Best Colleges 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. There are 55 colleges in Maryland, the majority of which are public four-year or private non-profit institutions. The oldest college is St. John’s College, previously King William School, and was founded in 1696, and the most selective is Johns Hopkins University. 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.

How Were the Top Schools in Maryland Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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Johns Hopkins University

At Johns Hopkins University, you’ll have the relationships and resources to explore what you care about most—and then dig deeper to make a difference in the world around you. Hopkins combines the resources of the first and top-funded research...

“…

All of the classes are full of material and even the intro classes go above and beyond what one would have learned in high school, and even in an AP class.

” – Alyssa from Grand Blanc, MI
United States Naval Academy

The United States Naval Academy is a 4-year service academy in Maryland’s state capital of Annapolis. The academy grants bachelor’s degrees in 25 academic majors and all Navy students are classified with the rank of midshipmen during their time on...

“…

You will learn a moderate amount in a wide variety of subjects. Be prepared though, there is a strong engineering focus.

” – Shipmate
University of Maryland-College Park

Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland-College Park is a 4-year public research university in Maryland’s Capital Region and the flagship campus of the UMD system. UMD hosts 12 colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees in 92 academic...

“…

At the University of Maryland, you learn so much more than just facts and truths from textbooks and lectures. While the classes are extremely informational, and the professors and T.A.s are all very knowledgeable on their subjects, the real learning...

” – Anonymous from PA
Washington College

The first school chartered after the American Revolution, Washington College is a 4-year liberal arts college on Maryland’s eastern shore. WC grants bachelor’s degrees in 34 academic fields of study and all students are required to complete four...

“…

Attending Washington College has taught me more than I ever thought it could and not just in the classroom. First, the professors are always there to help. It is very easy to meet with them if you have a question, concern or just want to chat....

” – Sara from Myersville, MD
Loyola University Maryland

Founded by Jesuits in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is Catholic liberal arts university in Baltimore. Loyola Maryland offers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors and minors. Additionally, all first year students participate in a peer...

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Classes are taught by proffesors that want their students to learn and to enjoy the subjects they teach. Also, teachers are available for students when a student needs their help understanding the subject.

” – Ricardo from Silver Spring, MD
McDaniel College

McDaniel College is a private institution situated in Westminster, Maryland. The school operates a satellite campus in Budapest, Hungary. The school provides a liberal arts curriculum and BFA students participate in the “McDaniel Plan” which...

“…

McDaniel presents its students with a WIDE array of classes on so many topics. I was able to take a class about the relationship between madness and creativity. There's classes on South Park's take on social commentary, in-depth studies into theatre...

” – Laura from Middle River, MD
St. John's College

St. John’s College is the third oldest college in the United States and famous for the distinctive Great Books curriculum. Students read over 200 of the greatest books ever written, discuss them in classes of 20 students or fewer, and, instead of...

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At St. John's the program is fixed but the tutors add a specific flavor to each class. In your freshman year you take a course learning about languages which accompanies the learning of Ancient Greek. You also study Euclid's elements and Ptolemy's...

” – Naga from Knoxville, TN
Mount St. Mary's University

Since 1808, Mount St. Mary’s University has inspired students to become ethical leaders who lead lives of significance in service to God and others. Surrounded by a peaceful mountain campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland, students are immersed in rigorous...

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The core curriculum along with the specific courses tied to my majors are challenging yet the professors make sure the students comprehend the information with before and after class assistance. There are tutors on campus to assist on a one-on-one...

” – Samuel from Middletown, MD
University of Maryland-Baltimore County

The University of Maryland-Baltimore County is a 4-year public institution based in Baltimore and part of the University of Maryland system. UMBC is home to seven colleges and schools hosting over 55 undergraduate degree-granting programs. In...

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I did not expect to learn much due to entering this college with AP credits, but I have still learned many new things due to the immense variety of classes. In my internship, 90% or more of my daily activities were taught.

” – Roxanne from Glen Burnie, MD
Salisbury University

Salisbury University is a 4-year public institution on Maryland’s eastern shore and a member of the University System of Maryland. Salisbury is home to colleges of Education, Business, Science, Liberal Arts, and Health conferring undergraduate...

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This is a beautiful, academically challenging school. The amenities offered are great, and almost all of the dorms are nice. It is situated only 30 minutes from ocean city, but aside from that, there isn't much to do around here.

” – Jessica from Laurel, MD
St. Mary's College of Maryland

With campus overlooking the St. Mary’s River,  St. Mary’s College of Maryland is a liberal arts institution in the Chesapeake Bay region. One of only two public honors colleges in the nation, St. Mary’s offers bachelor’s degrees in 24 academic majors...

“…

I am consistently challenged at St. Mary's. Each of my classes has been interesting and informative, even in areas that I had already studied previously. As a sophomore, I have already learned so much academically, and I've also learned a lot about...

” – Rachel from Marriottsville, MD
Goucher College

Founded in 1885, Goucher College is a private liberal arts institution based in Towson, Maryland. Goucher College places academic focuses on the “3Rs: Relationships, Resilience, and Reflection.” The campus is listed on the National Register of...

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Goucher is a place where students honestly learn as much inside as outside the classroom about people, society, and our country's role in the world. My professors were all incredibly accessible and ready to answer any questions i had and offer any...

” – Grace from Philadelphia, PA
Towson University

Located in Towson, MD, a suburb of Baltimore, Towson University is a diverse and inclusive campus community where your interests and talents have the platform to shine.



At Towson U, you get top ranked programs, small classes, and professors who will...

“…

I recently transferred from a 4 year public college closer to my home, to Towson University mainly because of their Business Program. At Towson, they were very professional and the students and teachers knew fully what they were talking about...

” – Felicia from Ridgefield Park, NJ
Hood College

Hood College is a liberal arts institution situated on 50 acres in Frederick, Maryland, which also maintains several research centers, including for coastal & watershed studies, teaching & learning, and the humanities. Hood offers 32 areas of study...

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The classes are smaller, so I feel like students have a better relationship with their professors.

” – Katie from Hagerstown, MD
Stevenson University

Stevenson University is a private university with a liberal arts curriculum. Stevenson offers more than 28 academic programs, as well as more than 21 bachelor's and master's online for flexible learning. SU has extensive Bachelor's to Master's...

“…

The teachers will most definitely work with you whenever you are either falling behind or simply have questions and need extra help. Along with that, there is free tutoring among most subjects.

” – Akram from Gaithersburg, MD
Notre Dame of Maryland University

Since its founding in1895 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, NDMU works to educate leaders to transform the world. We offer certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. programs. All programs provide a firm foundation in the arts, the sciences...

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I am so happy to call NDMU my home during the school year. I could not be happier with my decision to go here! The staff and faculty care so much for the students and I live it!

” – Rebecca from Crofton, MD
Coppin State University

Originally founded in 1900 as a training school for African American teachers, Coppin State University is a 4-year public school and an Historically Black College and University in Baltimore. Coppin State hosts colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education...

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This is and excellent HBCU, and the nursing program is the !!!TRUTH!!! im am treated like an individual and not a number......

” – Quinton from Baltimore, MD
Bowie State University

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the oldest Historically Black College and University in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the United States. Bowie State encompasses colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education, Business, and Professional...

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So far, I have found the professors to be very knowledgeable in their fields of study.

” – Jasmine from Clinton, MD
University of Baltimore

Originally founded as a night school for law and business students, the University of Baltimore is a public institution and part of the University System of Maryland. UB confers degrees in over 70 undergrad and graduate academic programs. In addition...

“…

UB Is focused on the individual

” – Gunnar from Baltimore, MD
Maryland Institute College of Art

Established in 1826, the Maryland Institute College of Art is one of the oldest visual arts colleges in the nation. Located in Baltimore, MICA offers 19 majors in artistic fields such as Drawing, Ceramics, and Printmaking as well as Liberal Arts...

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The same can be said for many schools, but the education one receives at an art school especially varies from student to student on how seriously they take themselves and their work. After two years at MICA, I can definitely say that it's sometimes...

” – Michelle from NJ