Colleges and Universities in Maryland
Maryland, often called "America in Miniature" due to its diverse geographical features, mirrors this variety in its higher education landscape. The state offers a wide array of institutions, from renowned research universities and intimate liberal arts colleges to specialized institutions like the Maryland Institute College of Art and the United States Naval Academy. Colleges are located throughout Maryland, though many are located in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Overview of Higher Education in Maryland
Maryland is a North Eastern state that’s known as “America in Miniature” partially due to the variety of topography, which includes sandy dunes, pine groves, hills of oak forests, and marshland. The climate varies just as much as the land.
As of Fall 2023, some 280,780 students (undergraduate, graduate, & professional) enrolled at Maryland public universities and colleges. In fall 2010, 369,320 students (undergraduate, graduate, & professional) enrolled at Maryland universities and colleges (increase of 18.87% since 2005), the highest such enrollment in State history. Women accounted for 57.5% of all students. In 2024, the average yearly cost to attend a State college was $10,270 for resident undergraduates, and $24,814 for nonresidents.
The state's public universities are primarily part of the University System of Maryland. However, there are exceptions: United States Naval Academy, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Morgan State University and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, which are public but are not part of the university system. The characteristics of each institution varies from small, intimate, liberal arts colleges such as Washington College and McDaniel College to large, public, research universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park. The oldest school in the state is St.
When it comes to top industries, BioHealth & Life Sciences, IT & Cybersecurity, and Advanced Manufacturing are popular in Little America. Main attractions in Maryland include The Walters Art Museum, the National Aquarium, and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Read also: Read the full article on education rankings
Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Maryland provides students with a vibrant mix of academic rigor, historical depth, and access to dynamic career opportunities. The state's proximity to Washington, DC, gives students access to unique internship and networking opportunities in government, research, and business. On the other hand, college towns like Baltimore and College Park are lively and filled with cultural attractions, diverse dining options, and rich history. Maryland’s scenic landscapes-from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains-offer outdoor activities like sailing, hiking, and camping.
Here is a list of four-year colleges and universities in Maryland:
- Bowie State University: As part of the University System of Maryland, Bowie State is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities.
- Coppin State University: Another member of the University System of Maryland, Coppin State focuses on serving the educational needs of the Baltimore community.
- Frostburg State University: Located in Western Maryland, Frostburg State University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs within the University System of Maryland.
- Goucher College: A private liberal arts college known for its innovative curriculum and emphasis on global education.
- Hood College: A private, coeducational college offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Frederick, Maryland.
- Johns Hopkins University: A world-renowned research university with strengths in medicine, engineering, and the humanities.
- Loyola University Maryland: A Jesuit university offering a comprehensive education rooted in the liberal arts tradition.
- Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA): One of the oldest art colleges in the United States, MICA offers a wide range of visual arts programs.
- Maryland University of Integrative Health: Focuses on graduate programs and degrees in integrative health fields.
- McDaniel College: A private liberal arts college with a focus on student-centered learning and global engagement.
- Morgan State University: A public historically Black university offering a wide range of academic programs.
- Mount St. Mary's University: A Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields.
- Notre Dame of Maryland University: A Catholic university with a focus on educating women, though some programs are coeducational.
- St. John's College: Known for its Great Books program, St. John's offers a unique liberal arts education.
- St. Mary's College of Maryland: A public honors college offering a liberal arts education with a focus on public service.
- Salisbury University: Part of the University System of Maryland, Salisbury University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Stevenson University: Offers career-focused programs in a variety of fields, blending liberal arts with professional studies.
- Towson University: As part of the University System of Maryland, Towson University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences: A federal university that trains health professionals for the U.S. military and public health services.
- United States Naval Academy: A federal service academy that prepares young men and women to become officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
- University of Baltimore: Part of the University System of Maryland, the University of Baltimore focuses on providing career-oriented education.
- University of Maryland, Baltimore: A professional school within the University System of Maryland, focusing on medicine, law, and other health-related fields.
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC): Part of the University System of Maryland, UMBC is known for its strengths in science, engineering, and technology.
- University of Maryland, College Park (UMD): The flagship campus of the University System of Maryland, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- University of Maryland, Eastern Shore: A historically Black university within the University System of Maryland, offering a variety of academic programs.
- University of Maryland Global Campus: Part of the University System of Maryland, UMGC focuses on providing online education to adult learners.
- Washington Adventist University: A Seventh-day Adventist university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Washington College: A private liberal arts college located in Chestertown, Maryland.
Community Colleges
In addition to four-year institutions, Maryland has sixteen community colleges that provide accessible and affordable education.
- Allegany College of Maryland
- Anne Arundel Community College
- Baltimore City Community College
- Carroll Community College
- Cecil College
- Chesapeake College
- College of Southern Maryland
- Community College of Baltimore County
- Frederick Community College
- Garrett College
- Hagerstown Community College
- Harford Community College
- Howard Community College
- Montgomery College
- Prince George's Community College
- Wor-Wic Community College
A consortium of community colleges and universities offer courses online to students unable to attend classes on a campus through MarylandOnline.
Regional Higher Education Centers
Eight regional higher education centers serve the public by offering courses and degrees from other institutions within the University System of Maryland. These centers include:
Read also: Understanding the UCF Framework
- Universities at Shady Grove
- USM Hagerstown
- USM Southern Maryland (USMSM)
Other Institutions
- Breakthrough Bible College & Theological Seminary
- Capitol Technology University
- Lincoln College of Technology
- St. Mary's Seminary and University
- TESST College of Technology
- Israel Rabbinical College
Resources and Support
Maryland also participates in the Academic Common Market, an education consortium of fifteen southern states. Reduced tuition is offered to students who attend schools out of state because their program is not available at a public in-state college or university. States who participate with Maryland in this program are: Alabama; Arkansas; Delaware; Florida (graduate programs); Georgia; Kentucky; Louisiana; Mississippi; Oklahoma; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas (graduate programs); Virginia; and West Virginia.
To further education in Maryland, the State provides numerous assistance and scholarship options for college. The Maryland 529 Board oversees the College Savings Plans of Maryland, including the Maryland Prepaid College Trust, and the Maryland College Investment Plan. Assistance also is offered through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Cybersecurity Education
Maryland has 20 higher education institutions designated as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, a joint program of several national agencies. These institutions include Anne Arundel Community College, Bowie State University, Capitol Technology University, Cecil College, Community College of Baltimore County, Hagerstown Community College, Harford Community College, Hood College, Howard Community College, The Johns Hopkins University, Montgomery College, Morgan State University, Prince George's Community College, SANS Technology Institute, College of Southern Maryland, Towson University, United States Naval Academy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Maryland, College Park, and University of Maryland Global Campus.
Read also: Banned Substances and the NCAA
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