Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025

Badge for BEST IN MARYLAND LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Maryland offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

Key Takeaways

  • The colleges in our ranking offer access to cultural, professional, and internship opportunities in nearby cities like Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, while maintaining the intimate campus environment typical of liberal arts institutions.
  • The best liberal arts colleges in Maryland often emphasize social responsibility, with programs and initiatives designed to foster leadership, community involvement, and advocacy for equity and inclusion.
  • Many of the top institutions leverage Maryland’s diverse natural landscapes, incorporating sustainability practices and offering programs focused on environmental science, ecology, and conservation.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in Maryland saw a considerable amount of movement. St. Mary’s College of Maryland gained the most ranking positions as the college is making significant enhancements to improve campus facilities and infrastructure. Key projects include the renovation of Montgomery Hall, which houses the art, performing arts, and English departments, with plans to modernize the building to better meet academic needs.

Additionally, the Campus Infrastructure Improvements Program has made substantial progress, completing HVAC upgrades, sidewalk and road repairs, and roof replacements, with more projects slated for completion by the end of 2024. The college is also advancing Phase 2 of the Maryland Route 5 Safety and Traffic Calming Project, which includes constructing a pedestrian and bicycle trail with a boardwalk across Fishers Creek to enhance safety and environmental sustainability.

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 18 liberal arts colleges in Maryland. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Maryland, schools must fully accredited institutions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland

  1. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/28

    The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis is a federal service academy that educates midshipmen for service in the officer corps of the US Navy and the US Marine Corps. It is the second oldest of the five US service academies.

    What We Love About the United States Naval Academy

    Graduates from the US Naval Academy will have ample knowledge in professional leadership and technical experience, making them highly coveted candidates by hundreds of employers.

    United States Naval Academy is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue a military career and are looking for world-class education, clothing, food, housing, medical services, and immersive leadership training.

    United States Naval Academy might not be a good fit for students who:

    Would prefer to not be a part of the military.

  2. #2

    Goucher College

    Baltimore , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Goucher College

    Cost of Degree: $51,250
    Expenses: $20,650
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Goucher College is Maryland’s innovative liberal arts college located in Towson, Baltimore. This private college offers over 40 undergraduate majors, minors, and professional studies programs.

    What We Love About Goucher College

    On top of Goucher College’s top-tier academics, it also offers plenty of opportunities for high-level undergraduate research.

    Goucher College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a solid liberal arts education with many opportunities to pursue their interests in depth.

    Goucher College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want to attend a huge university or become involved in Greek life.

  3. 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

    A private Jesuit school, Loyola University Maryland is the first college in the US bearing the name of St. Ignatius of Loyal, the founder of the Society of Jesus. It is also the ninth-oldest Jesuit college in the country.

    What We Love About Loyola University Maryland

    The school is one of the best universities for sports and athletes, gaining accolades for Best College for Student-Athletes and Best College Athletics.

    Loyola University Maryland is ideal for students who:

    Love to be a part of a community and socialize.

    Loyola University Maryland might not be a good fit for students who:

    Don’t make community a big priority.

  4. #4

    Washington College

    Chestertown , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington College

    Cost of Degree: $53,776
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $56,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Washington College is a private, nonprofit, liberal arts college located in Chestertown, Maryland. Its 50 academic programs include dual-degree programs, interdisciplinary majors and minors, and pre-professional programs.

    What We Love About Washington College

    Aside from its challenging programs, Washington College provides a wide range of unique experiential learning opportunities to its students.

    Washington College is ideal for students who:

    Like a small and personal learning atmosphere.

    Washington College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Would prefer to attend a larger college or university.

  5. #5

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD
    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 is a public university located in Baltimore, Maryland and is part of the University System of Maryland. It is also home to one of Maryland’s two law schools.

    What We Love About the University of Baltimore

    This university is a relatively small and intimate school that allows students to adjust to college life easily. It also offers free tutoring and has great social events.

    The University of Baltimore is ideal for students who:

    Want a small campus where they can form long-term friendships and professional connections.

    The University of Baltimore might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are looking for a big campus with plenty of on and off-campus activities.

    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
  6. 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

    A part of the University System of Maryland, Bowie State University is a public historically black university located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, north of Bowie. It is the state’s oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the entire US.

    What We Love About Bowie State University

    Bowie State University empowers a diverse student population to reach their potential through transformational experiences and innovative academic programs.

    Bowie State University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a small, quiet campus in a rural area.

    Bowie State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not as academically focused.

  7. #7

    St. Mary's College of Maryland

    St. Mary's City , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/29

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

    Cost of Degree: $15,236
    Expenses: $17,283
    Starting Salary: $55,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers over 20 majors, 29 minors, and various pre-professional and master’s programs. This honors college aims to give students a learning experience comparable to that of an elite liberal arts college.

    What We Love About St. Mary’s College of Maryland

    The school offers an undergraduate liberal arts education and small-college experience similar to those found at exceptional private colleges.

    St. Mary’s College of Maryland is ideal for students who:

    Are free-spirited, creative, and willing to push their boundaries, as well as those interested in social activism.

    St. Mary’s College of Maryland might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want to attend a larger school with a party scene.

  8. #8

    McDaniel College

    Westminster , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College

    Cost of Degree: $49,647
    Expenses: $16,498
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    McDaniel College is a private college located in Westminster, Maryland. Students have over 70 undergraduate program choices, including pre-professional specializations and student-designed majors, as well as more than 20 graduate programs.

    What We Love About McDaniel College

    It is a small, beautiful campus with vibrant students. Because of its size, professors get to know their students and genuinely care about them.

    McDaniel College is ideal for students who:

    Love the feel of a small school setting.

    McDaniel College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Were wanting to go to a school with lots of school spirit and exciting social life.

  9. Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/22

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

    Cost of Degree: $47,240
    Expenses: $17,500
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mount St. Mary’s University is a Roman Catholic school in Emmitsburg. It is the largest Catholic university in the US. Its undergraduate programs are divided between the Richard J. Bolte School of Business, the College of Liberal Arts, as well as the School of Natural Science & Mathematics.

    What We Love About Mount St. Mary’s University

    The school is notable for its gender equity research and innovative health and science programs.

    Mount St. Mary’s University is ideal for students who:

    Are well rounded, outgoing, and nature loving types.

    Mount St. Mary’s University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Would like to attend college in a larger city.

  10. #10

    Salisbury University

    Salisbury , MD

    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 was founded in 1925. A member of the University System of Maryland, it offers around 60 unique academic programs.

    What We Love About Salisbury University

    It focuses on delivering high-quality undergraduate programs, internships, and study-abroad opportunities.

    Salisbury University is ideal for students who:

    Desire a mid-sized university with a small-town feel.

    Salisbury University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are hesitant to meet new people or join academic groups.

  11. #11

    Hood College

    Frederick , MD

    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

    Hood College is a private college located in Frederick, Maryland. It offers 30 major fields of study toward bachelors of science and arts degrees and 20 programs leading to master’s degrees.

    What We Love About Hood College

    One great thing about Hood College is that there is always something fun to do. From bingo nights to school dances, the school puts on plenty of activities and events for its students.

    Hood College is ideal for students who:

    Enjoy small learning environments and those who seek a well-rounded education.

    Hood College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Prefer lower tuition rates.

  12. #12

    Coppin State University

    Baltimore , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Coppin State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,001
    Expenses: $18,766
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Coppin State University is a public historically black institution in Baltimore. This school is part of the University System of Maryland as well as a Thurgood Marshall College Fund member.

    What We Love About Coppin State University

    Coppin State University is an amazing school for those who don’t want to pay high tuition rates while still receiving a good education.

    Coppin State University is ideal for students who:

    Don’t have plenty of money to pay for expensive colleges or universities.

    Coppin State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Prefer professors with a larger number of office hours.

    Coppin State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. 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 is a public university. It is the only four-year school of the University System of Maryland west of the Baltimore-Washington passageway in Maryland’s Appalachian Highlands.

    What We Love About Frostburg State University

    There are plenty of clubs and activities for students to get involved in.

    Frostburg State University is ideal for students who:

    Want a big college feel on a smaller campus.

    Frostburg State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are used to city life and don’t like a very quiet and quaint surrounding.

    Frostburg State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    87K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Global Campus

    Cost of Degree: $7,992
    Starting Salary: $55,900

    The University of Maryland Global Campus is a public university located in Adelphi, Maryland. It offers online, hybrid, and face-to-face instruction at education centers across the Baltimore- Washington metropolitan area.

    What We Love About UMGC:

    The school proudly offers highly acclaimed faculty and world-class student services.

    UMGC is ideal for students who:

    Want access to a lot of flexible degree and certificate options.

    UMGC might not be a good fit for students who:

    Prefer a traditional full-time college setting.

  15. #15

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $39,708
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $54,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Stevenson University is a private university located in Baltimore County, Maryland. It has two campuses, one in Owing Mills and one in Stevenson. The school offers over 90 majors, minors, tracks, and concentrations.

    What We Love About Stevenson University

    The school is strongly committed to providing all its students with an education environment free of discrimination, bias, intimidation, or harassment.

    Stevenson University is ideal for students who:

    Wish to attend a smaller school.

    Stevenson University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want a larger campus with a greater range of activities, as well as those who want to be closer to a larger metropolitan area.

    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
  16. Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington Adventist University

    Cost of Degree: $25,200
    Expenses: $12,640
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Washington Adventist University, located in Takoma Park, Maryland, is a private Seventh-day Adventist university that offers associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as several certificate programs. They also offer master’s degree programs and accelerated bachelor’s degree courses.

    What We Love About Washington Adventist University

    It is a small university that is culturally diverse and has great spiritual programs.

    Washington Adventist University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer to have more graduate programs to choose from.

    Washington Adventist University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Do not have an interest in serving the community.

  17. 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

    A private Catholic school, Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore has over 30 undergraduate majors along with interdisciplinary minors, graduate, and certificate programs.

    What We Love About Notre Dame of Maryland University

    All its programs provide a firm foundation in the sciences and the arts, thanks to its rigorous education approach.

    Notre Dame of Maryland University is ideal for students who:

    Are diligent about their studies.

    Notre Dame of Maryland University might not be good for students who:

    Don’t like small schools as the school has less than a thousand students.

    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
  18. Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/31

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

    Cost of Degree: $39,126
    Expenses: $16,414
    Starting Salary: $42,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    St. John’s College, Annapolis, is a private liberal school. It also has a campus in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is the third oldest college in the United States.

    What We Love About St. John’s College, Annapolis

    It is a very selective school and provides a unique educational experience.

    St. John’s College, Annapolis, is ideal for students who:

    Find that having a good classroom experience and easy access to professors is a priority.

    St. John’s College, Annapolis, might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are more interested in technical education.

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Maryland’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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. United States Naval Academy
  2. Goucher College
  3. St. Mary's College of Maryland
  4. Washington College
  5. Loyola University Maryland
  6. Mount St. Mary's University
  7. McDaniel College
  8. Hood College
  9. St. John's College, Annapolis
  10. Salisbury University
  11. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  12. Stevenson University

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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