Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024
Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Maryland.
10 Best Private Colleges in Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University
- Loyola University Maryland
- Goucher College
- Washington College
- McDaniel College
- Washington Adventist University
- Hood College
- Stevenson University
- Mount St. Mary's University
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Goucher College
- Washington College
- Loyola University Maryland
- McDaniel College
- Mount St. Mary's University
- Hood College
- Stevenson University
- Washington Adventist University
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Stevenson University 84%
- Loyola University Maryland 83%
- McDaniel College 82%
- Mount St. Mary's University 80%
- Goucher College 80%
- Hood College 78%
- Washington College 75%
- Notre Dame of Maryland University 70%
- Washington Adventist University 51%
- St. John's College, Annapolis 50%
- Stevenson University 15 to 1
- Mount St. Mary's University 13 to 1
- Loyola University Maryland 13 to 1
- McDaniel College 12 to 1
- Hood College 11 to 1
- Washington College 9 to 1
- St. John's College, Annapolis 8 to 1
- Notre Dame of Maryland University 8 to 1
- Goucher College 7 to 1
- Washington Adventist University 6 to 1
- Johns Hopkins University $60,480
- Loyola University Maryland $53,430
- Washington College $52,481
- Goucher College $49,220
- McDaniel College $46,800
- Mount St. Mary's University $45,870
- Hood College $44,500
- Notre Dame of Maryland University $40,730
- Stevenson University $38,738
- St. John's College, Annapolis $37,260
- Johns Hopkins University $60,480
- St. John's College, Annapolis $19,692
- Loyola University Maryland $18,900
- Mount St. Mary's University $13,899
- Goucher College $13,185
- Notre Dame of Maryland University $11,889
- Washington Adventist University $11,160
- McDaniel College $9,666
- Hood College $9,000
- Stevenson University $8,340
- St. John's College, Annapolis
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Mount St. Mary's University
- Stevenson University
- Hood College
- Washington Adventist University
- McDaniel College
- Washington College
- Goucher College
- Loyola University Maryland
- St. John's College, Annapolis
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Washington Adventist University
- Stevenson University
- Hood College
- Mount St. Mary's University
- McDaniel College
- Loyola University Maryland
- Washington College
- Goucher College
- Johns Hopkins University 7%
- St. John's College, Annapolis 50%
- Washington Adventist University 51%
- Notre Dame of Maryland University 70%
- Washington College 75%
- Hood College 78%
- Goucher College 80%
- Mount St. Mary's University 80%
- McDaniel College 82%
- Loyola University Maryland 83%
- Washington Adventist University 6 to 1
- Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
- Goucher College 7 to 1
- St. John's College, Annapolis 8 to 1
- Notre Dame of Maryland University 8 to 1
- Washington College 9 to 1
- Hood College 11 to 1
- McDaniel College 12 to 1
- Mount St. Mary's University 13 to 1
- Loyola University Maryland 13 to 1
- Washington Adventist University $25,200
- St. John's College, Annapolis $37,260
- Stevenson University $38,738
- Notre Dame of Maryland University $40,730
- Hood College $44,500
- Mount St. Mary's University $45,870
- McDaniel College $46,800
- Goucher College $49,220
- Washington College $52,481
- Loyola University Maryland $53,430
- Stevenson University $8,340
- Hood College $9,000
- McDaniel College $9,666
- Washington Adventist University $11,160
- Notre Dame of Maryland University $11,889
- Goucher College $13,185
- Mount St. Mary's University $13,899
- Loyola University Maryland $18,900
- St. John's College, Annapolis $19,692
- Johns Hopkins University $60,480
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.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
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
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 11 private universities in Maryland. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Maryland, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Best Private Colleges in Maryland
- #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #12 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 Grad Schools 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 in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
- #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 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 PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's in Management
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #22 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
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: $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
- #10 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 Liberal Arts 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: $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
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #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: $49,220Expenses: $20,780Starting Salary: $55,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Goucher College known for?
Goucher College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Physics
- Biology
- Literature
- History
- Chemistry
- Education
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #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: $51,991Expenses: $17,894Starting Salary: $56,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Washington College known for?
Washington College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Literature
- History
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Political Science
- Economics
- Psychology
- Biology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
66%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College
Cost of Degree: $46,800Expenses: $15,884Starting Salary: $54,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is McDaniel College known for?
McDaniel College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Education
- Physics
- Literature
- Communications
- History
- Biology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
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 salaryWhat is Washington Adventist University known for?
Washington Adventist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
61%
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
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs #5 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
- #11 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #12 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
65%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University
Cost of Degree: $38,738Expenses: $19,780Starting Salary: $54,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stevenson University known for?
Stevenson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Business
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Communications
- Education
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
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
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: $45,870Expenses: $17,070Starting Salary: $56,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mount St. Mary's University known for?
Mount St. Mary's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Mathematics
- History
- Literature
- Education
- Economics
- Political Science
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
60%
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
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: $37,260Expenses: $15,700Starting Salary: $42,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary
Maryland’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest
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.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.