Best Colleges & Universities Maryland 2023
Maryland is home to 55 accredited, degree-granting, postsecondary institutions. Notable research universities, community colleges, and small liberal arts colleges are found in this state.
The Best Colleges in Maryland ranking is based on four main data points in three categories:
- Affordability (net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of a tie in scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics website, Payscale and school websites.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Best Colleges & Universities Maryland 2023
Four Year Universities
1. University of Maryland-College Park
Score: 100
Average Net Price: $18,048
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Salary After Attending: $71,837
The University of Maryland College Park is a public research university that was founded in 1856. It is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. Holding an institution to this ambitious standard the University educates students and pushes knowledge boundaries in important fields for the state, country, and world. The University of Maryland College park has over 90 majors to choose from across 12 colleges and schools. You can also explore an interest by adding a minor, or even create your own major! The University of Maryland-College Park offers a hands-on learning environment. It provides students with opportunities to do their own research and work on projects with faculty members from different disciplines. The university also has a strong focus on experiential learning, giving students the opportunity to get involved in internships, undergraduate research programs, student organizations, and more.
2. John Hopkins University
Score: 99.25
Average Net Price: $23,428
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 93%
Salary After Attending: $83,287
Johns Hopkins University strives to bring important discoveries to the world through vital partnerships, outreach, and philanthropic support. The U.S. News and World Report ranked John Hopkins University #9 in National Universities and #17 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects. Johns Hopkins University has over 400 programs in the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, education business, and health professions. Faculty and students explore a wide range of topics as they work to shape thoughts into influential ideas. Students can study for their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral or earn a certificate across 11 divisions/colleges. The university’s top colleges for study are:
School of Medicine,
School of Nursing,
Carey School of Business,
and the Whiting School of Engineering.
3. Towson University
Score: 97.5
Average Net Price: $18,105
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 74%
Salary After Attending: $57,866
Towson University, a public institution in Towson, MD is part of the University System of Maryland. Over 18,000 students enroll there annually. The university’s undergraduate programs are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen field of study.
Towson University is committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The university’s faculty are experts in their respective fields, and they are passionate about teaching. Towson University also offers a variety of resources to help students succeed, including academic support services, career counseling, and financial aid.
Towson University strives to provide an outstanding education so that you can grow into a successful student. They offer small class sizes and innovative teaching styles to culminate in the best student experience possible. You will work with award-winning professional writers, scientists, and artists. We have a Nobel Laureate on our staff as well as several Guggenheim and Fulbright Fellows.
Here are some of the things that make Towson University a great school:
Diversity: Towson University is a diverse campus, with students from all over the world.
Academics: Towson University offers a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to graduate.
Cost: Towson University is a public university, so tuition is relatively affordable.
4. St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Score: 96.25
Average Net Price: $19,448
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 78%
Salary After Attending: $55,342
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is a public, four-year, liberal arts college in St. Mary’s City, Maryland. The U.S. News and World Report ranked St. Mary’s College of Maryland #6 in Top Public Schools, #89 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, and #100 in Best Value Schools. Niche.com gave it a grade rating of B+ and ranked the school #4 in Best Value Colleges in Maryland. St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers a variety of programs for those looking to pursue their Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in over 25 fields. The college also has a Master of Arts in Teaching program as well as seven pre-professional programs in areas like pre-law, pre-optometry, pre-engineering, and pre-dentistry. St. Mary’s College of Maryland is well known for its neuroscience, marine science, public policy studies, and biochemistry majors. The school has a hands-on approach to learning and offers students the opportunity to participate in research and internships, as well as study abroad programs.
5. Loyola University Maryland
Score: 96
Average Net Price: $35,387
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 79%
Salary After Attending: $75,663
Loyola University Maryland is a private 4-year and graduate institution founded in 1852. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Loyola University Maryland #1 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #6 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #10 in Most Innovative Schools. Niche.com gave the university a grade rating of A- and a ranking of #2 in Best Value Colleges in Maryland. Loyola has rigorous programs that are grounded in the liberal arts and focused on developing well-rounded students who are ready to succeed in all aspects of their lives. The university is made up of three undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers more than 70 undergraduate majors; Maryland’s School of Education, and Sellinger School of Business & Management. All three colleges provide both undergraduate and graduate learning. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1 and 80% of graduates have field experience or an internship.
6. Salisbury University
Score: 94.5
Average Net Price: $18,402
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Salary After Attending: $53,388
The U.S. News and World Report ranked SU #33 in Best Value Colleges, #14 in Top Public Schools, and #62 in Regional Universities North. Salisbury University offers award-winning residential and academic facilities, access to plenty of support services to help you achieve your goals and classes taught by top experts in the field. SU has over 60 programs to choose from for individuals looking to begin their undergraduate or students pursuing higher education in post-graduate learning.
7. Washington College
Score: 94.5
Average Net Price: $27,088
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Salary After Attending: $64,846
Washington College is a private college founded in 1782 in Chestertown, Maryland. In 2022, it ranked 102nd for best value schools, 98th for best national liberal arts colleges, and 164th for top performers on social mobility by the U.S. News and World Report. Popular undergraduate degree programs at this college are Business, Biology, Economics, Psychology, and Environmental Science. This school offers over 30 different majors and programs from which to choose. A great aspect of this college is that students can graduate with hands-on job experience and can create their own curriculum. Washington College does not believe in one size fits all when it comes to education, so they allow their students to develop their own class schedule and study a major that they genuinely love. This college encourages students to double-major, participate in an internship, or study abroad if they choose to. Washington College emphasizes shaping the college experience that is right for each person, and every individual and student has different educational needs.
8. McDaniel College
Score: 92.25
Average Net Price: $22,385
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Salary After Attending: $55,107
McDaniel College is a private college founded in 1867 in Westminster, Maryland. In 2022, it ranked 1st in best value schools, 31st in regional universities north, and 66th in top performers on social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report. This school offers more than 90 student organizations and 24 sports in which students can participate. Popular undergraduate degree programs at McDaniel College are Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Business, Communications, and Psychology. McDaniel College also offers over 20 graduate degree programs for those that plan to pursue graduate school. Additionally, this college offers a five-year B.A. to M.S. program. Another benefit that this school offers is a plan that is personal and flexible for its students. It allows students to choose more than one major or minor, or they can even design their own. This plan is called the McDaniel Plan, which is a wonderful option for students.
9. Stevenson University
Score: 92
Average Net Price: $24,906
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Salary After Attending: $56,567
Stevenson University is a private college founded in 1947 in Stevenson, Maryland. In 2022, Niche.com ranked it 7th for best college dorms in America and 69th for best colleges for information technology in America. The U.S. News and World Report ranked it 35th for best colleges for veterans, 37th for best value schools, and 82nd for regional universities north. Stevenson University features 29 undergraduate programs, and students have access to pre-professional programs, such as dentistry, law, medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy, and veterinary science. Popular degree programs chosen at this school are Nursing, Business, Corporate Communications, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Psychology. This university holds itself to a commitment to preparing its students for the workforce, and 92 percent of graduates are working or pursuing graduate degrees after six months from graduation.
10. Frostburg State University
Score: 91.75
Average Net Price: $15,748
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Salary After Attending: $49,230
Frostburg State University is a public university in Frostburg, Maryland. It is one of the twelve institutions in the University System of Maryland. U.S. News and World Report ranked Frostburg State University #36 in Top Public Schools and #53 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Niche.com gave FSU an overall grade of B- for its exceptional diversity and academics. The institution offers over 100 programs of study, with 80 specialized programs and over 15 graduate programs, including a doctorate program in education. Frostburg State Universities’ four colleges offer a variety of programs to fit your needs. Whether you’re interested in Accounting, Visual Arts, Computer Science or Hospitality Management, they’ve got the perfect program for you.
11. Mount St. Mary’s University
Score: 91.75
Average Net Price: $27,394
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Salary After Attending: $58,600
Mount St. Mary’s University is a private Catholic university founded in 1808 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. In 2022, it ranked 44th for regional universities north, 45th for best colleges for veterans, and 23rd for best value schools by U.S. News and World Report. Popular areas of study at this school are Business, Criminology, Accounting, Biology, Communications, Elementary Education, and Sociology. Mount St. Mary’s University features 22 sports teams for students to participate in, and there are over 65 student clubs for students to join.
12. Capitol Technology University
Score: 91
Average Net Price: $23,982
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 52%
Salary After Attending: $57,992
Capitol Technology University is a private university founded in 1927 in Laurel, Maryland, in the Washington, D.C. area. The fields of study at this university are Aviation and Unmanned Systems, Analytics and Decision Science, Computational Systems, Cyber, and Information Security, Management of Technology, Security Intelligence and Critical Infrastructure, Engineering and Engineering Technologies, and Construction. This college offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Capitol Technology University stands behind its commitment to students that students will receive a job offer within 90 days of graduating from one of their programs. The school’s motto is “Learn, Build, Succeed,” and it is dedicated to these beliefs in today’s technological world.
13. Hood College
Score: 90.75
Average Net Price: $23,809
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Salary After Attending: $51,779
Hood College is a private college founded in 1893 in Frederick, Maryland. In 2022, Hood College ranked 18th for best value schools, 47th for best colleges for veterans, and 50th for regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report. HC offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Some popular degree options at this college are Business, Psychology, Communications, Computer Science, Social Work, and Special Education. Students have access to 60 campus clubs, 22 sports teams, over 33 undergraduate degree programs, and 19 master’s degree programs.
14. St. John’s College
Score: 90.25
Average Net Price: $27,993
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Salary After Attending: $48,751
St. John’s College is a private college founded in 1696 in Annapolis, Maryland. In 2022, this college ranked 67th among national liberal arts colleges, 11th for best undergraduate teaching, and 47th for best value schools according to U.S. News and World Report. SJC focuses on reading books about Western civilization. During junior and senior years, students are required to take elective courses where the main focus is a book or idea, which becomes their senior essay. At St. John’s College, every student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. This college prepares its students to enter the workforce after graduation.
15. Bowie State University
Score: 90
Average Net Price: $15,773
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Salary After Attending: $49,154
U.S. News and World Report ranked Bowie State University #24 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and #76 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. The university provides programs in popular majors like business, engineering, computer science, and many more. Undergraduate students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in 23 majors and a graduate degree with 19 master’s degree programs to choose from. For those looking for a more niche course of study, the university offers 14 different specialty certificates as well as two doctoral programs. Students can also research, study abroad, and practice real-world skills through internships.
16. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Score: 89
Average Net Price: $19,990
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Salary After Attending: $50,974
Notre Dame of Maryland University is a private Catholic college founded in 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2022, it ranked 27th in Best Value Schools, 62nd in Regional Universities North, and 21st in Top Performers on Social Mobility according to U.S. News and World Report. Popular degree programs studied at the university are Nursing, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Biology, and Business. The university has been known to be a prestigious institution with Catholic values and holds a strong research focus in all the programs. Notre Dame of Maryland University provides its students with career-focused programs that can be designed to work around your schedule. This school offers over 40 undergraduate degree programs, several certificates, 26 master’s degree programs, and four doctoral programs.
17. Goucher College
Score: 88
Average Net Price: $25,366
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Salary After Attending: $48,027
In 2022, the U.S. News and World Report ranked the college 16th for most innovative schools, 48th in best undergraduate teaching, 115th in top performers on social mobility, and 5th for study abroad. Popular degree programs at Goucher College are Psychology, English, Sociology, Communications, Business, and Environmental Science. Goucher requires that all undergraduate students study abroad at least once before they graduate, which makes Goucher the first in the nation to require this. Goucher students get the benefits of joining a student club, participating in a music ensemble, playing for one of the 21 sports teams offered, gaining experience through internships, and learning through research.
18. Morgan State University
Score: 87.5
Average Net Price: $17,351
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Salary After Attending: $43,075
The U.S. News and World Report ranked MSU #12 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and #72 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. In our conviction, Morgan State University excels as a leading academic institution in the United States for the pursuit of diverse scholarly disciplines. It proudly stands among the select Historically Black universities distinguished by its comprehensive range of fields of interest including Business, Engineering, Education, Architecture, and Social Work. In addition to the undergraduate degrees students can pursue their master’s or doctorate at Morgan State University. MSU offers over 90 undergraduate programs, 33 master’s degrees, and 17 doctoral programs.
19. Coppin State University
Score: 87.25
Average Net Price: $10,105
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 38%
Salary After Attending: $41,709
Coppin State University was founded in 1900 and was originally a high school before becoming the 4-year degree-granting university it is today. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Coppin State University #36 in Historically Black Colleges and #82 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Coppin State University offers 57 fields of study and has over 750 courses for you to choose from. You can do an undergraduate degree, graduate augmentation, or just be certified in one of their many state-of-the-art programs. Coppin State University’s programs excel at meeting people where they’re at. They can offer opportunities to learn and grow not just inside the classrooms but also outside of them.
20. Washington Adventist University
Score: 87
Average Net Price: $17,504
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Salary After Attending: $54,932
Washington Adventist University is a private college founded in 1904. It is located in Takoma Park, Maryland, and is a faith-based school established on the Seventh-Day Adventist Christian beliefs. In 2019, this school ranked 17 for best value Maryland colleges and 142 for regional universities north. Washington Adventist University features several associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and master’s degree programs. Popular areas of study for undergraduate students attending Washington Adventist are Psychology, Business, Nursing, Biology, Healthcare Management, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. For those interested in attending graduate school, graduate degrees offered at this college are Counseling Psychology, Health Care Administration, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Public Administration, Religion, Business Administration, Nursing and Business Leadership, and Nursing Education. This college is dedicated to and succeeding at its motto, “Gateway to service… Engaging Minds… Transforming Lives.”
21. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Score: 86.25
Average Net Price: $15,117
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Salary After Attending: $41,252
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a public university located in Princess Anne Maryland. The university keeps a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 making it a perfect school for students needing more attention from their professors. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is known for its undergraduate degrees in aviation science, agriculture, environmental science, applied design, kinesiology, and engineering. A few of their most popular graduate studies are in teaching, physical therapy, and pharmacy. They believe that such an education will lead to more successful careers. The U.S. News and World Report ranked them #36 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Here are some of the things that make UMES a great school:
Academics: UMES offers a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to graduate.
Diversity: UMES is a diverse campus, with students from all over the world.
Location: UMES is located in Princess Anne, Maryland, a small town with a lot to offer students.
Cost: UMES is a public university, so tuition is relatively affordable.
22. University of Maryland Global Campus
Score: 85.25
Average Net Price: $15,395
Retention Rate: 53%
Graduation Rate: 28%
Salary After Attending: $55,598
The University of Maryland Global Campus is a public institution that was founded in 1947 and has roughly 47,000 undergraduates. Niche.com gave UMGC a grade of A for its diversity and a B for its value. In 2022 Newsweek ranked the University of Maryland Global Campus among the top 25 schools for Best Online Learning. Their classes cover a variety of interests and provide the knowledge you need to take your career worldwide. You will be able to choose from more than 125 degree and certificate options, most of which can be taken 100% online. Plus, their career services team offers resume building and feedback, mentoring opportunities, internships, and workshops for students and alumni.
23. Strayer University-Maryland
Score: 79.25
Average Net Price: $21,401
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 16%
Salary After Attending: $43,590
Strayer University-Maryland is a public college offering campuses in the cities of Anne Arundel, Owing Mills, Prince George’s, Rockville, and White Marsh, Maryland. SU offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate degree programs in the fields of Business, Information Science, Information Technology, and Accounting. Strayer University offers a more modern approach to education. It provides programs that help prospective students with enrollment, graduation, each course taken, studying, and signing up for classes. The graduate degree programs offered at this university are Accounting, MBA, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Management, Public Administration, Education, Health Services Administration, Information Assurance, and Information Systems. Strayer’s main objective is to help students graduate and succeed in their careers, which is why this school has created these new special programs to assist students with their short-term and long-term goals.
Two Year Colleges
1. Carroll Community College
Score: 89.25
Average Net Price: $4,145
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 33%
Salary After Attending: $40,916
Taking our number 1 spot is Carroll Community College which was founded upon values of community involvement, accountability, respect, reflection, opportunity, learning, and leadership. Niche.com gave Carroll Community College an overall grade rating of B. Along with this rating, Niche.com ranked the college #3 in Best Community Colleges in Maryland and #132 in Best Community Colleges in America. Carroll Community College offers over 60 associate degrees in subjects like writing, performing arts, engineering, science, advanced manufacturing, communications, fitness/wellness, social sciences, and so much more. Not only can you earn the degree of your choice but the college also offers a multitude of different certificates that will help you become a more specialized individual within your degree. Each program is designed around the latest information and technology giving you an in-depth understanding of your curriculum. As a student at Carroll Community College, you’ll not only get plenty of quality class instruction but you’ll have countless opportunities to practice your knowledge within your community for hands-on experience.
2. Montgomery College
Score: 89.25
Average Net Price: $8,073
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 21%
Salary After Attending: $47,312
Montgomery College is a public community college founded in 1946 in Rockville, Maryland, in the Washington, D.C. area. In 2022, it was ranked 72nd among the best community colleges in America. The highest degree offered at Montgomery College is an associate’s degree in one of the 23 different degree options available, the most popular degrees at MC being Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Information Science, Nursing, Engineering, and Computer and Information Systems Security. MC is devoted to academic excellence and every student’s success. Montgomery College believes it is accountable for each of its student’s achievements, and it desires to be a national model known for educational excellence and an excellent opportunity for students.
3. Frederick Community College
Score: 87.25
Average Net Price: $4,879
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 41%
Salary After Attending: $39,674
Frederick Community College is a public community college founded in 1957 in Frederick, Maryland. In 2022, it ranked 237th among the best community colleges in America. The highest degree available at Frederick Community College is an associate degree, and students can choose between 17 different degree program options to study. The most popular degree options students usually choose to pursue at this school are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Management Sciences, and Information Systems, Nursing, and Computer and Information Systems Security. Local students often choose Frederick Community College because of its known affordability and high-quality education. This college also offers the benefit of flexible learning because it realizes every student has their own unique needs and goals.
4. Harford Community College
Score: 86.75
Average Net Price: $7,697
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 29%
Salary After Attending: $40,085
Hartford Community College is a public community college founded in 1957 in Bel Air, Maryland. The highest degree obtainable at this college is an associate degree, and there are 14 different degree programs students can choose between to study. The most popular degrees selected at this school are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Nursing, Computer and Information Systems Security, and Management Sciences and Information Systems. Students who attend Hartford Community College usually conquer their goals to either earn an associate degree, transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree, gain more skills and training for their careers, or take courses for their own curiosity. Hartford Community College supports its students with each of their individual goals.
5. Anne Arundel Community College
Score: 85.25
Average Net Price: $15,707
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 35%
Salary After Attending: $41,701
Anne Arundel Community College is a public community college founded in 1961 in Arnold, Maryland. In 2022, this college ranked 180th among the best community colleges in America. The highest degree level achievable at Anne Arundel Community College is an associate degree from any of the 19 different academic areas available for study at AACC. Popular programs usually chosen by students attending this institution are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Computer and Information Systems Security, Nursing, Police and Criminal Justice, Physician Assistant, Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling, and Paralegal studies. Anne Arundel Community College has continuously offered educational excellence and student success to the community of Arnold. It is currently the largest community college campus featuring only one campus in the state of Maryland.
6. Howard Community College
Score: 84.75
Average Net Price: $10,329
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 19%
Salary After Attending: $43,989
Howard Community College is a public community college founded in 1966 in Columbia, Maryland. In 2022, the school ranked 44th among the best community colleges in America by Niche.com. The highest degree attainable at HCC is an associate degree from any of the 13 different degree programs offered at HCC. The most popular degree programs at Howard Community College are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Business, and Information Science. HCC is dedicated to helping anyone who has educational goals. Their degree programs are built around currently growing career fields, and they also help students who wish to transfer to pursue their bachelor’s degrees. This school aids students in developing new career skills as well if they are seeking a new career or seeking a promotion in their current career.
7. College of Southern Maryland
Score: 84.5
Average Net Price: $6,873
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 21%
Salary After Attending: $38,797
College of Southern Maryland is a public community college founded in 1958 in La Plata, Maryland. The highest degree students can earn at the College of Southern Maryland is an associate degree within the 18 different areas of study available there. The most popular degrees chosen by students at this school are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Nursing, Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping, Computer and Information Systems Security, Engineering, and Information Technology. The college is dedicated to its mission to help its students defeat challenges of personal, social, and global changes. College of Southern Maryland offers six sports teams for students to participate in as well if they’d like. This college has a very diverse population of students of different ages, interests, and academic goals.
8. Garrett College
Score: 81.75
Average Net Price: $7,628
Retention Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 21%
Salary After Attending: $33,036
Garrett College is a public community college founded in 1966 in McHenry, Maryland. The highest degree offered attainable at this college is an associate degree, with nine different fields from which to study. Popular areas of study at this community college are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Sport and Fitness Management, and Wildlife and Fisheries Management. Garrett College is also known to provide outstanding opportunities to its students through its Business & Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, and Teacher Education degree programs. It also features outdoor classrooms for students to gain hands-on experiences in the Adventure Sports Management and Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology programs, which is an opportunity that can be hard to find. The outdoor classrooms are provided in the forests, lakes, farms, and rivers that are close to the beautiful campus of Garrett College.
9. Hagerstown Community College
Score: 81.75
Average Net Price: $8,669
Retention Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 25%
Salary After Attending: $36,904
Hagerstown Community College is a public community college founded in 1946. It is located in Hagerstown, Maryland, and was Maryland’s first community college. The highest degree offered at Hagerstown Community College is an associate degree. Students are also able to choose from over 60 different degree programs to study. The most popular degree programs at this college are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Truck and Commercial Vehicle Operation, Business, Nursing, and Cybersecurity. Hagerstown Community College features several great student organizations, such as the Student Government Association, the official student representative body, the Robinwood Players theater club, and many others.
10. Prince George’s Community College
Score: 81.25
Average Net Price: $11,199
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 12%
Salary After Attending: $43,404
Prince George’s Community College is a public community college founded in 1958 in Largo, Maryland, in the Washington, D.C. area. There are 18 different majors for students to pursue at PGCC, and an associate degree is the highest degree achievable at this institution. Popular majors commonly selected by students there are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Business, Emergency Medical Technician, and Computer and Information Systems Security. Prince George’s Community College is committed to creating a community that promotes a high-quality education. This college recognizes that each student has different needs and dedicates itself to helping each one succeed. Career-focused courses are offered as well to prepare students to join the workforce after graduation. Courses provided include the fields of Allied Health and Nursing, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, Liberal and Creative Arts, Public Safety and Law, Sciences and Engineering, Technology, and Wellness and Culinary Arts. Whatever a student’s personal and academic goals may be, Prince George’s Community College will help them conquer them.
11. Cecil College
Score: 81
Average Net Price: $8,817
Retention Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 27%
Salary After Attending: $36,608
Cecil College is a public community college founded in 1968 in the town of North East, Maryland. The highest degree students may earn at CC is an associate’s degree in any of 15 different fields of study. Popular areas of study at this school are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Nursing, Commercial Photography, and Elementary Education. At Cecil College, students have the opportunity to gain skills for their careers or gain education credits to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree. CC is dedicated to being the best learning provider in North East, Maryland, and it is committed to helping students gain the skills and knowledge needed for college preparation to transfer or to enter a new career and tackle their personal goals. Its motto is for you to “own your future,” and this college wholeheartedly stands behind each student who owns their future and makes it better.
12. Chesapeake College
Score: 80.75
Average Net Price: $4,118
Retention Rate: 55%
Graduation Rate: 20%
Salary After Attending: $33,033
Chesapeake College is a public community college founded in 1965 in Wye Mills, Maryland. The highest obtainable degree at this college is an associate degree in any of the 11 different fields of study offered. Majors that are usually chosen to pursue are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Business, and Emergency Medical Technician. Chesapeake College was Maryland’s first regional community college in 1965, and it offers excellent educational opportunities, convenience, and affordability. Chesapeake College is devoted to helping students wherever they wish to go in life. This college will help students gain educational credits to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree, learn career-related skills to enter the workforce, or enhance their current skills for a promotion at work. Chesapeake College makes sure always to put its students first and help them surpass their career and educational goals.
13. Allegany College of Maryland
Score: 80.5
Average Net Price: $10,673
Retention Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 32%
Salary After Attending: $34,357
The college is dedicated to building up individuals who become community leaders through innovation, creativity, and perseverance. Allegany College of Maryland has 28 associate degrees for students to earn, 29 certificate programs, and 10 letters of recognition programs. The school’s most popular degrees are automotive technology, business administration, criminal justice, criminal justice forensics, dental hygiene, forest technology, legal studies, medical assistant, multimedia technology, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy assistant, respiratory therapist, teacher education, and web development. A multitude of degrees and certificates have concentrations for students to specialize their program to specific interests. As a student in any of these programs, you’ll be taught by professionals who’ve trained within their fields for many years. Graduating with an associate’s degree from Allegany College of Maryland will help you prepare for a rewarding career.
14. Baltimore City Community College
Score: 79.75
Average Net Price: $6,403
Retention Rate: 41%
Graduation Rate: 23%
Salary After Attending: $31,574
Baltimore City Community College was built upon values of integrity, respect, diversity, teaching, learning, excellence, leadership, and professionalism. Baltimore City Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A few of the degree programs offered include:
law enforcement,
fashion design,
accounting,
nursing,
dental hygiene,
respiratory care,
biotechnology,
cybersecurity,
and robotics.
You’ll be challenged to go further and expand your skills in a new way.
15. Community College of Baltimore County
Score: 79.25
Average Net Price: $7,890
Retention Rate: 52%
Graduation Rate: 16%
Salary After Attending: $38,346
The Community College of Baltimore County believes that everybody deserves the chance to better their lives and strengthen their occupational skills. Students enjoy Community College of Baltimore County for its innovation, attentive professors, and vibrant atmosphere that allows students to participate in a multitude of organizations and clubs. The highest degree attainable at Community College of Baltimore County is an associate’s degree. Community College of Baltimore County offers the most programs out of all the colleges within that region with 275 associate degrees and certificate programs. The most popular degrees offered are Anesthesia Technology, Business Administration, Creative Writing, Digital Forensics, Engineering, Human Services Counseling, Interior Design, Medical Assisting, Radiation Therapy, Sports Management, Veterinary Technology, and Women’s Studies. The college upholds a high student satisfaction rate and promises to help you achieve your goals whether that’s continuing your education after graduation or beginning your dream job.
16. Wor-Wic Community College
Score: 78.5
Average Net Price: $8,520
Retention Rate: 49%
Graduation Rate: 21%
Salary After Attending: $32,144
Wor-Wic Community College enhances individuals’ lives by providing top-quality higher education to students in the Salisbury, Maryland region. The institution instills values of integrity, accessibility, innovation, excellence, diversity, lifelong learning, and community involvement into each student through its rigorous programs. At Wor-Wic Community College you’ll either begin your career or start your educational journey to a 4-year degree. They offer degrees in multiple subjects with their most popular fields being in health professions, liberal arts, sciences, humanities, business, management, and marketing. The faculty are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential and is prepared to work with you to ensure success.
Honorable Mention:
Fortis College-Landover
Several certificates and associate degrees are available at this school, and an associate degree is the highest degree obtainable. Every course is career-oriented, so students are ready to apply after graduation. The various degree and certificate programs offered at this college are Dental Hygiene, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, and Pharmacy Technician. There are also continuing education training courses provided in Phlebotomy Training, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support.
