Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026

Badge for BEST IN MARYLAND SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland’s small colleges offer a large range of degrees so that every student can find a topic of interest to study.
  • The best small colleges in Maryland offer students a more intimate campus experience, resulting in more personal attention from professors.
  • Small colleges in Maryland offer immediate access to support services for their students.

10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026

  1. Goucher College
  2. Loyola University Maryland
  3. Washington College
  4. University of Baltimore
  5. St. Mary's College of Maryland
  6. Hood College
    +2
  7. McDaniel College
    –1
  8. Coppin State University
    +1
  9. Frostburg State University
    +1
  10. Stevenson University
    +1

The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Maryland is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 15 small colleges in Maryland. The list below of the best small colleges in Maryland. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025

  1. #1

    Goucher College

    Baltimore , MD
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Maryland 2026 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1207/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Goucher College

    Cost of Degree: $51,250
    Expenses: $20,650
    Starting Salary: $59,069
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Goucher College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Loyola University Maryland

    Baltimore , MD
    #7 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Maryland

    Cost of Degree: $55,480
    Expenses: $20,110
    Starting Salary: $90,179
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Loyola University Maryland known for?

    Loyola University Maryland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Washington College

    Chestertown , MD
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington College

    Cost of Degree: $53,776
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $74,001
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Baltimore

    Cost of Degree: $9,772
    Starting Salary: $65,666
    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
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Policy, Politics And International Affairs
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    St. Mary's College of Maryland

    St. Mary's City , MD
    #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1241/28

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Mary's College of Maryland

    Cost of Degree: $15,236
    Expenses: $17,283
    Starting Salary: $66,796
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Mary's College of Maryland known for?

    St. Mary's College of Maryland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Hood College

    Frederick , MD
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hood College

    Cost of Degree: $45,870
    Expenses: $19,272
    Starting Salary: $60,061
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Compare school
  8. #7

    McDaniel College

    Westminster , MD
    #6 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College

    Cost of Degree: $49,647
    Expenses: $16,498
    Starting Salary: $62,070
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is McDaniel College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Coppin State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2026 #24 Best HBCU Online Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Coppin State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,001
    Expenses: $18,766
    Starting Salary: $53,198
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Frostburg State University

    Frostburg , MD
    #4 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,998
    Expenses: $17,058
    Starting Salary: $60,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Stevenson University

    Owings Mills , MD
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity in Maryland #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2026 #5 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University

    Cost of Degree: $39,708
    Expenses: $20,278
    Starting Salary: $69,703
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity And Digital Forensics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Rn To Bs In Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Washington Adventist University

    Takoma Park , MD
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington Adventist University

    Cost of Degree: $25,200
    Expenses: $12,640
    Starting Salary: $61,426
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne , MD
    #6 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Cost of Degree: $8,898
    Expenses: $17,656
    Starting Salary: $52,085
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Baltimore , MD
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2026 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Cost of Degree: $41,910
    Expenses: $18,635
    Starting Salary: $69,464
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
    • Completion Time: 5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accelerated 2nd Degree
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Mount St. Mary's University

    Emmitsburg , MD
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1163/23

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

    Cost of Degree: $47,240
    Expenses: $17,500
    Starting Salary: $69,690
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount St. Mary's University known for?

    Mount St. Mary's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    St. John's College, Annapolis

    Annapolis , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/29

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

    Cost of Degree: $39,126
    Expenses: $16,414
    Starting Salary: $52,985
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. John's College, Annapolis known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Maryland’s Best Small 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

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in South Dakota and California.

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