According to Forbes magazine, Maryland has the third-highest college attainment rate in the US, and about 40 percent of the state’s population holds a bachelor’s degree. The state has achieved this level of academic excellence and student success because of its top-level universities with global recognition.
We have put together a list of the top 10 universities in Maryland by looking at criteria including graduation rate, tuition, and admission policies. You’ll see some familiar names such as Johns Hopkins University and Salisbury University, as well as some lesser-known schools. Read on to learn more about how these Maryland universities ranked and why they might be a good fit for your academic journey.
How We Defined Maryland University Rankings
Our school rankings are based on several factors. The universities on this list have strict admissions policies, affordable tuition rates, and some of the best graduation rates among US schools. They also offer many options for undergraduate and graduate students looking for excellent academic quality, academic internships, networking opportunities, and upward mobility.
Maryland Universities Ranked: Top 10 Universities in Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Maryland, College Park
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Loyola University Maryland
- United States Naval Academy
- Goucher College
- Towson University
- University of Baltimore
- Washington College
- Frostburg State University
The Best Colleges and Universities in Maryland, Explained
Universities in Maryland offer many undergraduate programs with a variety of degree options. For example, students can obtain in-person or online degrees in business administration, hospitality management, and criminal justice. There are also merit scholarships for qualified candidates. Below, we discuss some of the best universities in Maryland.
The information in this article is available on the official websites of the universities. Other information is from the US News & World Report College Rankings.
1. Johns Hopkins University
- US News Ranking: #9 in National Universities
- Campus Location(s): Baltimore
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,331
- Graduation Rate: 89%
This private institution is America’s first research university, and it has produced several notable alumni in its 145-year history. Johns Hopkins caters to ambitious scholars and graduate students and leads teaching and research in several areas. It also offers programs in fields such as neuroscience, computer and information science, biomedical engineering, and economics.
2. University of Maryland, College Park
- US News Ranking: #59 in National Universities
- Campus Location(s): College Park
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 30,875
- Graduation Rate: 70%
The flagship campus of the University of Maryland, this public research university is a leader in entrepreneurship learning and innovation. This is the largest university in the state. It is home to 800-plus student organizations, and its undergraduate degree programs in the arts, athletics, and sciences are globally renowned. The university also offers certification programs and has diversity and inclusion policies for its student body.
3. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- US News Ranking: #162 in National Universities
- Campus Location(s): Baltimore
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,835
- Graduation Rate: 44%
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is part of the public University System of Maryland and has great programs in public health, human services, health sciences, nursing, and law. In addition to undergraduate programs, it also has six professional schools and a graduate school, serving the public through intensive research, clinical care, and affordable education.
4. Loyola University Maryland
- US News Ranking: #4 in Regional Universities North
- Campus Location(s): Baltimore
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,787
- Graduation Rate: 77%
Loyola University Maryland has a reputation for providing affordable, quality education. This private, Jesuit, Catholic university offers over 30 undergraduate majors, in addition to pre-professional programs and combined postgraduate degrees in medicine, nursing, and law. Loyola University Maryland also offers robust financial aid opportunities.
5. United States Naval Academy
- US News Ranking: #6 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Campus Location(s): Annapolis
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,594
- Graduation Rate: 89%
The US Naval Academy is one of only five schools in the US that offers undergraduate programs with a US military affiliation. This school is well known for attracting a high-achieving student body since a member of Congress must sponsor prospective students for each official application. All students are on full academic scholarships, and popular majors are engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.
6. Goucher College
- US News Ranking: #117 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Campus Location(s): Baltimore
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,114
- Graduation Rate: 58%
As a school with a long history and proud tradition of liberal arts education, experiential learning opportunities abound at this private liberal arts college. Goucher College is a leader in globalized education. US News & World Report lists it as a top institution for studying abroad, and all undergraduate students must study abroad at least once before graduation.
7. Towson University
- US News Ranking: #196 in National Universities
- Campus Location(s): Towson
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,313
- Graduation Rate: 72%
Towson University is ranked among the top public education institutions for undergraduates and is a powerful member in the University System of Maryland. With over 100 undergraduate majors, popular programs for incoming students include environmental science, business administration, and legal studies.
8. University of Baltimore
- US News Ranking: #109 in Regional Universities North
- Campus Location(s): Baltimore
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,605
- Graduation Rate: 20%
The University of Baltimore offers over 70 undergraduate and doctoral programs and certificates across several disciplines. With a small student body and flexible course schedule, this school is a great option for students seeking an alternative track to the typical university schedule.
9. Washington College
- US News Ranking: #98 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Campus Location(s): Chestertown
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,400
- Graduation Rate: 70%
Washington College is located on the eastern shore of Maryland and offers undergraduate and conventional graduate degree programs. First-year students at this school can access a wide range of academic programs with many financial aid opportunities. Popular undergraduate majors include engineering, finance, international business, and legal studies.
10. Frostburg State University
- US News Ranking: #109 in Regional Universities North
- Campus Location(s): Frostburg
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,119
- Graduation Rate: 28%
Frostburg State University is another member of the University System of Maryland and offers 47 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate degree programs. These degrees are in education, business administration, computer science, exercise science, and counseling management. It boasts a 17 to one student to faculty ratio, and over 90 percent of its faculty have a doctoral degree.
Is a University in Maryland Right for You?
Yes, whether you’re looking for a dual-degree track in nursing, a top-quality liberal arts education, or an academic internship program, your school search should include one of Maryland’s top universities. These schools have expertise in a broad range of interdisciplinary fields, and they provide affordable, world-class education.
Completing an academic program at one of the most prestigious universities in Maryland is a surefire way to guarantee professional success. However, if you think a traditional university isn’t the right choice for you right now, you should look into community college or coding bootcamps as an accelerated track to gain practical, career-focused skills.
Best Universities in Maryland FAQ
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is one of the most demanding universities to get into, with only a nine percent acceptance rate, according to the US News & World Report. The US Naval Academy is a close second with a similar acceptance rate to JHU. These schools have a broad range of excellent graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
Yes, most top-ranked universities in Maryland require prospective students to submit an SAT or ACT score. The official application process for these universities is selective, and a good ACT or SAT score will improve your application portfolio.
Yes, there are several academic scholarships for first-year students. Some schools offer freshman merit scholarships to qualified students, for example, University of Maryland, College Park and Notre Dame of Maryland University. Other financial aid tools for students include grants, loans, and income share agreements.
Frostburg State University, Stevenson University, Salisbury University, and Towson University offer affordable and career-relevant distance education. Their programs include public administration, criminal justice reform, climate policy, hospitality management, regulatory science, and project management.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
