Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024

Badge for BEST IN MARYLAND GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. Johns Hopkins University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Medical Sciences, Nursing, and Biology
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
    • Most Popular Degrees: Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science
  3. Loyola University Maryland
    • Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Physics, and Computer Science
  4. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    • Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Social Work, and Psychology
  5. Morgan State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Sociology, Engineering, and History
  6. Towson University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Communications
  7. Bowie State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Psychology, and Nursing
  8. University of Baltimore
    • Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Law, and Social Work
  9. Hood College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Sociology, and Nursing
  10. 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

  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

    Consistently 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.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Maryland, College Park

    College Park , MD
    #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #17 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 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

    As 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.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Loyola University Maryland

    Baltimore , MD
    #8 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024
    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: $55,480
    Expenses: $20,110
    Starting Salary: $78,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    With 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.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #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: $12,952
    Expenses: $19,218
    Starting Salary: $59,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The 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.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    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 Research Universities 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

    Morgan 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.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Towson University

    Towson , MD
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges 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: $11,306
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    With 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.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Bowie State University

    Bowie , MD
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024

    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

    Offering 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.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
    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

    The 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.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Hood College

    Frederick , MD
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #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: $45,870
    Expenses: $19,272
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    With 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.

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Frostburg State University

    Frostburg , MD
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #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

    Frostburg 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.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Salisbury University

    Salisbury , MD
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #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

    Salisbury 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.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne , MD
    #6 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024

    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

    The 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.

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024 #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

    Notre 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.

    Compare school
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Maryland’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

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.

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  4. Towson University
  5. Loyola University Maryland
  6. Salisbury University
  7. Hood College
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University
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