Best HBCUs in Maryland

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

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Updated June 13, 2023

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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

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD4 yearCampus

$5,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,338

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

99%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,614

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,762

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

6,250

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,338

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,647

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,338

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

99%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,614

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,762

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

6,250

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$5,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,092

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

7,634

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,100

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,100

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,190

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,092

Retention Rate

74%

Students Enrolled

7,634

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$5,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,828

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

62%

Acceptance Rate

41%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,968

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,784

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

2,646

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,828

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,828

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment

41%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,968

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,784

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

2,646

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Coppin State University

Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$4,648

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,045

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

40%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,192

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,394

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

2,348

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,648

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,045

Coppin State University

Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,648

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,045

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

53%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,192

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,394

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

2,348

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.