
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  25. #21

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne , MD
    #6 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Cost of Degree: $8,898
    Expenses: $17,656
    Starting Salary: $52,085
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  26. #22

    Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Baltimore , MD
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2026 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Cost of Degree: $41,910
    Expenses: $18,635
    Starting Salary: $69,464
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
    • Completion Time: 5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accelerated 2nd Degree
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Mount St. Mary's University

    Emmitsburg , MD
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1163/23

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

    Cost of Degree: $47,240
    Expenses: $17,500
    Starting Salary: $69,690
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  28. #24

    St. John's College, Annapolis

    Annapolis , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/29

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

    Cost of Degree: $39,126
    Expenses: $16,414
    Starting Salary: $52,985
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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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