Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN MARYLAND
By Dr. James Barham
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.

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.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland in 2025

  1. University of Maryland, College Park
  2. United States Naval Academy
  3. Morgan State University
    +2
  4. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    +2
  5. Towson University
    –1
  6. University of Baltimore
    –3
  7. Bowie State University
    +1
  8. St. Mary's College of Maryland
    +1
  9. Salisbury University
    –2
  10. 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 most affordable colleges in Maryland saw a fair amount of movement. Morgan State University was able to move to the third ranking position as a result of the college launching a new innovation hub focused on entrepreneurship and technology, offering students access to startup resources, mentorship, and cutting-edge labs. The university has also expanded its sustainability initiatives, integrating green building practices and renewable energy projects across campus. Additionally, Morgan State has enhanced its support services with new wellness programs that prioritize mental health, fitness, and community-building activities. These initiatives, combined with expanded internship and career development opportunities, particularly in STEM fields, reflect Morgan State’s commitment to student success and innovation. .

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.

Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland

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

  1. #1

    University of Maryland, College Park

    College Park , MD
    #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #17 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    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: $11,505
    Expenses: $19,380
    Starting Salary: $70,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maryland, College Park known for?

    University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Morgan State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #6 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 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: $8,118
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024

    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: $12,952
    Expenses: $19,218
    Starting Salary: $59,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maryland, Baltimore County known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Towson University

    Towson , MD
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024

    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: $11,306
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $55,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Towson University known for?

    Towson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Baltimore

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Baltimore

    Cost of Degree: $9,772
    Starting Salary: $63,400
    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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Bowie State University

    Bowie , MD
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowie State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,999
    Expenses: $17,432
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bowie State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    St. Mary's College of Maryland

    St. Mary's City , MD
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025

    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: $15,236
    Expenses: $17,283
    Starting Salary: $55,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  10. #9

    Salisbury University

    Salisbury , MD
    #9 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025 #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: $10,638
    Expenses: $18,892
    Starting Salary: $54,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Salisbury University known for?

    Salisbury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Coppin State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024 #24 Best HBCU Online Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Coppin State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,001
    Expenses: $18,766
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Frostburg State University

    Frostburg , MD
    #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,998
    Expenses: $17,058
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne , MD
    #6 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Cost of Degree: $8,898
    Expenses: $17,656
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
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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
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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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