Best Colleges in Maryland

Staff Writers
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Updated on September 24, 2024
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We ranked the best colleges in Maryland. Compare schools and find the best program for you.

Maryland has the third-highest college attainment rate in the United States, with 40% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree. Those who enter this educated workforce can find lucrative opportunities: In 2019, Maryland’s median household income was $82,910, significantly higher than the national median income of $68,700. The state also had the nation’s second-lowest poverty rate in 2019.

Maryland’s top industries include innovative STEM fields like biohealth sciences, aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy. Cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. offer ample options for students and graduates pursuing internships, networking opportunities, and employment.

With an educated population, prosperous industries, and a variety of accredited colleges and universities, Maryland is a great choice for prospective students. Browse our list of the best colleges in Maryland to find the best fit for your academic and professional goals.

10 Best Accredited Colleges in Maryland

#1 Best Colleges in Maryland

Johns Hopkins University

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$60,480
  • Out-of-state$60,480
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$60,480
  • Out-of-state$60,480
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate7%
  • Students Enrolled31,275
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment62%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland-College Park

  • Location-markerCollege Park, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,695
  • Out-of-state$36,683
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,238
  • Out-of-state$35,388
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled40,792
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment27%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,056
  • Out-of-state$25,820
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,582
  • Out-of-state$21,618
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled13,991
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Colleges in Maryland

Towson University

  • Location-markerTowson, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,238
  • Out-of-state$23,240
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,676
  • Out-of-state$17,964
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled19,793
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Colleges in Maryland

Salisbury University

  • Location-markerSalisbury, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,556
  • Out-of-state$18,032
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,842
  • Out-of-state$12,690
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled7,123
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment35%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Colleges in Maryland

Washington College

  • Location-markerChestertown, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,626
  • Out-of-state$50,626
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled955
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment0%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Colleges in Maryland

St. Mary's College of Maryland

  • Location-markerSt. Mary's City, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,116
  • Out-of-state$28,192
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,530
  • Out-of-state$16,530
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled1,536
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment11%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Colleges in Maryland

Bowie State University

  • Location-markerBowie, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,875
  • Out-of-state$16,666
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,598
  • Out-of-state$15,611
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled6,275
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment67%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Colleges in Maryland

Loyola University Maryland

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$53,430
  • Out-of-state$53,430
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,900
  • Out-of-state$18,900
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled5,238
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Colleges in Maryland

Frostburg State University

  • Location-markerFrostburg, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,974
  • Out-of-state$21,854
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,208
  • Out-of-state$10,584
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled4,067
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment67%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-checkHow We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

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