Explore 12 of the Best Colleges in Maryland

Maryland is sometimes referred to as a “mini America” due to its many geographical features. With the mountains in the west, farms on the east, beaches to the south, and cities in the center, Maryland has something for everyone, and that includes universities.

Maryland is filled with top-notch universities from small-town colleges, to sprawling campuses, and renowned military academies.

Have a look at the top 12 colleges in Maryland to see which institute fits your academic goals for the next semester and beyond.

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What Are the 12 Best Colleges in Maryland?

Johns Hopkins University

Rated #10 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges in National Universities, John Hopkins University has nine schools for undergraduate and graduate students, which include their Bloomberg School of Public Health, Whiting School of Engineering, and the Peabody Institute for Music and Dance. It is a highly selective school, with only an 11% acceptance rate. The university’s main campus, the Homewood campus in Baltimore, is one of four campuses, and both freshman and sophomore students are required to live on campus.

Tuition and fees: $55,350
Acceptance rate: 11%
SAT scores: 1470-1560
ACT scores: 33-35

University of Maryland, College Park

Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland is a public university with an enrollment of over 30,000 undergraduate students. Its location in between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore offers students a suburban campus within reach of the busier city scenes. The campus life offers students over 800 different clubs, organizations, sororities, and fraternities. The school is best known for its graduate programs in education, engineering, and business.

Tuition and fees: $10,778 (in state), $36,890 (out of state)
Acceptance rate: 47%
SAT scores: 1290-1480
ACT scores: 28-33

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

The University of Maryland’s Baltimore County campus is located 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. The university uses a 4-1-4 academic calendar and its popular studies include those in engineering, science, and public policy. The university hosts over 250 student organizations, sororities, and fraternities. For interested athletes, the university’s Retrievers varsity teams compete in the NCAA Division.

Tuition and fees: $12,028 (in state), $27,662 (out of state)
Acceptance rate: 58%
SAT scores: 1190-1360
ACT scores: 24-29

Towson University

Founded in 1866, Towson University is located in a suburban area around 10 miles from downtown Baltimore. The school offers over 200 student organizations, including 30 sororities and fraternities. Its popular degrees include those in business and economics, education, and art. The university’s sports teams compete in the NCAA Division.

Tuition and fees: $10,198 (in state), $24,334 (out of state)
Acceptance rate: 79%
SAT scores: 1060-1200
ACT scores: 20-25

United States Naval Academy

Ranked #17 of National Liberal Art Colleges in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges, United States Naval Academy is a public institution located in the city of Annapolis, Maryland. The academy is the second oldest federal service academy, and the tuition of officers in training is fully funded by the U.S. Navy for service after graduation. Students are required to meet certain fitness standards throughout their degree, and the academy offers many extra-curricular activities such as debate team and scuba diving. It is a very selective institution, with a low 9% acceptance rate.

Tuition and fees: Paid by the U.S. Navy
Acceptance rate: 9%
SAT scores: 1150-1370
ACT scores: 26-32

St. John’s College

St. John’s College, a private institution founded all the way back in 1696, is located in the city of Annapolis, Maryland. It is a small institution with a little over 450 undergraduate enrollments and a 36-acre campus. Since the college has been around for a long time, the students, called “Johnnies,” have established many special traditions and activities.

Tuition and fees: $35,635
Acceptance rate: 58%
SAT scores: 1200-1460
ACT scores: 24-33

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St. Mary’s College of Maryland

A public institution that was founded in 1840, St. Mary’s College of Maryland has an undergraduate enrollment averaging 1,570. It was ranked #1 of the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland according to Niche. It is best known for its high academic standards and the tight-knit community feel of its small campus.

Tuition and fees: $20,479
Acceptance rate: 80%
SAT scores: 1060-1290
ACT scores: 23-28

Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland was founded in 1852, and is a private university set in an urban area of Maryland. Its typical undergraduate enrollment is around 3,800 students. Loyola University ranked #4 in the Regional Universities North in the U.S. News rankings. The institution offers many extra-curricular activities, student organizations, and sports teams, as well as a Fitness and Aquatics Center.

Tuition and fees: $50,262
Acceptance rate: 79%
SAT scores: 1140-1320
ACT scores: 25-30

Washington College

Washington College is a private institute located in Chestertown, Maryland. It enrolls an average of 1,346 undergraduate students, making it a fairly small institute. Some of its popular degrees include biology, business, and psychology. The campus is known for being a welcoming and tight-knit community of students.

Tuition and fees: $29,457
Acceptance rate: 64%
SAT scores: 1040-1280
ACT scores: 23-27

Salisbury University

Salisbury is a public institute located in a rural 200-acre setting in Maryland, with 85% of its students being state residents. Its undergraduate enrollment is fairly large, with 7,650 students. The university uses a 4-1-4 academic calendar. There are 40 undergraduate degrees to choose from, and many extra-curricular activities such as school recording studios, wall climbing, athletics, and clubs.

Tuition and fees: $10,046 (in state), $20,112 (out of state)
Acceptance rate: 62%
SAT scores: 1145-1280
ACT scores: 20-25

Goucher College

Goucher was founded back in 1885 and is a private institution located in Towson, Maryland. Its undergraduate enrollment is around 1,425, and its campus spans 287 acres. Some of Goucher College’s popular degrees include psychology, business, and environmental science.

Tuition and fees: $45,250
Acceptance rate: 80%
SAT scores: 1040-1290
ACT scores: 22-29

Stevenson University

Stevenson University is a private institute located about 10 miles from Baltimore. The university offers 30 different undergraduate programs, and many master’s programs in fields such as business, nursing, forensic science, and others. In addition, Stevenson University offers its students a Career Architecture program in order to direct students to the best studies for their unique interests and goals.

Tuition and fees: $37,082
Acceptance rate: 73%
SAT scores: 1030-1200
ACT scores: 19-24

Online Colleges

Online college can be another great option for earning your degree. When earning a degree online, there are many benefits including the ability to choose the best location for your needs and interests.

Online studies can be a good option if you’re interested in attending an international program overseas or find yourself trying to juggle family and work while in school. Online learning can be a convenient way to earn a degree while pursuing other interests.

Many of the above universities and colleges offer online programs. This is especially true in 2020 when many are opting to work and study from home due to the pandemic, changing economies, and academic programs.

One option for earning a degree online is University of the People. University of the People is a completely online university that offers degrees in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. We are a tuition-free university with the goal of making quality education accessible and affordable to students from all backgrounds.

students graduating from college in Maryland

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The Bottom Line

There are many high-quality colleges in Maryland to choose from. Whether you’re a Maryland resident planning your college tours this year, or a continuing student exploring your many options, the institutions in Maryland have a lot to offer.

Alternatively, getting a degree online is easier than ever, and there are many options for earning your degree completely online, or getting a headstart on your studies while planning the next step in your academic career.