Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2026

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 2026

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

There are 13 colleges and universities in Maryland with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. This list focuses on accredited institutions that offer bachelor’s degrees and whose published tuition and fees are near or below the national average—useful starting points for students prioritizing affordability in 2026.

Beyond sticker price, compare net cost after grants and scholarships, in-state versus out-of-state rates, program-specific fees, and outcomes like graduation and job placement. The selections that follow highlight schools where low published tuition aligns with broad undergraduate offerings; read each profile to weigh financial aid, campus fit, and program quality alongside affordability.

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
    #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #16 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #16 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

    Cost of Degree: $11,505
    Expenses: $19,380
    Starting Salary: $89,228
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 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

    University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Baltimore , MD
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Cost of Degree: $12,952
    Expenses: $19,218
    Starting Salary: $74,881
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
  4. #4

    Morgan State University

    Baltimore , MD
    #4 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2026 #6 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #18 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    955/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Morgan State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,118
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $56,585
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Applied Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Towson University

    Towson , MD
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1092/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Towson University

    Cost of Degree: $11,306
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $70,158
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts 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
  8. #7

    Bowie State University

    Bowie , MD
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #7 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowie State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,999
    Expenses: $17,432
    Starting Salary: $61,890
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts 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
  10. #9

    Salisbury University

    Salisbury , MD
    #9 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2026 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Salisbury University

    Cost of Degree: $10,638
    Expenses: $18,892
    Starting Salary: $68,206
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
    #8 Best Small 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
  13. #11

    Frostburg State University

    Frostburg , MD
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2026 #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
  15. #13

    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
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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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