Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024

Badge for BEST IN MARYLAND PRIVATE COLLEGES

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

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  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. Loyola University Maryland
  3. Goucher College
  4. Washington College
  5. McDaniel College
  6. Washington Adventist University
  7. Hood College
  8. Stevenson University
  9. Mount St. Mary's University
  10. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. Goucher College
  3. Washington College
  4. Loyola University Maryland
  5. McDaniel College
  6. Mount St. Mary's University
  7. Hood College
  8. Stevenson University
  9. Washington Adventist University
  10. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  1. Stevenson University 91%
  2. McDaniel College 87%
  3. Loyola University Maryland 84%
  4. Mount St. Mary's University 82%
  5. Goucher College 82%
  6. Hood College 77%
  7. Washington College 70%
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University 65%
  9. Washington Adventist University 62%
  10. St. John's College, Annapolis 53%
  1. Stevenson University 15 to 1
  2. Mount St. Mary's University 14 to 1
  3. McDaniel College 13 to 1
  4. Loyola University Maryland 12 to 1
  5. Washington Adventist University 11 to 1
  6. Hood College 11 to 1
  7. Goucher College 9 to 1
  8. Washington College 9 to 1
  9. St. John's College, Annapolis 7 to 1
  10. Notre Dame of Maryland University 7 to 1
  1. Johns Hopkins University $58,720
  2. Loyola University Maryland $53,530
  3. Washington College $49,768
  4. Goucher College $48,200
  5. McDaniel College $46,336
  6. Mount St. Mary's University $44,750
  7. Hood College $43,140
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University $39,745
  9. Stevenson University $38,168
  10. St. John's College, Annapolis $36,170
  1. Johns Hopkins University $58,720
  2. St. John's College, Annapolis $19,116
  3. Loyola University Maryland $18,540
  4. Mount St. Mary's University $13,676
  5. Notre Dame of Maryland University $13,321
  6. Washington Adventist University $11,160
  7. McDaniel College $9,468
  8. Goucher College $9,180
  9. Hood College $8,820
  10. Stevenson University $8,340
  1. St. John's College, Annapolis
  2. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  3. Mount St. Mary's University
  4. Stevenson University
  5. Hood College
  6. Washington Adventist University
  7. McDaniel College
  8. Washington College
  9. Goucher College
  10. Loyola University Maryland
  1. St. John's College, Annapolis
  2. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  3. Washington Adventist University
  4. Stevenson University
  5. Hood College
  6. Mount St. Mary's University
  7. McDaniel College
  8. Loyola University Maryland
  9. Washington College
  10. Goucher College
  1. Johns Hopkins University 8%
  2. St. John's College, Annapolis 53%
  3. Washington Adventist University 62%
  4. Notre Dame of Maryland University 65%
  5. Washington College 70%
  6. Hood College 77%
  7. Goucher College 82%
  8. Mount St. Mary's University 82%
  9. Loyola University Maryland 84%
  10. McDaniel College 87%
  1. Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
  2. St. John's College, Annapolis 7 to 1
  3. Notre Dame of Maryland University 7 to 1
  4. Goucher College 9 to 1
  5. Washington College 9 to 1
  6. Washington Adventist University 11 to 1
  7. Hood College 11 to 1
  8. Loyola University Maryland 12 to 1
  9. McDaniel College 13 to 1
  10. Mount St. Mary's University 14 to 1
  1. Washington Adventist University $25,200
  2. St. John's College, Annapolis $36,170
  3. Stevenson University $38,168
  4. Notre Dame of Maryland University $39,745
  5. Hood College $43,140
  6. Mount St. Mary's University $44,750
  7. McDaniel College $46,336
  8. Goucher College $48,200
  9. Washington College $49,768
  10. Loyola University Maryland $53,530
  1. Stevenson University $8,340
  2. Hood College $8,820
  3. Goucher College $9,180
  4. McDaniel College $9,468
  5. Washington Adventist University $11,160
  6. Notre Dame of Maryland University $13,321
  7. Mount St. Mary's University $13,676
  8. Loyola University Maryland $18,540
  9. St. John's College, Annapolis $19,116
  10. Johns Hopkins University $58,720

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?

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.

Maryland's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Maryland

  1. #1

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    Other Rankings

    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: $60,480
    Expenses: $20,320
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #4

    Washington College

    Chestertown , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington College

    Cost of Degree: $51,991
    Expenses: $17,894
    Starting Salary: $56,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #5

    McDaniel College

    Westminster , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College

    Cost of Degree: $46,800
    Expenses: $15,884
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    40%

    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
    What is Washington Adventist University known for?

    Washington Adventist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #7

    Hood College

    Frederick , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hood College

    Cost of Degree: $44,500
    Expenses: $18,370
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hood College known for?

    Hood College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. #8

    Stevenson University

    Stevenson , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $38,738
    Expenses: $19,780
    Starting Salary: $54,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stevenson University known for?

    Stevenson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  7. Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1073/22

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

    Cost of Degree: $45,870
    Expenses: $17,070
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Cost of Degree: $40,730
    Expenses: $20,150
    Starting Salary: $56,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Notre Dame of Maryland University known for?

    Notre Dame of Maryland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  9. Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    <1K

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

    Cost of Degree: $37,260
    Expenses: $15,700
    Starting Salary: $42,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. John's College, Annapolis known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

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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.

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. Goucher College
  3. Washington College
  4. Loyola University Maryland
  5. Mount St. Mary's University
  6. McDaniel College
  7. Hood College
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  9. St. John's College, Annapolis
  10. Stevenson University

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

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