Maryland

Maryland has some of the finest universities in the US. These colleges have a solid reputation, high standards and admit students who tick all the boxes on their list. Fresh high school graduates and other school-seekers can apply to as many schools as they want as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Most colleges are highly competitive with low acceptance rates.  

This article listed the top 10 colleges in Maryland and the cost of tuition, acceptance and graduation rates, rankings, majors, and other essential details.

Top Accredited Colleges in Maryland

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Maryland – College Park
  3. University of Maryland – Baltimore County
  4. Towson University
  5. Salisbury University
  6. Washington College
  7. St Mary’s College of Maryland
  8. Bowie State University
  9. Loyola University Maryland
  10. Frostburg State University

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University Baltimore MD
Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD

John Hopkins University (JHU) is the first research university in the US, and it was founded in 1876. It is a private institution based on the belief that a modern university should do both teaching and research excellently, although they are independent of each other.

JHU has over 21,000 students with over 300+ student-run organizations for them to choose from. The cost of undergraduate tuition is $58,720 for the School of Engineering and the School of Arts and Science. Students in Peabody Institute pay $56,313 for tuition. JHU is need-blind and offers 100% financial aid to students with demonstrated financial needs.

JHU ranks 1st in Maryland universities ranking and 9th in National Universities in the US. It ranks 12th in Most Innovative Schools and 16th in Best Value Schools.

JHU has an 11% acceptance rate and a 92% graduation rate. JHU has an average GPA of 3.92, which makes it a competitive university to get into. JHU students have an average SAT score between 1460 to 1560 or average ACT scores between 33 to 35. JHU graduates make an average annual salary of $73,200.

Here is a list of some majors at JHU:

  • Applied Mathematics and Statistics 
  • Biology 
  • Classics 
  • Cognitive Science 
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • Film and Media Studies
  • Harpsichord 
  • Interdisciplinary Studies 
  • Material Science and Engineering 
  • Natural Sciences Area 
  • Orchestral Instruments 
  • Public Health Studies 
  • Sociology 
  • Writing Seminars 

University of Maryland – College Park

University of Maryland College Park College Park MD
University of Maryland – College Park, MD

University of Maryland-College Park (UMD) is a public university that was founded in 1856. It is one of the most renowned public research universities in the US, with some finest professors. UMD students are brilliant, innovative, and passionate about excellent birthing solutions to problems. 

Students can get involved in over 800 fraternities, sports, sororities, and clubs to interact with other students, learn new skills, and build their character. 

It ranks 2nd among colleges in Maryland and 58th in National Universities. It ranks 19th in Top Public Schools and 22nd in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. 

UMD is now SAT and ACT optional due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the average SAT scores range from 1370 to 1510 and ACT scores between 31 to 34. Enrolled students have an average GPA of 4.32. State of Maryland residents pays tuition and fees of $10,954 annually, while non-state Maryland residents pay tuition and fees of $38,638 annually. UMD offers scholarships, grants, student loans, and federal work-study to help students meet the cost of studying. Graduates make an average annual salary of $83,335 annually. 

Some majors include:

  • Atmospheric and Oceanic Science 
  • Biocomputational Engineering 
  • Cinema & Media Studies 
  • Dance 
  • Environmental Science and Policy 
  • Family Science 
  • Human Development 
  • International Relations 
  • Journalism 
  • Kinesiology 
  • Mathematics 
  • Operations Management and Business Analytics 
  • Public Health Science 
  • Romance Languages 
  • Studio Art 
  • Theatre 
  • Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies 

University of Maryland – Baltimore County

University of Maryland Baltimore County Baltimore MD
University of Maryland – Baltimore County, MD

University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public university that was founded in 1966. UMBC focuses on pain science, human services, engineering, public policy, and information technology graduate programs. It has an inclusive culture that encourages diversity and promotes critical thinking and a spirit of oneness. 

UMBC has over 14,000 students with over 270 student groups. Students and graduates have internship opportunities in elite companies to build their portfolios.  

UMBC ranks 3rd in colleges in MD and 160th in National Universities in the US. It is the 9th in Most Innovative Schools and 11th in Undergraduate Teaching. Additionally, it is 77th in Top Public Schools. 

UMBC has a 61% acceptance rate and a 64% graduation rate. Students must have SAT scores between 1180 to 1360 and average ACT scores between 24 to 29, and an average GPA of 3.9, making it a challenging university to get into. 

UMBC residents pay tuition and fees of $12,028, while non-UMBC residents pay $27,662 for tuition and fees annually. UMBC students need to complete FAFSA to apply for institutional, need-based, or State financial aid. Graduates earn an average salary of $77,000 every year.

Some UMBC majors include:

  • Auditing for Information Studies 
  • Biotechnology & Bioengineering 
  • Critical Sexuality Studies 
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
  • Finance 
  • Gender and Women’s Studies 
  • History 
  • International Affairs 
  • Media and Communication Studies 
  • Political Science 
  • Public Administration & Policy 
  • Social Work 
  • Theatre 
  • Writing 

Towson University

University of Maryland BaltimorTowson
Towson University, MD

Towson University (TU) was founded in 1866 as a teacher’s college but now offers other programs such as nursing and business. TU has high education standards and trains students to become talented leaders with good work ethics and a sense of purpose. It offers a collaborative learning environment that teaches students good skills.

TU ranks 4th in top colleges in MD and 196th in National Universities in the US. It ranks 100th in Top Public Schools and 161st in Top Performers on Social Mobility.  

TU students have an average SAT score of 1140, a composite ACT score of 23, and a 3.6 GPA. 

Maryland residents pay tuition and fees of $10,464 annually, while out-of-state students pay $25,516 annually. TU offers financial aid in the form of need-based grants, student employment options, scholarships, and loans. Students have to apply early for scholarships and FAFSA if they are eligible. Towson University has a 76% acceptance rate and a 76% graduation rate. Towson University graduates have a starting salary of $42,000.

Some majors at Towson University include:

  • Acting 
  • Business Administration 
  • Cultural Studies 
  • Deaf Studies 
  • Electronic Media and Film 
  • Family and Human Services 
  • Forensic Chemistry 
  • Information Technology 
  • Law and American Civilization 
  • Marketing Intelligence Accelerated 
  • Special Education 
  • Theatre Arts 
  • Women & Gender Studies 

Salisbury University

Salisbury University MD
Salisbury University, MD

Salisbury University (SU) is a public institution founded in 1925 to give students opportunities for creative expression. SU has a vibrant campus life with over 98 clubs and organizations that students can join and 200+ events to participate in. Undergraduate students can take part in research in any of the award-winning universities in SU. 

SU is one of the good colleges in Maryland, and it ranks 16th in Top Public Schools. It ranks 41st in Best Value Schools and 67th in Regional Universities North.

Salisbury University has an acceptance rate of 74% and a graduation rate of 67%. SU is currently test-optional. Students must not submit SAT or ACT scores because students may not have enough testing opportunities due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is advisable to raise test scores if you have a GPA below 3.5 to improve your chances. 

Maryland residents have to pay tuition and fees of $10,188, while out-of-students pay tuition and fees of $20,458 annually. SU offers financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, tuition waivers, grants, work-study, and assistantships. Graduates from SU have an average starting salary of $40,000 annually. 

Some SU majors include:

  • Accounting 
  • Business Economics 
  • Chemistry 
  • Data Science 
  • Elementary Education 
  • Finance 
  • Geography 
  • Integrated Science 
  • Management 
  • Nursing 
  • Public Health 
  • Respiratory Therapy 
  • Secondary Teaching Licensure 
  • Theatre 
  • Urban and Regional Planning 
  • Writing and Rhetoric 

Washington College

Washington College Chestertown MD
Washington College Chestertown, MD

Washington College (WAC) was chartered in 1782 as the first college in the independent United States of America. It is a private liberal arts college that focuses on helping students live purposeful lives and become responsible leaders. WAC uses a hands-on learning approach to support its 1400 students gain experience. Students can also participate in research programs, and they can study using a customized curriculum. 

WAC ranks 8th in the list of best universities in Maryland and 96th in National Liberal Arts Colleges in the US. Additionally, it ranks 60th in Best Value Schools and 173rd in Top Performers on Social Mobility. 

WAC has an acceptance rate of 92% and a graduation rate of 73%. Enrolled students have an average SAT score between 1040 to 1280 and average ACT scores between 23 to 27. Additionally, students need to have a GPA of at least 3.63.

Enrolled Maryland residents and out-of-state students alike have to pay tuition of $47,724. WAC students can qualify for need-based scholarships through a FAFSA application. Prospective students with excellent results can be eligible for merit-based scholarships. 

Here are some majors:

  • Art and History 
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
  • Chemistry 
  • Environmental Science and Studies 
  • Humanities 
  • International Studies 
  • Music 
  • Political Science 
  • Sociology 
  • Theatre 
  • World Languages and Cultures 

St Mary’s College of Maryland

St Marys College of Maryland St. Marys City MD 1
St Mary’s College of Maryland St. Mary’s City, MD

St Mary’s College is a public school that was founded in 1840. It has high academic standards, rigorous teaching methods, and small classes to improve the teacher-student experience. St. Mary’s College is a diverse institution that uses a challenging curriculum to help build students and instil critical thinking and analytical skills. 

It ranks 7th among the top Maryland colleges and 80th in National Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States. It also ranks 92nd in Best Value Colleges.

Students have an acceptance rate of 84% and a graduation rate of 73%. Students need to have SAT scores of at least 1060 and ACT scores between 21 to 29. Enrolled students need to maintain a GPA of 3.38.

Maryland residents pay tuition of $12,116 annually, while non-Maryland residents pay tuition of $28,192. In-state and out-of-state students pay $3,008 as fees annually. The cost of tuition for DC residents is $22,116 annually. Students can receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships, campus-based, federal, and state-based aid. Graduates have an average starting salary of $39,000. 

Here are some majors:

  • Asian Studies 
  • Biology 
  • Computer Science 
  • English 
  • Environmental Studies 
  • History 
  • Marine Science 
  • Mathematics 
  • Neuroscience 
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science 
  • Public Policy Studies
  • Sociology 

Bowie State University

Bowie State University Bowie MD
Bowie State University Bowie, MD

Bowie State University is a public institution founded in 1865 and is part of the University System of Maryland. It is a predominantly black institution because it is the first black university in Maryland. BSU has 6,250 students who can carry out research and prepare them for the work environment after graduation. BSU limits student debt while providing them with an exceptional education. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs. 

BSU ranks 1st in safest universities/colleges in Maryland. It has a LEED certification for rating as the 2nd among universities with green campus buildings. Additionally, Baltimore Business Journal ranks BSU 3rd in the fastest-growing four-year universities/colleges in Maryland. 

Undergraduate in-state students pay annual tuition of $4,222 every semester, while out-of-state undergraduate students pay $9,568 for tuition every semester. Graduate in-state students pay tuition of $533 per credit hour, while graduate students from out-of-state pay $839 per semester. BSU graduates earn an average salary of $45,800 annually. 

Some BSU majors are:

  • Bioinformatics 
  • Business Administration 
  • Child & Adolescent Studies 
  • Computer Technology 
  • Elementary Education 
  • Fine Arts 
  • History & Government 
  • Mathematics 
  • Nursing 
  • Psychology 
  • Social Work 
  • Theatre Arts 
  • Visual Communication & Digital Arts Media 

Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland Baltimore MD
Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, MD

Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit university. It is also a liberal arts institution that prepares students for academic success, strong work ethics to cope in the work environment to help them live purposeful lives. Loyola University accommodates every student’s needs through the thriving community spirit that is present on campus.

Loyola University is the 10th among good colleges in Maryland. It ranks 4th in Regional Universities North and 9th in Most Innovative Schools. It is the 4th in Best Undergraduate Teaching and 44th in Best Value Schools. Additionally, it falls within the top 2% out of 45,000 universities in the US for long-term return on investment. 

Students have to pay $52,130 for tuition annually. 95% of students receive a grant or scholarship that Loyola University funds. First-time students receive an average need-based package of $37,900, and up to 98% of Loyola University students receive financial aid. 

Within 6 to 9 months of graduation, 98% of Loyola University graduates are enrolled in a professional or graduate school, employed, or taking part in one year of service. Graduates have an average yearly salary of $54,100. 

Some Loyola University majors include:

  • Advertising/Public Relations – Communication 
  • Biochemistry 
  • Classical Civilization 
  • Data Science 
  • Elementary Education 
  • Finance 
  • History 
  • Information Systems and Data Analytics – Business Administration 
  • Journalism – Communication 
  • Mathematical Statistics – Statistics 
  • Operational Research – Mathematics 
  • Photography – Visual Arts 
  • Spanish 
  • Theater – Fine Arts 
  • Visual Arts 
  • Writing 

Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University Frostburg MD 1
Frostburg State University Frostburg, MD

Frostburg State University is a public university in Maryland that offers high-quality education at an affordable price. It is among the most affordable colleges in Maryland. Frostburg offers prestigious internships, study abroad programs, and countless research opportunities to build themselves and increase their worth. Students learn from expert professors who use a personalized teaching method because of the small class sizes. It offers a wide range of courses and programs to meet students’ needs. 

Frostburg ranks 38th in Top Public Schools and 113th in Regional Universities North. It is the 176th in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs and 51st in Top Performers on Social Mobility. 

Students need a minimum SAT score of 1250 or an average ACT score of 20. They have GPAs of 3.2 and above.

Maryland residents pay annual tuition of $6,834, regional residents pay $15,730 as tuition and out-of-state residents pay $21,320 for the 2021/2022 academic year. Additionally, all students pay $2,760 as fees. 

92% of freshmen receive an average amount of $7,304 in scholarship aid or grant. 39% of students receive federal grants, while 61% of them receive student loan aid. 39% receive Pell grants, 59% receive federal student loans. Graduates earn an average starting salary of $34,000. 

Some Frostburg majors include:

  • Addictions Counseling Emphasis 
  • Business Administration 
  • Computer Science 
  • Engineering 
  • Foreign Languages & Literature 
  • Geography 
  • Health Science 
  • Interpretive Biology & Natural History 
  • Law & Society 
  • Mass Communication 
  • Nursing 
  • Professional Writing Emphasis 
  • Recreation & Parks Management 
  • Secure Computing & Information Assurance 
  • The teaching of Writing Emphasis 
  • Wildlife and Fisheries 

Why Study in Maryland?

Maryland is also known as the Free State. It has sunny beaches, pretty mountains, and vast farmlands in different parts of the state. It’s home to a welcoming community of people with a warm and welcoming culture. It has renowned public and private colleges with affordable fees and tuition with state-of-the-art facilities. The top colleges in MD are located in an environment for learning with inclusive campus culture. 

Conclusion

The top 10 universities in Maryland are simply the best of the best around. Students are trained to work independently and in teams to foster assertiveness and encourage problem-solving. Colleges in MD let students work with their professors on research projects, and some of these institutions even offer study abroad options. Eligible students can get financial aid, and graduates have a good starting salary which helps them pay for student loans if they take any. What more could you ask for?

References

Helen Vlasova
Helen is the co-founder of admissionsly.com, a career guidance website for students and young professionals. She has a degree in English from the University of Michigan. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and traveling.

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