Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Maryland offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- Johns Hopkins University
- Most Popular Degrees: Medical Sciences, Nursing, and Biology
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Most Popular Degrees: Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science
- Loyola University Maryland
- Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Physics, and Computer Science
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Social Work, and Psychology
- Morgan State University
- Most Popular Degrees: Sociology, Engineering, and History
- Towson University
- Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Communications
- Bowie State University
- Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Psychology, and Nursing
- University of Baltimore
- Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Law, and Social Work
- Hood College
- Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Sociology, and Nursing
- Frostburg State University
- Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Social Work, and Psychology
There are 13 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Maryland. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Maryland is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Other Rankings
- #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #1 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #6 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
- #1 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #1 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #2 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
- #4 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #1 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #11 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #13 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
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: $62,840Expenses: $22,725Starting Salary: $89,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryConsistently ranked as one of the best graduate universities in the country, Johns Hopkins University offers various master’s programs across fields like business, education, international studies, and public health. Its teaching approach centers on hands-on learning, offering opportunities for research, prototyping, and international training.
What we love about Johns Hopkins University:
Being a leader in biomedical engineering, the university’s Master’s in Applied Biomedical Engineering covers different areas, including Neuro-engineering, Biomechanics, and Imaging.
Johns Hopkins University is ideal for students who:
Would like the option of either in-person or online education.
Johns Hopkins University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for more part-time graduate program options.
- #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
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #2 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #4 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
- #3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #6 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
- #9 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
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: $11,505Expenses: $19,380Starting Salary: $70,800Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAs a top-notch research institution, the University of Maryland, College Park, offers an effective graduate curriculum in the fields of computer science, engineering, and business. Aside from academic training, students also receive extra help through financial literacy training, writing consultations, and career counselors.
What we love about the University of Maryland, College Park:
With the aim to produce quality instruction, graduate school instructors and teaching assistants regularly receive training and attend workshops to enhance classroom effectiveness and professional development.
The University of Maryland, College Park is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a campus with nearby establishments like restaurants and shopping areas.
University of Maryland, College Park might not be the best fit for students who:
Seek more graduate program choices in nursing.
- #8 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
79%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/29
Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Maryland
Cost of Degree: $55,480Expenses: $20,110Starting Salary: $78,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWith deep Jesuit roots, the graduate programs at Loyola University Maryland emphasize integrity, social justice, and ethical leadership. With that being said, the school integrates social issues into its coursework, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and community-based projects.
What we love about Loyola University Maryland:
Through the Sellinger Graduate Mentor Program, each graduate student gets a mentor to guide them through personal coaching sessions and industry exposure.
Loyola University Maryland is ideal for students who:
Are unsure about their career path, as the Rizzo Career Center offers comprehensive career assessments and guidance.
Loyola University Maryland might not be the best fit for students who:
Wish to avoid networking events.
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
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: $12,952Expenses: $19,218Starting Salary: $59,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Maryland, Baltimore County offers various graduate degrees spanning subjects like music, biology, leadership, and engineering. Boasting modern facilities, students get to enjoy entertainment spaces and health centers.
What we love about the University of Maryland, Baltimore County:
The university offers an accelerated program for selected fields in engineering and social sciences, which allows junior undergraduates to save time by taking master’s courses before graduation.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County is ideal for students who:
Are planning to take other courses in the University of Maryland system.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County might not be the best fit for students who:
Are unsure about living on-campus, as housing is limited and late enrollees may have to look for other options.
- #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 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #3 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025
- #7 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 HBCU MBA Programs Online
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #7 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #9 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
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: $8,118Expenses: $18,320Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMorgan State University offers various master’s and Ph.D. programs for in-demand fields such as accounting, nursing,international studies, and business administration. To produce future leaders, the university provides career services, including internship matching, career assessments, and job fairs.
What we love about Morgan State University:
With an emphasis on research and innovation, the university is one of the leading schools in producing patents, invention disclosures, and start-ups.
Morgan State University is ideal for students who:
Plan to work in senior administration for community colleges.
Morgan State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Aren’t open to participating in internships.
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
70%
Student body
23K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
Career Outlook for degree at Towson University
Cost of Degree: $11,306Expenses: $20,084Starting Salary: $55,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWith top programs and quality instructors, Towson University emphasizes building knowledge and practical skills that are relevant to the needs of the workforce. The school offers both on-campus and fully online academic options to cater to any type of learner.
What we love about Towson University:
The school’s Graduate Student Association organizes various workshops and social events while offering networking opportunities to keep graduate students involved.
Towson University is ideal for students who:
Are drawn to learning more about autism and educational studies.
Towson University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are wanting a large variety of online options.
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Public 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: $8,999Expenses: $17,432Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOffering nationally-ranked graduate programs, Bowie State University is set on producing impactful graduates in the areas of education, business, and the STEM fields. The institution’s interdisciplinary approach is paired with modern facilities and excellent instructors.
What we love about Bowie State University:
Receiving distinction from agencies like the US Department of Homeland Security, the university’s MS in Computer Science prepares students for cyber defense careers through complex coursework in cybersecurity and data analytics.
Bowie State University is ideal for students who:
Would like to grow their entrepreneurial skills through an MBA.
Bowie State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for medical school training.
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #24 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
33%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Baltimore
Cost of Degree: $9,772Starting Salary: $63,400The University of Baltimore’s graduate programs emphasize professional development and career readiness. To help working professionals, the university offers flexible scheduling options, like evening classes and online courses.
What we love about the University of Baltimore:
To give its graduates an edge, the university offers high-quality dual degree programs, such as the Master’s in Business Administration and Juris Doctor track, which integrate courses to cover both business and legal fields comprehensively.
The University of Baltimore is ideal for students who:
Are interested in learning more about taxation, public policy, and conflict management.
The University of Baltimore might not be the best fit for students who:
Want an accelerated pathway from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s or PhD.
- #7 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
61%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Hood College
Cost of Degree: $45,870Expenses: $19,272Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWith an active graduate student community, Hood College combines its academic training with extracurricular activities, research opportunities, and cultural events. Aside from graduate degrees, adult learners can also acquire professional certificate training in various areas like finance and AI through the college’s Skill Accelerators program.
What we love about Hood College:
The college offers the 4PLUS Program that allows students to take both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the short span of 5 years, letting students save on time and tuition costs.
Hood College is ideal for students who:
Want to enhance their creative writing skills.
Hood College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are uncomfortable having small classes.
- #10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
49%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University
Cost of Degree: $9,998Expenses: $17,058Starting Salary: $47,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryFrostburg State University’s graduate programs aim to lead students to enriching careers through a diverse set of specializations, including athletic training, school counseling, and PK12 leadership. Aside from academic learning, graduate students also have the chance to join student clubs, attend campus events, and watch sports games.
What we love about Frostburg State University:
The university offers a unique master’s program in Recreation, Parks, and Sport Management that comes with two concentration options, intensive training courses, and a distance learning format.
Frostburg State University is ideal for students who:
Prefer having flexible tuition payment plans.
Frostburg State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking a variety of Ph.D. options.
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #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: $10,638Expenses: $18,892Starting Salary: $54,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySalisbury University’s graduate program offerings are designed to provide hands-on experience, academic excellence, and community engagement opportunities. Alongside doctoral and master’s programs, the university offers post-graduate certificates in fields such as leadership and nursing to add specialized skills.
What we love about Salisbury University:
With nearby bays and beaches, students enrolled in the master of science in Applied Biology have the unique opportunity to do field research while engaging with other organizations.
Salisbury University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for fully online master’s programs.
Salisbury University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want more graduate program areas to choose from.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
37%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Cost of Degree: $8,898Expenses: $17,656Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Maryland Eastern Shore aims to produce subject matter experts through its comprehensive graduate studies programs. With the help of its capable faculty, students are trained to improve their skill set and expand their capabilities.
What we love about the University of Maryland Eastern Shore:
Students enrolled in the master’s in Food and Agricultural Sciences may choose from various program concentrations like Natural Resources Science or Agricultural Economics, creating unique paths to specific interests and career goals.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is ideal for students who:
Want to work towards a master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore might not be the best fit for students who:
Don’t want to join graduate workshops.
- #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: $41,910Expenses: $18,635Starting Salary: $56,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryNotre Dame of Maryland University boasts of an inclusive student community, offering diverse graduate programs that cater to various interests. Graduate programs are also centered on research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
What we love about Notre Dame of Maryland University:
For a better distance learning experience, graduate students may access various online services, including tutorials, technical assistance, and academic resources.
Notre Dame of Maryland University is ideal for students who:
Plan on pursuing a doctoral degree in the medical field.
Notre Dame of Maryland University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for more graduate programs in business.
Maryland’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
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.