Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025

Badge for BEST IN MARYLAND PUBLIC COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: Mar 26, 2021
Updated: Oct 31, 2024

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.

Key Takeaways

The best public colleges in Maryland often provide unique access to internships, networking, and research opportunities due to their proximity to Washington, D.C., allowing students to connect with government agencies, think tanks, and major corporations.
Known for rigorous STEM and health sciences programs, Maryland’s best public colleges offer specialized facilities and partnerships with nearby hospitals, labs, and research centers, preparing students for high-demand careers in these fields.
Maryland’s best public colleges emphasize inclusivity and support for diverse student populations, with resources such as cultural centers, mentorship programs, and scholarships that create a welcoming environment and promote student success.

Table of Contents

10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland in 2025

University of Maryland, College Park
United States Naval Academy
Morgan State University
+2
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
+2
Towson University
–1
University of Baltimore
–3
Bowie State University
+1
St. Mary's College of Maryland
+1
Salisbury University
–2
Coppin State University
+2

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 public colleges in Maryland saw a fair amount of movement. Coppin State University was able to move into the top ten as the university implemented a series of student-centered improvements, with a focus on academic support and career readiness. The newly established Academic Resource Center offers enhanced tutoring, mentorship, and advising programs to help students thrive in their studies. For hands-on learning, Coppin has upgraded its STEM and health sciences labs with the latest technology, allowing students to gain practical skills in high-demand fields.

Additionally, the university has expanded internship partnerships with Baltimore-based organizations, providing students with valuable local opportunities to gain experience and connect with potential employers in their career fields.

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.