Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024

Badge for BEST IN MARYLAND GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Maryland offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland

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  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. Loyola University Maryland
  4. University of Baltimore
  5. Towson University
  6. Morgan State University
  7. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  8. Salisbury University
  9. Bowie State University
  10. Frostburg State University
  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. Loyola University Maryland
  4. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  5. Morgan State University
  6. Towson University
  7. Bowie State University
  8. University of Baltimore
  9. Hood College
  10. Frostburg State University
  1. Salisbury University 91%
  2. University of Baltimore 89%
  3. Frostburg State University 88%
  4. Bowie State University 87%
  5. Morgan State University 85%
  6. Loyola University Maryland 83%
  7. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 82%
  8. University of Maryland, Baltimore County 81%
  9. Towson University 79%
  10. Hood College 78%
  1. University of Maryland, Baltimore County 18 to 1
  2. University of Maryland, College Park 18 to 1
  3. Morgan State University 17 to 1
  4. Towson University 15 to 1
  5. Bowie State University 15 to 1
  6. Salisbury University 13 to 1
  7. Loyola University Maryland 13 to 1
  8. Frostburg State University 12 to 1
  9. Hood College 11 to 1
  10. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 11 to 1
  1. Johns Hopkins University $60,480
  2. Loyola University Maryland $53,430
  3. Hood College $44,500
  4. Notre Dame of Maryland University $40,730
  5. University of Maryland, College Park $9,695
  6. University of Maryland, Baltimore County $9,056
  7. Salisbury University $7,556
  8. University of Baltimore $7,296
  9. Towson University $7,238
  10. Frostburg State University $6,974
  1. Johns Hopkins University $60,480
  2. Loyola University Maryland $18,900
  3. University of Maryland, College Park $16,238
  4. University of Baltimore $14,382
  5. University of Maryland, Baltimore County $12,582
  6. Notre Dame of Maryland University $11,889
  7. Hood College $9,000
  8. Towson University $8,676
  9. University of Maryland Eastern Shore $8,304
  10. Bowie State University $8,236
  1. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  2. Hood College
  3. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  4. Frostburg State University
  5. Bowie State University
  6. Salisbury University
  7. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  8. Morgan State University
  9. Towson University
  10. University of Baltimore
  1. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  2. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  3. Salisbury University
  4. Frostburg State University
  5. Hood College
  6. University of Baltimore
  7. Bowie State University
  8. Towson University
  9. Morgan State University
  10. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  1. Johns Hopkins University 7%
  2. University of Maryland, College Park 45%
  3. Notre Dame of Maryland University 70%
  4. Hood College 78%
  5. Towson University 79%
  6. University of Maryland, Baltimore County 81%
  7. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 82%
  8. Loyola University Maryland 83%
  9. Morgan State University 85%
  10. Bowie State University 87%
  1. Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
  2. Notre Dame of Maryland University 8 to 1
  3. University of Baltimore 10 to 1
  4. Hood College 11 to 1
  5. University of Maryland Eastern Shore 11 to 1
  6. Frostburg State University 12 to 1
  7. Salisbury University 13 to 1
  8. Loyola University Maryland 13 to 1
  9. Towson University 15 to 1
  10. Bowie State University 15 to 1
  1. Morgan State University $5,477
  2. University of Maryland Eastern Shore $5,637
  3. Bowie State University $5,874
  4. Frostburg State University $6,974
  5. Towson University $7,238
  6. University of Baltimore $7,296
  7. Salisbury University $7,556
  8. University of Maryland, Baltimore County $9,056
  9. University of Maryland, College Park $9,695
  10. Notre Dame of Maryland University $40,730
  1. Salisbury University $7,842
  2. Morgan State University $8,190
  3. Frostburg State University $8,208
  4. Bowie State University $8,236
  5. University of Maryland Eastern Shore $8,304
  6. Towson University $8,676
  7. Hood College $9,000
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University $11,889
  9. University of Maryland, Baltimore County $12,582
  10. 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.

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


Maryland's Best Grad Schools Badge
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There are 13 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Maryland. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Maryland is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2023

  1. #1

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $60,480
    Expenses: $20,320
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    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: $11,233
    Expenses: $18,404
    Starting Salary: $70,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. 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: $12,606
    Expenses: $18,189
    Starting Salary: $59,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #8

    Salisbury University

    Salisbury , MD
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,396
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $54,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  5. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowie State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,753
    Expenses: $16,568
    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

  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,804
    Expenses: $16,696
    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

  7. 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

  8. #12

    Hood College

    Frederick , MD

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hood College

    Cost of Degree: $44,500
    Expenses: $18,370
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

  9. Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Cost of Degree: $40,730
    Expenses: $20,150
    Starting Salary: $56,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

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Maryland’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  4. Towson University
  5. Loyola University Maryland
  6. Salisbury University
  7. Hood College
  8. Notre Dame of Maryland University
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