Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025
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.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland in 2025
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 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
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: $51,250Expenses: $20,650Starting Salary: $55,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryGoucher 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.
- #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 Grad Schools 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: $55,480Expenses: $20,110Starting Salary: $78,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryA 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.
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
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: $53,776Expenses: $19,540Starting Salary: $56,500Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWashington 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.
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #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 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
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #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 salaryA 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.
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
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: $15,236Expenses: $17,283Starting Salary: $55,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySt. 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.
- #5 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
66%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College
Cost of Degree: $49,647Expenses: $16,498Starting Salary: $54,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMcDaniel 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.
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
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: $47,240Expenses: $17,500Starting Salary: $56,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMount 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.
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
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 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.
- #7 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools 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: $45,870Expenses: $19,272Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryHood 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.
- #9 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
24%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Coppin State University
Cost of Degree: $7,001Expenses: $18,766Starting Salary: $41,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCoppin 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
- #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
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 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 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #15 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
Other Rankings
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs
- #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #10 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #7 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
19%
Student body
87K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Global Campus
Cost of Degree: $7,992Starting Salary: $55,900The 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.
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
- #6 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
65%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University
Cost of Degree: $39,708Expenses: $20,278Starting Salary: $54,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryStevenson 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
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Washington Adventist University
Cost of Degree: $25,200Expenses: $12,640Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWashington 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.
- #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 salaryA 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
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: $39,126Expenses: $16,414Starting Salary: $42,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySt. 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.
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.
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.