Best Colleges in Maryland for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Maryland College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Get Matched With Maryland Programs

Maryland offers a little something for everyone with superior educational opportunities in nearly every field, including research schools, medical schools, military academies, public schools, and private schools. Some of the most notable schools in Maryland are ranked amongst the best in the region and the nation. These colleges and universities include Johns Hopkins University, The United States Naval Academy, Loyola University - Maryland, Mount St. Marys University, University of Maryland College Park, Hood College, Towson University, and St. John’s College.

These top-ranked colleges and universities provide an exceptional foundation that often leads to highly successful career paths in a variety of fields and industries. Many of the world’s most promising medical students prepare their entire young lives for the opportunity to study in Maryland. The same is true of any young person serious about a leadership role in the military. For those looking for careers outside of medicine and the military, there are plenty of other options.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Maryland?

Given the close proximity to D.C., major East Coast employer hubs, and military bases, many schools have top programs for careers in business, social sciences, and liberal arts. Do not forget that the military hires civilian contractors with great frequency in most fields. You can find reputable and accredited online degree programs in nearly any field, such as nursing, engineering, communication, teaching, speech pathology, computer science, and many more. The most popular degrees in Maryland are somewhat different from other states. You can find them online, as bricks-and-mortar courses, or with a combination of the two. They include:

The top degrees in Maryland include:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Maryland

The higher the degree you complete the more money you are likely to earn. If you do not complete high school, either with a GED or a diploma, you will earn nearly $65,000 less than someone with a doctoral degree. You can expect to earn roughly between $10,000 and $15,000 more with each degree you complete. It is important to note that you can always continue your education online and keep your current job or stay home with your children.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
delaware-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Maryland

Individuals who graduate with a degree from a Maryland school have a high chance of employment opportunities within the state. The unemployment rate topped out at 4.0% in 2018. The US unemployment rate at the time was 3.9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The largest employers in the state often decide the most popular degrees and Maryland is no different with employers in sectors including: the government, health, education, and professional business services. The US Bureau of Economic Analysis states that the economic growth rate in Maryland was 3.6% in 2018. This was higher than the national average. Job growth was 0.7% and the median household income was $81,895.

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Top Business Careers and Salaries

With a degree in business, you have nearly unlimited opportunities. People who are good with numbers typically pursue a specialization in accounting, finance, or investments. Graduates who enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking are ideal candidates to become logisticians and analysts. Other positions will vary, from management to human resources.

Career Name Number of Jobs AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Financial Analyst 11,250 $61,500
Human Resources Specialist 13,270 $51,500
Logisticians 5,530 $51,400
Accountants and Auditors 24,540 $57,400

The Best Schools for Business in Maryland

  • University of Maryland-College Park
  • Johns Hopkins University – Carey Business School
  • Salisbury University – Perdue School of Business
  • Loyola University Maryland - Sellinger School of Business and Management
  • Towson University

Top Journalism Careers and Salaries

Journalism is one of the most dynamic and disruptive industries in existence today. You can choose from a variety of specializations, such as content writing, sports journalism, photojournalism, editor and much more. And a career in journalism today offers you flexibility.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Radio and Television Announcer 440 $35,600
Photographers 630 $48,100
Writers and Authors 880 $51,200
Public Relations Specialist 3,200 $49,500

  • Radio and Television Announcers: are seen and heard every day. They need to be able to keep cool and be “on” every time they are in front of a camera or behind a microphone.

  • Photographers: often work freelance, taking the pictures first and then finding a buyer later. This can be a fine art job, photographing beautiful things, or a journalistic job, photographing the important events of the day.

  • Writers and Authors: will either work with a newspaper or website in constant content production, or they can freelance, only writing about subjects that interest them or the ones that are most in demand.

  • Public Relations Specialists: are responsible for showing off a company in its most positive light. They may create campaigns or just run their social media, depending on the size of the company.

The Best Schools for Journalism in Maryland

  • University of Maryland - College Park
  • Loyola University - Maryland
  • Salisbury University
  • Hood College

Top Psychology Careers and Salaries

While psychology is often part of the social sciences department in many colleges and universities, this career has countless, invaluable specializations. If you complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you will have more limited career options than those who complete a master’s degree or a doctoral degree.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
General Psychologist 580 $113,900
School Psychologist 2,090 $76,930
Marriage Family Therapist 1,370 $49,480
Healthcare Social Worker 4,370 $58,150

  • General Psychologists: interview patients in order to provide them with diagnosis and, if required, further treatment.

  • School Psychologists: interact with children in public and private schools and sometimes with their families in order to provide guidance with home and school issues and help families find community resources.

  • Marriage/Family Therapists: counsel either married couples or whole families in order to protect family bonds and maintain peace in a troubled family group.

  • Healthcare Social Workers: work with patients after they’re discharged, rehabilitation and care programs to ensure proper care, and give psychosocial evaluations for healthcare workers.

  • Addiction Counselors

  • Counselors

  • Mental Health Counselors

  • School Counselors

The Best Schools for Psychology in Maryland

  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Loyola University Maryland
  • Morgan State University

Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries

Social science careers are focused on the examination of society in a number of ways, such as evolution, theoretical foundations, inter-relationships, and human relationships. The sectors of social sciences will be somewhat different from school to school. They might include women’s studies, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, and political science.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Political Scientist 6,010 $56,000
Economist 730 $76,900
Geographer 280 $72,500
Urban and Regional Planner 820 $56,300

  • Political Scientists: study political systems in order to teach others or to be able to implement positive change.

  • Economists: are usually advisors, either to companies or to governments, to give opinions and facts on what the effects will be of policy changes both immediately and in the future.

  • Geographers: may study the topology of the Earth, as you might expect, but they can also study the geopolitical or religious makeup of a region in order to consult with governments on policy changes and effects.

  • Urban and Regional Planners: are focused on increasing an areas land and infrastructure efficiency, reporting on urban development and transportation system effectiveness.

The Best Schools for Social Sciences in Maryland

  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • Loyola University Maryland
  • Salisbury University

Additional Career Options in Maryland

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The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Maryland

According to the US Department of Labor, careers with the fastest growth potential in Maryland between 2016 and 2026 will vary on education requirements. Some will have no formal education requirements; whereas, others will require a professional or doctoral degree. The following are the top eight careers with fast growth projections and the percentage by which they are expected to grow:

Occupation Growth Rate
Photographers 75%
Chiropractors 32%
Dental Hygienist 31%
Orthodontist 31%
Dental Assistants 30%
Dentists, General 30%
Podiatrists 30%
Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs 30%

Best Associate Degrees in Maryland

Best Associate Degrees in Maryland
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Maryland students who are excited to start a career can pursue an associate degree from some of the best colleges in the state. Below is a list of some excellent programs available all over the state. In fact, Maryland has community colleges that can prepare you to enter your chosen field directly, or inexpensively prepare you to move on toward a bachelor’s degree.

Carroll Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,126		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$4,161 		Grads Salary
$33,900
Frederick Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
6,129		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$4,652 		Grads Salary
$36,000
Montgomery College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
21,260		 Graduation Rate
28%		 Net Price
$8,582 		Grads Salary
$47,300
College of Southern Maryland
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
6,351		 Graduation Rate
29%		 Net Price
$6,886 		Grads Salary
$36,500
Hagerstown Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,848		 Graduation Rate
35%		 Net Price
$7,755 		Grads Salary
$33,700
Howard Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
9,110		 Graduation Rate
26%		 Net Price
$10,085 		Grads Salary
$38,600
Harford Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
5,705		 Graduation Rate
31%		 Net Price
$7,337 		Grads Salary
$32,600
Prince George's Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
11,788		 Graduation Rate
16%		 Net Price
$10,895 		Grads Salary
$43,400
Anne Arundel Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
12,655		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
$14,692 		Grads Salary
$36,900
Community College of Baltimore County
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
17,732		 Graduation Rate
14%		 Net Price
$7,689 		Grads Salary
$30,800
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Maryland

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Maryland
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A four-year bachelor's degree program is perhaps the best launchpad for a career. It could easily be the last degree you ever need. Maryland's best colleges offer top-notch bachelor's programs across a wide range of fields. Students who start their working life with a bachelor's degree receive top pay and are prepared to earn a graduate degree later on. Bachelor's programs in Maryland are competitive with colleges anywhere.

United States Naval Academy at Annapolis
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,538		 Graduation Rate
90%		 Net Price
$0		 Grads Salary
$121,000
Johns Hopkins University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
28,890		 Graduation Rate
94%		 Net Price
$25,241 		Grads Salary
$88,000
University of Maryland
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
40,709		 Graduation Rate
87%		 Net Price
$17,643 		Grads Salary
$78,200
University of Maryland, Baltimore
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,827		 Graduation Rate
91%		 Net Price
$20,129 		Grads Salary
$72,300
Capitol Technology University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
740		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$24,638 		Grads Salary
$100,000
Towson University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
22,709		 Graduation Rate
73%		 Net Price
$16,082 		Grads Salary
$63,200
St. Mary's College of Maryland
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,513		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$20,237 		Grads Salary
$65,000
Salisbury University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
8,617		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$18,599 		Grads Salary
$64,000
Washington Adventist University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,078		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$17,820 		Grads Salary
$81,400
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
13,602		 Graduation Rate
70%		 Net Price
$16,868 		Grads Salary
$57,200
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Best Master's Degrees in Maryland

Best Master's Degrees in Maryland
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Maryland professionals are lucky to have some of the best master’s degrees available anywhere. Whether students choose one of the state universities, or a smaller private institution, their careers will immediately benefit. For those who opt for one of the doctoral degrees in Maryland, the sky is truly the limit. Below is our list of the best advanced graduate programs in Maryland. You can also check out our list of the best MBA programs in Maryland.

Johns Hopkins University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
28,890		 Graduation Rate
94%		 Net Price
$25,241 		Grads Salary
$88,000
University of Maryland
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
40,709		 Graduation Rate
87%		 Net Price
$17,643 		Grads Salary
$78,200
University of Maryland, Baltimore
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,827		 Graduation Rate
91%		 Net Price
$20,129 		Grads Salary
$72,300
Capitol Technology University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
740		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$24,638 		Grads Salary
$100,000
Towson University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
22,709		 Graduation Rate
73%		 Net Price
$16,082 		Grads Salary
$63,200
Washington Adventist University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,078		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$17,820 		Grads Salary
$81,400
St. Mary's College of Maryland
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,513		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$20,237 		Grads Salary
$65,000
Salisbury University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
8,617		 Graduation Rate
69%		 Net Price
$18,599 		Grads Salary
$64,000
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
13,602		 Graduation Rate
70%		 Net Price
$16,868 		Grads Salary
$57,200
Frostburg State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,178		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$15,970 		Grads Salary
$65,600
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Cost of Maryland College Education & Salaries

The total cost of your educational experience will change based on in-state or out-of-state tuition. In-state tuition takes into account the taxes state residents pay to support the public-school system. Out-of-state rates are meant to cover the full cost of the education for someone who has not paid into state taxes. In most states it costs less to attend four-year public universities over private universities.

It is important that you consider the chances you will graduate within four years as you determine the overall costs of your education. You must also include additional fees other than tuition, such as books and supplies and whether or not you will live on campus or off campus. Each scenario will affect the amount of money you require to pay for your schooling. You might also consider choosing reputable and accredited online programs to help cut costs. Be sure to check the graduation rate to determine your chances for completing the degree program in four years. Each extra semester costs you up to 25% more money in the long term.

If you require financial assistance, do not forget to seek out grants and scholarships. Each state offers thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships for high school seniors, non-traditional students, veterans, and current students. Look at the national, state, regional, and local level for as many opportunities as possible. Most scholarships will not charge you to apply. However, it is important to note that you will have to verify that you are eligible.

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College Cost Analysis - Maryland vs National

Average Maryland Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $9,521

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State – $21,895

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

According to the States Getting The Most (and Least) Federal Student Aid - 2018 Report, Maryland is ranked number three in the country for the most federal student aid awarded to students. Nearly 230,000 people receive financial aid each year. The national average for student loans is awarded in the amount of $10,306 per recipient. In Maryland, this figure is $11,646. You can see the figures below:

Financial Aid Maryland Nationally
Received Federal Grants 33% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $12,888 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Maryland

The state of Maryland, along with many public and private scholarship funds, offers financial assistance to many high school and college students who prove eligible. Each scholarship is unique. Some scholarships will cater to students with certain family circumstances, those who have survived illness and those who are pursuing certain degrees. Keep in mind that some scholarships will also require a minimum grade point average and the need for financial assistance to be eligible.

JSMS

JACQUELINE SHEARER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 1
https://ulmanfoundation.org/scholarships
The two Jacqueline Shearer Memorial Scholarships are presented through the Ulman Cancer Fund. Each scholarship is valued at $2,500 that will be distributed over two semesters. They are awarded to individuals who have suffered from cancer or those whose parent or spouse was diagnosed. Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 39 at the time of the diagnosis, and you will be required to provide corroborating documentation to confirm the diagnoses.

TS

2+2 Transfer Scholarship

Amount: $1,000 - $2,000
Deadline: March 1
https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_2_plus_2.aspx
The 2+2 Transfer Scholarship was established by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to support community college students in Maryland looking to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students with nursing or STEM ambitions will be awarded $2,000 and all other students have the opportunity to earn $1,000. Renewal scholarships are available to those recipients who maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. Other restrictions apply, including the transfer to a non-profit Maryland university and the student must demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

VAAICS

VETERANS OF AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ CONFLICTS SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $4,998 to $7,029
Deadline: March 1
https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_vaic.aspx
The Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship is presented by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. This scholarship is dedicated to the veterans and the children and spouses of those who served in the US Armed Forces in the Middle East for at least 60 days from 2003 to today. Only Maryland residents are eligible and applicants must be in need of financial assistance.

CAMS

CARVILLE M. AKEHURST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $2,000 - $4,000
Deadline: May 31
https://www.hriresearch.org/scholarship-application-and-resources
The Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship is presented by the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show. Two applicants will be awarded $2,000 or $4,000 for either undergraduate or graduate studies. Each applicant must be a horticulture student in Maryland, West Virginia, or Virginia. You do have to be a current student in a horticulture or landscape program with at least a 2.7 GPA.

ASMSF_logo

ASMSF

ANGIE HOUTZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April 30
http://www.theangiefund.com/
The Angie Houtz Memorial Scholarship Fund will award $3,000 to a high school senior who is considered highly aspirational and a resident of Maryland. Applicants can be those who currently attend a higher education institution or those who have been accepted into either a two-year or four-year higher learning institution in the state of Maryland. The college or university must also be accredited. The applicant must also have at least a 3.0 grade point average and at least 200 community service hours.

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