Best HBCUs in Maryland

Kwynn Gonzalez-Pons, Ph.D.
By
Updated on June 13, 2023
Edited by
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network

BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Learn more about our editorial process
Read more to learn what makes Maryland’s HBCUs stand out, from their excellence in STEM education to their high-quality research efforts.

Maryland is home to a number of great higher education institutions, and that includes historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In the state, students can find schools nationally recognized for their STEM curricula and research opportunities. Learners seeking an HBCU education in the Old Line State will find there are great options.

Choosing an HBCU is no small task. Some things to keep in mind include the institution’s costs, graduation rates, and passing rates of national licensure exams. Read more below to see which HBCU reigns supreme in Maryland and what each has to offer.

Guide to HBCUs in Maryland

badge-check How We Rank Schools

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

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

#1 Best HBCUs in Maryland

Bowie State University

  • Location-markerBowie, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,647
  • Out-of-state$16,338
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,614
  • Out-of-state$12,762
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled6,250
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best HBCUs in Maryland

Morgan State University

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,477
  • Out-of-state$18,100
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,190
  • Out-of-state$16,092
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled7,634
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment52%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best HBCUs in Maryland

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

  • Location-markerPrincess Anne, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,418
  • Out-of-state$15,828
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,968
  • Out-of-state$14,784
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate62%
  • Students Enrolled2,646
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best HBCUs in Maryland

Coppin State University

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,648
  • Out-of-state$11,045
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,192
  • Out-of-state$11,394
  • Retention Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate40%
  • Students Enrolled2,348
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes

Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs in Maryland

Is there an HBCU in Baltimore?

Baltimore is home to two HCBUs: Coppin State University and Morgan State University. Morgan State University is designated as a doctoral university with high research activity (known as an R2), while Coppin State University is designated as a Master’s Comprehensive Institution. Students attending Coppin or Morgan can choose from many majors in technology and healthcare, including nursing.

What is the biggest HBCU in Maryland?

The biggest HBCU in Maryland is Morgan State University. Founded in 1867 and based in Baltimore, Morgan State enrolled more than 9,000 students in its fall 2022 class. The student body is predominantly women (62%). Sixty-nine percent of students are Black, and more than three-quarters are 25 years old or younger.

Which state has the most HBCUs?

Alabama has the most HBCUs in the United States, with 14, followed by Georgia with 10 HBCUs. Although Alabama has the most HCBUs, North Carolina has the most Black undergraduate students enrolled in HCBUs. HBCUs are spread across 19 states.

Additional Resources for Maryland HBCU Students

  • Best Online Colleges in Maryland. Students looking for more flexibility in their education can learn about the best online colleges in Maryland. One HBCU, Morgan State, made the top 10 list.
  • The Top Historically Black Colleges. Learn more about the top HBCUs and how highly-ranked schools earn that designation, from accreditation to undergraduate and graduate tuition costs. One of Maryland’s HBCUs, Bowie State, was ranked fourth in 2023.
  • Getting Accepted to an HBCU. You may have heard of the Common Application for applying to college, but did you know there’s a Common Black College Application? Learn more about the Black College Application tool and how to choose the best HBCU for you.
  • HBCU Match.HBCU Match is a great tool if you already know what you want to study in college. Simply fill in the degree you want to pursue, and you can find the HBCUs in each state that offer that program.
  • HBCU First. Student-led HBCU First offers mentoring opportunities, helps with HBCU applications, and connects students with internships. Opportunities include participating in their 10-week Equity in Data and Research program.

Explore More College Resources

Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Maryland is a great place to earn a college degree. Discover the top-ranked online colleges in Maryland.

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

by Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Updated March 26, 2024

Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities of 2024

Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities of 2024

Discover key facts about the best historically black colleges and universities in the United States.

Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

by Bernard Grant, Ph.D.

Updated August 9, 2024

College Application Guide for HBCU Students

College Application Guide for HBCU Students

Explore resources to guide your HBCU selection process. Learn about the Common Black College Application for HBCU students.

Vanesha McGee

by Vanesha McGee

Updated September 29, 2023