Best
Colleges in Maryland in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Maryland prepares students for careers across industries while building skills in leadership, finance, and management. Typical courses include accounting, marketing, economics, business law, human resources, operations, and organizational behavior. Programs may offer internships with employers in technology and healthcare sectors. Graduates pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, operations managers, or financial analysts. Popular college options include the University of Maryland, College Park, Towson University, and Morgan State University.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Maryland offers coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognition, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. Programs often combine classroom learning with labs, internships, or fieldwork. Popular options include the University of Maryland, Towson University, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Loyola University Maryland. Graduates may work as research assistants, case managers, behavioral health technicians, human resources specialists, or community support workers. Clinical and counseling roles typically require graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Maryland offers coursework in programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Programs often combine theory with hands-on projects and internships. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, data analysts, systems administrators, cybersecurity specialists, and web developers. Popular options include the University of Maryland, College Park, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Towson University. Maryland's proximity to technology companies can support networking and employment opportunities.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Maryland typically combines counseling theories, ethics, human development, multicultural practice, assessment, group counseling, and supervised clinical work. Students may specialize in school counseling, clinical mental health, or marriage and family counseling. Popular options include Towson University, Loyola University Maryland, Bowie State University, McDaniel College, and University of Maryland College Park. Graduates commonly pursue roles as school counselors, licensed professional counselors, mental health clinicians, substance use counselors, or college advising professionals.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Maryland prepares students to deliver safe patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Coursework commonly includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, maternal-child nursing, mental health, and clinical practice. Graduates may become registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, or care coordinators, depending on degree level and licensure. Popular Maryland schools include the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, and Salisbury University.

Best Colleges in Maryland Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 25,213.0, compared with 53,163.0 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 27,950.0.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 69.68% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 69.68%. Schools receive an average of 9,542.07 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 20,853.7 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 1,792.5, compared with 2,604.5 female applicants.
• Average test scores are 1,164.67 on the SAT and 25.09 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 7,471.43. Average enrollment is 425.04 men and 516.92 women.
• The average graduation rate is 54.06%, compared with 87.0% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 51.0% for men and 67.0% for women.
• Six institutions offer associate's degrees, 33 offer bachelor's degrees, 29 offer master's degrees, and 16 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 32 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid availability, and consider how selectivity, applicant volume, test scores, enrollment, and graduation rates fit your priorities. The figures also show differences in graduation rates by gender and between the overall group and its top 10% of schools, which may be worth considering when evaluating options.

How much does studying at a college in Maryland cost?

Maryland's average total study cost is $29,151.41, a useful annual planning benchmark. Average tuition and fees are $26,407.79; room and board average $15,525.10, and books and supplies average $1,334.96. These category averages do not add up to the stated total, so treat them as separate reference figures, not one itemized budget.

• Tuition and fees: $26,407.79 on average.
• Room and board: $15,525.10 on average.
• Books and supplies: $1,334.96 on average.

Your bill will vary by college, housing, and program length, so treat $29,151.41 as a planning benchmark, not a guaranteed price for an entire degree. Compare the University of Maryland, College Park, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, and UMBC for different campus experiences. Checking each school's current cost estimates and financial aid can make planning more manageable and help you find a Maryland option that fits your goals and budget. Compare early to find scholarships and affordable housing options nearby campus.

How long does it take to finish college in Maryland?

In Maryland, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree often takes about two. Your actual timeline depends on your major, course load, transfer credits, and whether you study part time. At the University of Maryland, College Park, Towson University, or a community college, check your program map early to plan required courses and avoid delays.

Graduation outcomes vary: the average graduation rate is 54.06%, compared with 87% among Maryland's top 10% of schools. The average is 48.32% for men and 62.1% for women, so asking about advising, financial aid, and retention support can help you choose a campus where you feel set up to succeed.

To finish sooner, bring AP or IB scores, transfer credits, take summer courses, or ask about accelerated pathways. Confirm that credits count toward your major before enrolling; a manageable pace and advising can make faster progress feel achievable.

Salary

After graduating from college in Maryland, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $49,381. At schools in the top 10% for alumni salaries, the median is about $64,151 - a promising benchmark if you're weighing the cost of a degree against your future earning potential.

Maryland offers a range of colleges and universities, including the University of Maryland, College Park, Johns Hopkins University, UMBC, and Towson University. Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and the kind of role you pursue, so these figures are useful guideposts rather than guaranteed starting salaries.

• Use the $49,381 median as a broad reference when comparing Maryland schools and programs.
• Consider how your intended career and opportunities for internships or other experience could affect your earnings after graduation.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Maryland?

By total student enrollment, including online students, the three largest are generally the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), the University of Maryland, College Park, and Towson University. Recent enrollment figures put them at roughly 55,000, 41,000, and 19,000 students, respectively. UMGC's largely online format makes its count different from campus-based colleges.

How many colleges are there in Maryland?

Maryland has about 55 colleges and universities, depending on which types of institutions are included in the count. The state has public universities, community colleges, and private institutions, so totals can vary by source and definition. For choosing a school, it may help to compare the specific institution types and programs you're considering.

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

Johns Hopkins University, based in Baltimore, is a research-intensive institution known for medicine, public health, and engineering. It enrolls 29,969 students, with a 94% graduation rate and a highly selective 6% acceptance rate. Its listed total study cost is $64,730, while median alumni salary is $48,926. For Maryland students, Baltimore offers access to hospitals, laboratories, cultural venues, and employers across the state. Applicants should compare aid and living expenses, since this is the highest cost among these five Maryland colleges.

The University of Maryland-College Park is the state's flagship public university, situated near Washington, D.C., and known for broad academic programs and major-campus energy. It enrolls 42,290 students; 89% graduate, and 45% of applicants are accepted. The total listed study cost is $39,464, and median alumni salary reaches $59,961, highest in this group. Maryland residents may value its in-state setting, research opportunities, transit connections, and access to government, technology, and cultural internships throughout the region, while comparing housing and fees carefully.

Washington College, a small liberal arts college in Chestertown on Maryland's Eastern Shore, offers an intimate campus and close faculty engagement. Its enrollment is 933, graduation rate 65%, and acceptance rate 57%. The listed total cost is $53,190, with median alumni salary of $41,864. Students seeking a quieter Maryland setting can explore Chesapeake Bay ecology, historic-town life, and undergraduate research. Compared with large universities, the college's compact scale may suit learners who want personalized attention and a close-knit academic community.

University of Maryland-Baltimore County is a public research university in the Baltimore area, recognized for science, technology, engineering, and inclusive campus life. It enrolls 13,530 students, posts a 70% graduation rate, and accepts 72% of applicants. Total listed study cost is $27,392, the lowest among these five schools; median alumni salary is $51,852. Maryland students can benefit from proximity to Baltimore employers, research centers, and transit, while considering whether its suburban campus and academic strengths fit their goals and preferences.

St. John's College is a distinctive liberal arts institution with a discussion-centered Great Books curriculum and a small, close-knit community. Its Maryland campus is in Annapolis, offering students access to the state capital and Chesapeake-area culture. Enrollment is 583, graduation rate 71%, and acceptance rate 55%. The listed total study cost is $39,356, while median alumni salary is $28,611. Prospective Maryland students should weigh its intimate academic experience and distinctive curriculum against its comparatively modest alumni earnings after graduation carefully.