Best
Public Colleges in Maryland in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Maryland can prepare students for leadership roles across industries. Programs typically cover accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and data analysis, along with practical experience. Popular options include the University of Maryland, College Park, Towson University, UMBC, Morgan State University, and Loyola University Maryland. Graduates pursue careers as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, financial associates, sales managers, or operations supervisors, with opportunities to advance through experience or further study.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Maryland offers training in human behavior through courses such as developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Programs include labs, fieldwork. Graduates may pursue roles in counseling support, human resources, social services, market research, or behavioral health assistance, with advanced licensure or graduate study needed for many clinical positions. Popular Maryland options include the University of Maryland College Park, Towson University, the University of Maryland Baltimore, and Loyola University Maryland.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Maryland offers access to universities and technology employers. Programs cover programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular choices include the University of Maryland, College Park, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Towson University. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, web developers, or network engineers. Internships and research help connect classroom learning to practice.

Counseling

Counseling programs in Maryland prepare students to support people facing emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Courses typically cover counseling theories, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, human development, and research methods. Depending on specialization, graduates may pursue work as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or mental-health clinicians. Maryland colleges with counseling programs include Loyola University Maryland, McDaniel College, Bowie State University, and Towson University. Programs may include supervised clinical training and field internships.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Maryland prepares students to provide safe, compassionate care in diverse settings. Typical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, pediatrics, mental health, and clinical practice. Maryland schools offering nursing degrees include the University of Maryland, Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University; Towson University; and Salisbury University. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or community health programs, supporting patients across the lifespan.

Best Colleges in Maryland Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 18,950.0, compared with 34,955.2 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of 16,005.2.
• An average of 99.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 69.0% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 69.0%. Schools receive an average of 14,417.0 applicants, while top 10% schools average 23,007.1 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 3,557.0, compared with 5,475.0 female applicants.
• The average SAT score is 1,136.8, and the average ACT score is 24.33.
• The average number of enrolled students is 12,670.38, including averages of 738.42 enrolled men and 854.5 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 51.8%, compared with 81.4% at top 10% schools. The median graduation rate is 36.0% for men and 47.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, 14 offer bachelor's degrees, 13 offer master's degrees, and 10 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 16 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, academic measures, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes. In particular, consider how the higher costs and graduation rates at top 10% schools fit your budget and goals, and compare the reported outcomes for men and women when evaluating student success.

How much does studying at a college in Maryland cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Maryland is $21,004.87. Treat this as a general cost benchmark, not a confirmed price for an entire multi-year degree: your total will depend on your college, program, housing choice, and how long you study. For a Maryland student, checking each school's current cost estimate is a practical first step toward a manageable plan.

• Tuition and fees average $10,487.
• Room and board average $15,630.29.
• Books and supplies average $1,440.77.

These are separate reported averages and may not add up to the stated total. At the University of Maryland, College Park, Towson, or UMBC, check costs for your program. Housing choices can substantially change your budget. Knowing costs early helps you compare schools, explore financial aid, and make a plan that feels realistic. Ask about scholarships and payment plans; they can make your options feel more accessible and help you build confidence before enrolling.

How long does it take to finish college in Maryland?

At a Maryland college, plan on about four years for a bachelor's degree and about two years for an associate degree. Your actual timeline can vary with course load, major requirements, transfer credits, and time away from school. Universities such as the University of Maryland, Towson University, and Johns Hopkins University offer familiar options for students across the state.

Graduation rates suggest that finishing is not automatic: the average Maryland graduation rate is 51.8%, while the average among the top 10% of schools is 81.4%. Average rates are 47.33% for men and 55.47% for women. These figures can help you compare schools and seek advising early. A clear plan can make the journey feel more achievable. To finish faster, consider these options:

• Bring AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits that your chosen Maryland college accepts.
• Take summer or winter courses to meet requirements sooner.
• Ask an adviser about transfer-credit policies, accelerated programs, and a manageable course plan.

Salary

College graduates in Maryland earn a median alumni salary of $48,634. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median rises to $61,947 - a difference of $13,313.

These figures offer a helpful starting point if you're weighing options such as the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, or the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Your own earnings can vary based on your field, degree level, experience, and career location, so compare programs by both cost and the kinds of work they prepare you for.

• Median alumni salary: $48,634
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: $61,947

People also ask

What is the most prestigious college in Maryland?

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore is generally regarded as Maryland's most prestigious university, known for its research strength and international reputation, particularly in medicine, public health, and the sciences. For Maryland students, it offers the excitement of a world-renowned institution close to home. The best fit still depends on your intended field, campus preferences, and financial aid.

Which city in Maryland has the best public schools?

There isn't one definitive answer because rankings use different measures, and school quality can vary by neighborhood and attendance boundary. Bethesda is often a strong choice for families seeking highly regarded public schools in Montgomery County. It is technically an unincorporated community rather than an incorporated city, so check the specific schools assigned to any address you're considering.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in Maryland Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Maryland-College Park is a large public university in Maryland, with 42,290 enrolled students and an 89% graduation rate. Its 45% acceptance rate makes admission selective compared with several in-state options listed here. The total study cost is $39,464, while median alumni salary is $59,961. For a Maryland student, College Park offers the highest graduation rate and alumni salary among these five schools, alongside the largest enrollment. Consider whether its higher cost fits your budget and academic goals locally.

University of Maryland-Baltimore County is a Maryland university enrolling 13,530 students. It reports a 70% graduation rate and a 72% acceptance rate, giving applicants a less selective entry point than College Park in this group. Its total study cost is $27,392, and median alumni salary is $51,852. For students staying in Maryland, UMBC pairs a moderate cost with a student community. Compare its graduation and salary figures with your programs, financial aid options, and plans after completing a degree.

Coppin State University is a smaller Maryland institution, with 2,211 enrolled students. Its 26% graduation rate is the lowest among these five schools, while its 46% acceptance rate indicates that admission is possible for many applicants. The listed total cost of studying is $11,956, the lowest in this group. Median alumni salary is $52,722. For Maryland residents seeking a lower-cost route to a degree, Coppin merits careful comparison of academic support, program fit, and completion goals before making a decision.

Towson University is a Maryland school with 19,677 enrolled students, offering a mid-sized option among the institutions listed. Its graduation rate is 69%, and its acceptance rate is 82%, the highest acceptance rate in this group. Total study cost is $25,622, with median alumni salary of $51,497. For students who want to earn a degree in Maryland, Towson's figures suggest broad admission access and a cost below College Park's; compare specific majors, aid, and campus fit when evaluating it closely.

University of Baltimore is a smaller Maryland university, enrolling 3,232 students. Its graduation rate is 38%, and its 79% acceptance rate offers relatively broad access compared with College Park. The listed total cost of studying is $21,582, while median alumni salary is $58,633, second-highest among these five schools. For a Maryland student, the combination of a lower listed cost and strong alumni salary may be worth exploring. Review degree offerings, transfer pathways, and financial aid to judge its fit carefully.