Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2023

Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Maryland provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland

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  1. University of Maryland, College Park
    2. 66%
  2. United States Naval Academy
    3. 57%
  3. Morgan State University
    4. 39%
  4. Towson University
    5. 38%
  5. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    6. 37%
  6. University of Baltimore
    7. 33%
  7. Bowie State University
    8. 32%
  8. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    9. 30%
  9. Salisbury University
    10. 26%
  10. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    11. 26%
  1. University of Baltimore
    2. 89%
  2. Towson University
    3. 88%
  3. Morgan State University
    4. 87%
  4. Bowie State University
    5. 87%
  5. Salisbury University
    6. 86%
  6. Frostburg State University
    7. 86%
  7. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    8. 82%
  8. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    9. 81%
  9. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    10. 77%
  10. University of Maryland, College Park
    11. 52%
  1. University of Maryland Global Campus
    2. 19 to 1
  2. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    3. 17 to 1
  3. University of Maryland, College Park
    4. 17 to 1
  4. Towson University
    5. 16 to 1
  5. Bowie State University
    6. 16 to 1
  6. Salisbury University
    7. 15 to 1
  7. Frostburg State University
    8. 14 to 1
  8. Morgan State University
    9. 13 to 1
  9. University of Baltimore
    10. 13 to 1
  10. Coppin State University
    11. 12 to 1
  1. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    2. $12,116
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
    3. $9,000
  3. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    4. $8,878
  4. Salisbury University
    5. $7,408
  5. University of Maryland Global Campus
    6. $7,344
  6. University of Baltimore
    7. $7,154
  7. Towson University
    8. $7,100
  8. Frostburg State University
    9. $6,834
  9. Bowie State University
    10. $5,760
  10. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    11. $5,526
  1. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    2. $16,530
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
    3. $15,360
  3. University of Baltimore
    4. $14,094
  4. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    5. $12,222
  5. University of Maryland Global Campus
    6. $9,072
  6. Salisbury University
    7. $8,585
  7. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    8. $8,352
  8. Towson University
    9. $8,280
  9. Morgan State University
    10. $8,190
  10. Frostburg State University
    11. $8,028
  1. University of Maryland Global Campus
    2. 24%
  2. Coppin State University
    3. 26%
  3. Frostburg State University
    4. 26%
  4. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    5. 26%
  5. Salisbury University
    6. 26%
  6. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    7. 30%
  7. Bowie State University
    8. 32%
  8. University of Baltimore
    9. 33%
  9. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    10. 37%
  10. Towson University
    11. 38%
  1. United States Naval Academy
    2. 8%
  2. Coppin State University
    3. 48%
  3. University of Maryland, College Park
    4. 52%
  4. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    5. 77%
  5. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    6. 81%
  6. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    7. 82%
  7. Frostburg State University
    8. 86%
  8. Salisbury University
    9. 86%
  9. Bowie State University
    10. 87%
  10. Morgan State University
    11. 87%
  1. United States Naval Academy
    2. 8 to 1
  2. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    3. 9 to 1
  3. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    4. 10 to 1
  4. Coppin State University
    5. 12 to 1
  5. Morgan State University
    6. 13 to 1
  6. University of Baltimore
    7. 13 to 1
  7. Frostburg State University
    8. 14 to 1
  8. Salisbury University
    9. 15 to 1
  9. Towson University
    10. 16 to 1
  10. Bowie State University
    11. 16 to 1
  1. Coppin State University
    2. $4,741
  2. Morgan State University
    3. $5,477
  3. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    4. $5,526
  4. Bowie State University
    5. $5,760
  5. Frostburg State University
    6. $6,834
  6. Towson University
    7. $7,100
  7. University of Baltimore
    8. $7,154
  8. University of Maryland Global Campus
    9. $7,344
  9. Salisbury University
    10. $7,408
  10. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    11. $8,878
  1. Coppin State University
    2. $6,318
  2. Bowie State University
    3. $7,758
  3. Frostburg State University
    4. $8,028
  4. Morgan State University
    5. $8,190
  5. Towson University
    6. $8,280
  6. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    7. $8,352
  7. Salisbury University
    8. $8,585
  8. University of Maryland Global Campus
    9. $9,072
  9. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    10. $12,222
  10. University of Baltimore
    11. $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.

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 Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 13 public universities in Maryland. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Maryland, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2022

  3. #3

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD
    #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1004/25

    What is University of Baltimore known for?

    University of Baltimore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  5. #5

    Morgan State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #9 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #4 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/18

    What is Morgan State University known for?

    Morgan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Morgan State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Cloud Computing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #10

    Frostburg State University

    Frostburg , MD
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2023 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2023 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/20

    What is Frostburg State University known for?

    Frostburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Frostburg State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #11

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne , MD
    #6 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2023 #9 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    925/17

    What is University of Maryland Eastern Shore known for?

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #12

    Coppin State University

    Baltimore , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    895/19

    What is Coppin State University known for?

    Coppin State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Coppin State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #13

    University of Maryland Global Campus

    Adelphi , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    37K

    What is University of Maryland Global Campus known for?

    University of Maryland Global Campus’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Maryland’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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. United States Naval Academy
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. St. Mary's College of Maryland
  4. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  5. Towson University
  6. Salisbury University

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

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