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.
10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Loyola University Maryland
- University of Baltimore
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Salisbury University
- Bowie State University
- Frostburg State University
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Loyola University Maryland
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Morgan State University
- Towson University
- Bowie State University
- University of Baltimore
- Hood College
- Frostburg State University
- University of Baltimore 89%
- Towson University 88%
- Morgan State University 87%
- Bowie State University 87%
- Salisbury University 86%
- Frostburg State University 86%
- Loyola University Maryland 84%
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore 82%
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County 81%
- Hood College 77%
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County 17 to 1
- University of Maryland, College Park 17 to 1
- Towson University 16 to 1
- Bowie State University 16 to 1
- Salisbury University 15 to 1
- Frostburg State University 14 to 1
- Morgan State University 13 to 1
- University of Baltimore 13 to 1
- Loyola University Maryland 12 to 1
- Hood College 11 to 1
- Johns Hopkins University $58,720
- Loyola University Maryland $53,530
- Hood College $43,140
- Notre Dame of Maryland University $39,745
- University of Maryland, College Park $9,000
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County $8,878
- Salisbury University $7,408
- University of Baltimore $7,154
- Towson University $7,100
- Frostburg State University $6,834
- Johns Hopkins University $58,720
- Loyola University Maryland $18,540
- University of Maryland, College Park $15,360
- University of Baltimore $14,094
- Notre Dame of Maryland University $13,321
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County $12,222
- Hood College $8,820
- Salisbury University $8,585
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore $8,352
- Towson University $8,280
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Hood College
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Frostburg State University
- Bowie State University
- Salisbury University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Morgan State University
- Towson University
- University of Baltimore
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Salisbury University
- Frostburg State University
- Hood College
- University of Baltimore
- Bowie State University
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Johns Hopkins University 8%
- University of Maryland, College Park 52%
- Notre Dame of Maryland University 65%
- Hood College 77%
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County 81%
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore 82%
- Loyola University Maryland 84%
- Frostburg State University 86%
- Salisbury University 86%
- Bowie State University 87%
- Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
- Notre Dame of Maryland University 7 to 1
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore 10 to 1
- Hood College 11 to 1
- Loyola University Maryland 12 to 1
- Morgan State University 13 to 1
- University of Baltimore 13 to 1
- Frostburg State University 14 to 1
- Salisbury University 15 to 1
- Towson University 16 to 1
- Morgan State University $5,477
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore $5,526
- Bowie State University $5,760
- Frostburg State University $6,834
- Towson University $7,100
- University of Baltimore $7,154
- Salisbury University $7,408
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County $8,878
- University of Maryland, College Park $9,000
- Notre Dame of Maryland University $39,745
- Bowie State University $7,758
- Frostburg State University $8,028
- Morgan State University $8,190
- Towson University $8,280
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore $8,352
- Salisbury University $8,585
- Hood College $8,820
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County $12,222
- Notre Dame of Maryland University $13,321
- University of Baltimore $14,094
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.
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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?
- 6 Research Universities
- 18 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 13 Graduate Schools
- 13 Public Colleges & Universities
- 11 Private Colleges & Universities
- 4 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 15 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 13 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 16 Community Colleges
- 7 Online Colleges
Maryland’s Best Overall
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 2023
- #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #13 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
Other Rankings
- #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #3 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #6 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #12 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #15 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
- #1 Top 10 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #1 Best Online Master's in Economics
- #2 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #2 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #2 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
- #2 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #2 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Management
- #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #22 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
8%
Graduation
95%
Student body
37K
Median SAT/ACT
1515/35
Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University
Cost of Degree: $60,480Expenses: $20,320Starting Salary: $89,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Johns Hopkins University known for?
Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #12 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #8 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
- #8 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #9 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #19 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
88%
Student body
45K
Median SAT/ACT
1375/32
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park
Cost of Degree: $11,233Expenses: $18,404Starting Salary: $70,800Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maryland, College Park known for?
University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
81%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Maryland
Cost of Degree: $53,430Expenses: $19,170Starting Salary: $78,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Loyola University Maryland known for?
Loyola University Maryland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #21 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
38%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1004/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Baltimore
Cost of Degree: $9,506Starting Salary: $63,400What is University of Baltimore known for?
University of Baltimore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Business
- Psychology
- History
- Philosophy
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
72%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
Career Outlook for degree at Towson University
Cost of Degree: $10,818Expenses: $17,902Starting Salary: $55,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Towson University known for?
Towson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Computer Science
- History
- Medical
- Psychology
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #9 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #7 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 HBCU MBA Programs Online
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
- #11 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #11 Best Online Master's in Project Management
- #23 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
44%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
990/18
Career Outlook for degree at Morgan State University
Cost of Degree: $8,008Expenses: $17,727Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Morgan State University known for?
Morgan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
71%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/27
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Cost of Degree: $12,606Expenses: $18,189Starting Salary: $59,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maryland, Baltimore County known for?
University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
72%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Salisbury University
Cost of Degree: $10,396Expenses: $16,990Starting Salary: $54,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Salisbury University known for?
Salisbury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Nursing
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
42%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
935/17
Career Outlook for degree at Bowie State University
Cost of Degree: $8,753Expenses: $16,568Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bowie State University known for?
Bowie State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Education
- Communications
- History
- Business
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
48%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University
Cost of Degree: $9,804Expenses: $16,696Starting Salary: $47,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Frostburg State University known for?
Frostburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
33%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
925/17
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 salaryWhat is University of Maryland Eastern Shore known for?
University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
66%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Hood College
Cost of Degree: $44,500Expenses: $18,370Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hood College known for?
Hood College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Education
- Biology
- Economics
- Psychology
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
59%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Cost of Degree: $40,730Expenses: $20,150Starting Salary: $56,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Notre Dame of Maryland University known for?
Notre Dame of Maryland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Literature
- Business
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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 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.