2024 Best Colleges in Maryland

If you’ve ever been to Maryland, you know just how beautiful its harbors are and the amount of fresh blue crabs available during spring and summer. But, other than its abundant fishing season, Maryland is home to some of the best research universities and small liberal arts colleges on the East Coast.

Whether it be national liberal arts colleges like St. John’s College and Goucher College or a major university like the University of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay State invites dedicated scholars from all over the world to experience their renowned academic programs, including you!

Today, I will be talking about the best colleges in Maryland and what they have to offer future students. From reviewing the top schools in the state to what it takes to become a Maryland resident, we’ll explore the importance of its university system while helping you find the means to fund your future. So, if you’re in the pursuit of your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or even doctoral degree, the mid-Atlantic coastline might just be your home away from home. Let's jump right into it!

Apply for Maryland scholarships today to help with your college costs! All you have to do is create your free Bold.org profile and begin your scholarship search.

Johns Hopkins University

• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Graduation Rate: 93%
• Cost of Tuition: $18k

Academic Opportunities at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers a wide range of academic opportunities across various disciplines, such as research opportunities. Johns Hopkins is renowned for its research programs in medicine, public health, engineering, and the sciences. Students are also offered internship opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world experience. The university has strong connections with industry partners and organizations, providing students with valuable opportunities to gain experience in their field of study.

University of Maryland - College Park

• Acceptance Rate: 45%
• Graduation Rate: 86%
• Cost of Tuition: $14k

Campus Life

Campus life at the University of Maryland College Park is vibrant and diverse, offering students opportunities to engage in academic, social, and extracurricular activities. The university has a large, active student body, with a number of academic and social clubs, organizations, and events to participate in. Students can also enjoy on-campus amenities like dining options, recreational facilities, and cultural events.

University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Acceptance Rate: 81%
• Graduation Rate: 71%
• Cost of Tuition: $9k

Opportunity and Challenge

At the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), students have access to a wide range of opportunities that are guaranteed to enhance their academic and personal growth. Some of the opportunities available to students at UMBC include research experiences with faculty members, internships with local and national organizations, study abroad programs, community service projects, and participation in student organizations and clubs. The university also offers career development services and leadership development opportunities to help students succeed during their time at UMBC and post-graduation.

Towson University

• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Graduation Rate:  76%
• Cost of Tuition: $13k

What Students Can Expect

Students at Towson University can expect an inclusive campus life with a strong focus on academic excellence, student engagement, and personal growth. The university offers competitive academic programs, extracurricular activities, and student support services to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Salisbury University

• Acceptance Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 69%
• Cost of Tuition: $19k

Recognition and Accolades

Salisbury University has received several recognitions and accolades for its academic programs, campus facilities, and student services. Some achievements include being ranked as one of the top public universities in the northeast by U.S. News & World Report. Salisbury has also received recognition for being designated as a Military Friendly School for its support of military-affiliated students.

Loyola University Maryland

• Acceptance Rate: 83%
• Graduation Rate: 83%
• Cost of Tuition: $30k

Key Features of Loyola

Loyola University Maryland is known for several key features that set it apart as a top institution of higher education. Some of these features include a strong Jesuit tradition focusing on academic excellence, service to others, and the development of the whole person, small class sizes for personalized attention from faculty and meaningful interactions with peers, a strong focus on liberal arts education, a commitment to community service and a strong alumni network that supports networking opportunities for graduates as they pursue their careers.

Attention graduate students! Check out these grad school scholarships today to help you reduce the cost of your degree program, including doctoral programs!

More Colleges in Maryland

Although the universities mentioned above are some of the top-ranked schools in Maryland, the state has more colleges and universities just as worthy of recognition for both graduate and undergraduate students. Let’s take a look!

• St. Mary’s College of Maryland – Located in St. Mary’s City, MD, St. Mary’s College is a public 4-year honors college that “offers an experience similar to that of an elite liberal arts college.”
• Frostburg State University – Frostburg State University is a 4-year public institution known to be student-centered and focused on quality education that can lead to real-world success.
• Goucher College – Located in Towson, Goucher College is a private liberal arts college dedicated to its excellent liberal arts programs.
• Bowie State University – With an 87% graduation rate, Bowie State University is the older historically black college/university in Maryland.
• Washington College – Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD, known for its rigorous yet rewarding academic programs.
• Washington Adventist University – Located in Takoma Park, MD, Washington Adventist University is a private Seventh-day Adventist university that focuses on Arts & Social Sciences.
• Morgan State University – One of the best universities in Baltimore, Morgan State University is a public historically black research university founded in 1867.

Please note: Research is extremely important to know what the best college is for you. Every campus offers something unique to its students, like a United States Naval Academy, so it’s vital to ask yourself questions like what’s most important to you in terms of program and future career, what you can get out of your degree, etc. Your choice of course of study should take you down a path of professional opportunity, so hang in there and research, research, research. Don’t cut corners when choosing the school for you.

Best Community Colleges in Maryland

With the rise in tuition costs, attending a traditional four-year college/university has become a challenge for students. However, I am here to make sure you are aware of every resource available to you that leads to a quality education, and that includes community college. And luckily for students, there are several highly-ranked community colleges in Maryland to talk about. Let’s check them out!

• Montgomery College
• Baltimore City Community College
• Carroll Community College
• Howard Community College
• Harford Community College
• Garrett Community College
• Frederick Community College

A quality education is a quality education, whether it be at a university or community college. So, don’t stress yourself out over how you’re going to afford your degree; consider a community college that will support your future academic and professional endeavors, as well as your pockets.

Ranking the Best Colleges in Maryland

Weighing your institutional options can be dependent on your personal needs and goals. For example, while some might prefer a large campus with a robust social and inclusive scene, others might need a quieter, more reserved, and focus-driven environment in which they can thrive. So, how do you decide which campus life ranks best for you? Let’s take a look at some factors that determine rank amongst the colleges in MD:

• Academics – Academic offerings can boost the competition at a university.    
• Financial Resources – Be sure to research what financial grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance programs your schools offer.
• Campus Facilities – Every campus has unique facilities available to both students and faculty. Be sure to review what your schools offer.
• Faculty Services – Be sure to take a deeper look into the faculty at your schools of choice, as they have a crucial hand in ranking academic programs.
• Reputation – Along with faculty and campus services, research testimonies from alumni, tenured professors, staff, and current students to get a broader perspective of what each school is like.
• Graduation Rates – Graduation rates play a, important behind-the-scenes part in ranking as they support the academic quality and reputation of the school.

College ranking can be extremely useful when you’re on your college search. These factors will not only help you weigh out each school, but they can also help you determine the best fit for you.

Plan for the Future

One of the greatest takeaways from college is learning that planning makes all the difference, especially when it comes to your future. Planning helps set clear goals and create a roadmap to achieve all of your aspirations. Although you can’t predict what’s going to happen, a little pre-planning and preparing for the unexpected can set you up for success. Let’s discuss a few steps you can take to plan for a successful future:

1. Define Your Goals: Think about your short-term and long-term goals and create an outline to help you achieve them. Don’t forget any plan Bs or Cs for the unexpected.
2. Career Planning: Explore different career paths and look for opportunities for growth in your chosen field.
3. Networking: Build a professional network by connecting with peers, mentors, and professionals who can offer guidance and support in your future career.

Planning your future is something you will always keep working at. So, while you’re working on tangible things like a career and finances, don’t forget about other important life factors, such as your physical and mental health.

Becoming a Maryland Resident

Now, for those out-of-staters and other prospective students interested in attending college in Maryland, you’re going to want to keep becoming a resident of the state in mind. While it’s not a requirement for school, your experience in Maryland might turn into a life of success! So, here’s what to expect if you become interested in being a Maryland state resident:

• One would need to establish a physical presence in the state by living there for a minimum of 12 months. This would also include changing your forwarding address and using the address on bank statements and utility bills.
• One must obtain a Maryland driver's license or state I.D. and register their vehicle in Maryland.
• One must register to vote in the state and possibly change your address on important documents.

Always consult with the Maryland Department of Transportation and other relevant state agencies for specific requirements and guidelines on establishing residency in Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Maryland

What is the best college in Maryland?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the #1 ranked college in Maryland is Johns Hopkins University, one of the top private research universities in the country. Whether you're an undergrad studying engineering or a graduate student in medicine, Johns Hopkins might meet your standards for quality education.

However, the “best” college for you is the one that meets your academic and future career goals. Whether that be Baltimore City Community College or Loyola University Maryland, the term ‘best’ can be completely subjective to you, so with some research, comparing and contrasting, the best school for you should support all of your goals.

Are colleges in Maryland expensive?

The cost of attending college in Maryland can vary depending on the institution, program of study, and residency status of the student. Public colleges and universities in Maryland tend to be more affordable for in-state residents compared to out-of-state or private institutions. However, tuition and fees, as well as other expenses such as room and board, textbooks, and personal expenses, can still add up. Be sure to explore all financial aid options, scholarships, and grants to help offset the cost of attending college in Maryland.

How do I become a resident of Maryland?

To become a resident of the state of Maryland, one would need to establish a physical presence in the state by living there for a minimum of 12 months, apply for a driver’s license, and register their car (if necessary) to their M.D. address. Registering to vote in M.D. can help determine residency, as well. However, before making the move, be sure to check the residency guidelines with the Maryland Department of Transportation to see what to expect.

Have more questions about anything related to college? Check out our Scholarship Blog, which is home to hundreds of articles written specifically for students.