Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2023

Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Maryland. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2022

  1. University of Maryland, College Park
  2. United States Naval Academy
  3. University of Baltimore
  4. Towson University
  5. Morgan State University
  6. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  7. Salisbury University
  8. Bowie State University
  9. St. Mary's College of Maryland
  10. Frostburg State University

Key Takeaways

  • The university system of Maryland is home to a few of the most affordable colleges in the US. Undergraduate and graduate students can still expect high-quality education from these institutions.
  • The average tuition cost for Maryland’s most cost-effective institutions is $9,000 per year. The cheapest school on the list is Coppin State University, with an average tuition fee of $7,000 per year.
  • Students in Maryland have access to a variety of educational alternatives. You have several good on-campus and online options in the state, whether you are a high school senior now in college for the first time or an undergraduate wishing to enroll in a graduate program.

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

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Maryland: Home to Affordable Colleges

When it comes to the higher education and business scene, Maryland is one of the go-to places in the United States. From world-renowned universities, such as John Hopkins University, to the cheapest college, Coppin State University, college-bound students in Maryland are sure to have a high-quality education.

However, despite having several options for affordable colleges, students are still most likely to hunt for financial aid opportunities. Luckily, colleges in Maryland offer various financial aid opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Average Cost of Colleges in Maryland

In general, the average tuition fee for colleges in Maryland is $16,000. The most affordable colleges, on the other hand, have an average of $9,000.

There are various factors affecting the cost of a degree in Maryland. Residents, however, should expect to pay in-state tuition. Out-of-state students should expect to pay high tuition fees.

Applying for Financial Aid in Maryland

Apply for admission to an accredited institution

To be eligible for financial help, you must apply for and be accepted into a program at a university or college. You might need to provide transcripts from high school or college, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and your application, depending on the institution and the program.

Register on the FAFSA website

Register for a Free Application for Federal Student Aid as you apply to a school. During the registration process, you will enter a few personal facts, such as your name and age.

Fill out the application form

You must complete the FAFSA form after registering. Depending on your citizenship status, this form typically demands information like your social security number or alien registration number. You can also be asked for investment records and income tax statements depending on your income and job situation.

Apply for public scholarships and grants.

Maryland offers a wide range of student financial aid options. Fill out applications for the numerous scholarships and grants your school or other organizations offer. Be careful to explore every opportunity because the more programs you apply to, the higher your chances of receiving financial aid.

Highest-Paid Jobs in Maryland

Choosing a college major can be difficult, especially if you are not sure about what you want. Knowing the highest-paid jobs in Maryland can be helpful when selecting a major.

The top ten highest-paid jobs in Maryland, according to Zippia, are:

  • Consultant and Sales Representative
  • Executive Vice President of Sales
  • Vice President, Products and Marketing
  • Executive Vice President
  • Chief Medical Officer
  • President/Chief Executive Officer
  • Senior Practice Manager
  • Vice President, Product Management
  • President and Chief Technology Officer
  • President And General Manager

There are 13 colleges and universities in Maryland with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Maryland is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2022

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  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 Best Public 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 Best Public 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 Most Affordable Colleges 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
  1. University of Maryland Global Campus
  2. Morgan State University
  3. Bowie State University
  4. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  5. Coppin State University
  6. University of Baltimore
  7. Frostburg State University
  8. Salisbury University
  9. Towson University
  10. University of Maryland, College Park
  11. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  12. St. Mary's College of Maryland
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