Best Colleges in Maryland 2023

Best Colleges in Maryland 2023
By 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. 77%
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
    3. 66%
  3. United States Naval Academy
    4. 57%
  4. Goucher College
    5. 42%
  5. Morgan State University
    6. 39%
  6. Towson University
    7. 38%
  7. Loyola University Maryland
    8. 38%
  8. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    9. 37%
  9. Washington College
    10. 34%
  10. University of Baltimore
    11. 33%
  1. Stevenson University
    2. 91%
  2. University of Baltimore
    3. 89%
  3. Towson University
    4. 88%
  4. McDaniel College
    5. 87%
  5. Morgan State University
    6. 87%
  6. Bowie State University
    7. 87%
  7. Salisbury University
    8. 86%
  8. Frostburg State University
    9. 86%
  9. Loyola University Maryland
    10. 84%
  10. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    11. 82%
  1. University of Maryland Global Campus
    2. 19 to 1
  2. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    3. 17 to 1
  3. University of Maryland, College Park
    4. 17 to 1
  4. Towson University
    5. 16 to 1
  5. Bowie State University
    6. 16 to 1
  6. Stevenson University
    7. 15 to 1
  7. Salisbury University
    8. 15 to 1
  8. Frostburg State University
    9. 14 to 1
  9. Mount St. Mary's University
    10. 14 to 1
  10. McDaniel College
    11. 13 to 1
  1. Johns Hopkins University
    2. $58,720
  2. Loyola University Maryland
    3. $53,530
  3. Washington College
    4. $49,768
  4. Goucher College
    5. $48,200
  5. McDaniel College
    6. $46,336
  6. Mount St. Mary's University
    7. $44,750
  7. Hood College
    8. $43,140
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University
    9. $39,745
  9. Stevenson University
    10. $38,168
  10. St. John's College, Annapolis
    11. $36,170
  1. Johns Hopkins University
    2. $58,720
  2. St. John's College, Annapolis
    3. $19,116
  3. Loyola University Maryland
    4. $18,540
  4. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    5. $16,530
  5. University of Maryland, College Park
    6. $15,360
  6. University of Baltimore
    7. $14,094
  7. Mount St. Mary's University
    8. $13,676
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University
    9. $13,321
  9. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    10. $12,222
  10. Washington Adventist University
    11. $11,160
  1. St. John's College, Annapolis
    2. 12%
  2. Notre Dame of Maryland University
    3. 23%
  3. University of Maryland Global Campus
    4. 24%
  4. Washington Adventist University
    5. 25%
  5. Stevenson University
    6. 25%
  6. Coppin State University
    7. 26%
  7. Frostburg State University
    8. 26%
  8. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    9. 26%
  9. Salisbury University
    10. 26%
  10. Hood College
    11. 27%
  1. United States Naval Academy
    2. 8%
  2. Johns Hopkins University
    3. 8%
  3. Coppin State University
    4. 48%
  4. University of Maryland, College Park
    5. 52%
  5. St. John's College, Annapolis
    6. 53%
  6. Washington Adventist University
    7. 62%
  7. Notre Dame of Maryland University
    8. 65%
  8. Washington College
    9. 70%
  9. Hood College
    10. 77%
  10. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    11. 77%
  1. Johns Hopkins University
    2. 6 to 1
  2. St. John's College, Annapolis
    3. 7 to 1
  3. Notre Dame of Maryland University
    4. 7 to 1
  4. United States Naval Academy
    5. 8 to 1
  5. Goucher College
    6. 9 to 1
  6. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    7. 9 to 1
  7. Washington College
    8. 9 to 1
  8. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    9. 10 to 1
  9. Washington Adventist University
    10. 11 to 1
  10. Hood College
    11. 11 to 1
  1. Coppin State University
    2. $4,741
  2. Morgan State University
    3. $5,477
  3. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    4. $5,526
  4. Bowie State University
    5. $5,760
  5. Frostburg State University
    6. $6,834
  6. Towson University
    7. $7,100
  7. University of Baltimore
    8. $7,154
  8. University of Maryland Global Campus
    9. $7,344
  9. Salisbury University
    10. $7,408
  10. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    11. $8,878
  1. Coppin State University
    2. $6,318
  2. Bowie State University
    3. $7,758
  3. Frostburg State University
    4. $8,028
  4. Morgan State University
    5. $8,190
  5. Towson University
    6. $8,280
  6. Stevenson University
    7. $8,340
  7. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    8. $8,352
  8. Salisbury University
    9. $8,585
  9. Hood College
    10. $8,820
  10. University of Maryland Global Campus
    11. $9,072

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 2022

  1. #1

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023 #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/35

    What is Johns Hopkins University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #5

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD
    #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1004/25

    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
  8. #7

    Morgan State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #9 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #4 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/18

    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
  17. #15

    Frostburg State University

    Frostburg , MD
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2023 #10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2023 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/20

    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
  20. #17

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne , MD
    #6 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2023 #9 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    925/17

    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

  22. #19

    Coppin State University

    Baltimore , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    895/19

    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
  23. #20

    Stevenson University

    Stevenson , MD
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    3K

    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
  25. #21

    University of Maryland Global Campus

    Adelphi , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    37K

    What is University of Maryland Global Campus known for?

    University of Maryland Global Campus’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  27. #23

    Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    1K

    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
  28. #24

    St. John's College, Annapolis

    Annapolis , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is St. John's College, Annapolis known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

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Maryland’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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