Best Public Colleges in Maryland 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.
10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland
- University of Maryland, College Park
- United States Naval Academy
- University of Baltimore
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Salisbury University
- Bowie State University
- St. Mary's College of Maryland
- Frostburg State University
- University of Maryland, College Park
- United States Naval Academy
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Morgan State University
- Towson University
- Bowie State University
- University of Baltimore
- St. Mary's College of Maryland
- Frostburg State University
- Salisbury University
- Salisbury University 91%
- University of Baltimore 89%
- Frostburg State University 88%
- Bowie State University 87%
- Morgan State University 85%
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore 82%
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County 81%
- Towson University 79%
- St. Mary's College of Maryland 77%
- University of Maryland, College Park 45%
- University of Maryland Global Campus 19 to 1
- University of Maryland, College Park 18 to 1
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County 18 to 1
- Morgan State University 17 to 1
- Bowie State University 15 to 1
- Towson University 15 to 1
- Salisbury University 13 to 1
- Frostburg State University 12 to 1
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore 11 to 1
- University of Baltimore 10 to 1
- St. Mary's College of Maryland $12,116
- University of Maryland, College Park $9,695
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County $9,056
- Salisbury University $7,556
- University of Maryland Global Campus $7,488
- University of Baltimore $7,296
- Towson University $7,238
- Frostburg State University $6,974
- Bowie State University $5,874
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore $5,637
- St. Mary's College of Maryland $16,530
- University of Maryland, College Park $16,238
- University of Baltimore $14,382
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County $12,582
- University of Maryland Global Campus $9,252
- Towson University $8,676
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore $8,304
- Bowie State University $8,236
- Frostburg State University $8,208
- Morgan State University $8,190
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Coppin State University
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Frostburg State University
- St. Mary's College of Maryland
- Bowie State University
- Salisbury University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Morgan State University
- Towson University
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Coppin State University
- Salisbury University
- Frostburg State University
- St. Mary's College of Maryland
- University of Baltimore
- Bowie State University
- Towson University
- Morgan State University
- United States Naval Academy 11%
- Coppin State University 45%
- University of Maryland, College Park 45%
- St. Mary's College of Maryland 77%
- Towson University 79%
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County 81%
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore 82%
- Morgan State University 85%
- Bowie State University 87%
- Frostburg State University 88%
- United States Naval Academy 8 to 1
- University of Baltimore 10 to 1
- St. Mary's College of Maryland 10 to 1
- Coppin State University 10 to 1
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore 11 to 1
- Frostburg State University 12 to 1
- Salisbury University 13 to 1
- Bowie State University 15 to 1
- Towson University 15 to 1
- Morgan State University 17 to 1
- Coppin State University $4,836
- Morgan State University $5,477
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore $5,637
- Bowie State University $5,874
- Frostburg State University $6,974
- Towson University $7,238
- University of Baltimore $7,296
- University of Maryland Global Campus $7,488
- Salisbury University $7,556
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County $9,056
- Coppin State University $6,316
- Salisbury University $7,842
- Morgan State University $8,190
- Frostburg State University $8,208
- Bowie State University $8,236
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore $8,304
- Towson University $8,676
- University of Maryland Global Campus $9,252
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County $12,582
- University of Baltimore $14,382
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.
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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 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.
Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2023
- #12 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #8 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
- #3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #8 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #9 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
89%
Student body
42K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park
Cost of Degree: $11,233Expenses: $18,404Starting Salary: $70,800Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maryland, College Park known for?
University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #18 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
- #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
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #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: $9,506Starting Salary: $63,400What is University of Baltimore known for?
University of Baltimore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Business
- Psychology
- History
- Philosophy
- Literature
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
- #3 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
70%
Student body
23K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
Career Outlook for degree at Towson University
Cost of Degree: $10,818Expenses: $17,902Starting Salary: $55,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Towson University known for?
Towson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Computer Science
- History
- Medical
- Psychology
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #7 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #7 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #2 HBCU MBA Programs Online
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
- #9 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #11 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
46%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
970/18
Career Outlook for degree at Morgan State University
Cost of Degree: $8,008Expenses: $17,727Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #4 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
70%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1300/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Cost of Degree: $12,606Expenses: $18,189Starting Salary: $59,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maryland, Baltimore County known for?
University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland #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: $10,396Expenses: $16,990Starting Salary: $54,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Salisbury University known for?
Salisbury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Nursing
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
40%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Bowie State University
Cost of Degree: $8,753Expenses: $16,568Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bowie State University known for?
Bowie State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Education
- Communications
- History
- Business
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
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: $15,184Expenses: $16,611Starting Salary: $55,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Mary's College of Maryland known for?
St. Mary's College of Maryland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Economics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Literature
- Sociology
- Biology
- History
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
49%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University
Cost of Degree: $9,804Expenses: $16,696Starting Salary: $47,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Frostburg State University known for?
Frostburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Frostburg State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
37%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Cost of Degree: $8,898Expenses: $17,656Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maryland Eastern Shore known for?
University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
45%
Graduation
24%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Coppin State University
Cost of Degree: $6,904Expenses: $15,932Starting Salary: $41,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Coppin State University known for?
Coppin State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Education
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- History
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Coppin State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #9 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
Other Rankings
- #8 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
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
19%
Student body
87K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Global Campus
Cost of Degree: $7,848Starting Salary: $55,900What is University of Maryland Global Campus known for?
University of Maryland Global Campus’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Medical
- Education
- Law
- Biology
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Maryland’s Best Public College 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 public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.