Maryland is a state full of opportunity. Its economy is growing, especially in healthcare, technology, government, and education, and new jobs are appearing all the time. The state’s colleges and universities play a huge role in preparing students for these careers, offering programs that teach real skills and give hands-on experience.
If you want to excel in any field, you must choose a good college. You need to find a school that fits your goals, teaches the skills you need, and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re considering online programs, traditional campus classes, or a mix of both, Maryland’s schools offer a wide variety of programs and flexible options to match different needs.
Below, you will find the top ten universities in Maryland; we have highlighted their programs and offerings to give you a sense of what to expect if you choose any of these schools.
Best Colleges in Maryland
1. Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Johns Hopkins is a top-tier research university with a broad range of programs, from engineering and science to public health and education. Its Master of Science in Systems Engineering is ABET-accredited, which means the curriculum meets very high international engineering standards.
JHU’s business school (Carey) is accredited by AACSB, a mark of quality in business education. More broadly, the university holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. One of its online degrees is an MS in Education Policy, which is 33–36 credits and combines online coursework with a short in‑person residency.
2. University of Maryland, College Park (UMD)
Maryland’s flagship public university, UMD‑College Park, offers a very wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, STEM, arts, education, and more. It’s regionally accredited by MSCHE (Middle States), so its degrees carry real academic weight.
On top of that, many of its specialized programs also have professional accreditation: for example, its educator preparation programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). UMD is also approved for online education across many states via the NC‑SARA agreement, meaning students in other states can take its online courses.
3. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
UMBC delivers real breadth: more than 100 majors, minors, and certificate programs across arts, technology, engineering, social sciences, and STEM. The university is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
On the program level, many UMBC degrees have strong professional accreditation; for example, its BS in Computer Science and its engineering programs are ABET-accredited, and its clinical psychology Ph.D. has APA accreditation.
Students also get access to research, internships, and career support, and the school’s honors & scholars programs add enriched academic paths.
4. St. John’s College (Annapolis)
St. John’s College offers a very unique liberal arts education built around the Great Books curriculum. Instead of dozens of majors, all students engage deeply with classic texts across philosophy, literature, science, and mathematics. Classes are small and discussion-based, allowing students to debate ideas, develop critical thinking, and engage with faculty closely.
The college is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the education meets rigorous academic standards. Graduates develop strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly transferable across careers.
5. St. Mary’s College of Maryland
St. Mary’s College is a public honors college with a strong reputation for academic quality and affordability. Its programs span the liberal arts, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts, offering both undergraduate majors and honors options.
The college is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and many programs include experiential learning, internships, and research opportunities. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and a strong focus on leadership and civic engagement. This combination makes graduates well-prepared for the workforce or graduate school.
6. Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit institution known for strong liberal arts programs and a focus on ethical leadership. Students can choose from programs in business, humanities, social sciences, and science. The business school is AACSB-accredited, ensuring that the curriculum meets high international standards, and the university is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Loyola emphasizes small classes, faculty mentorship, and a holistic approach to education, blending rigorous academics with values-driven learning. Students have access to internships, research opportunities, and career services.
7. Washington College
Washington College is a small liberal arts college offering majors across the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. The college is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and many programs encourage hands-on learning through internships, research projects, and study abroad opportunities.
Classes are small, allowing close interaction with professors and fostering a collaborative academic environment. Washington College emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, which prepare students for careers or graduate study.
8. Goucher College
Goucher College is a private liberal arts school in Baltimore, offering programs in the humanities, social sciences, arts, natural sciences, and education. Classes are small and discussion-driven, giving students close access to faculty and fostering collaborative learning.
The college is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the programs meet high academic standards. Goucher emphasizes experiential learning, including internships, study abroad, and research projects, preparing students for careers or graduate school.
Students benefit from personalized support, a tight-knit campus community, and a focus on critical thinking and communication skills.
9. Salisbury University
Salisbury University is a public university on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across business, education, arts, sciences, and health-related fields. It is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and many professional programs hold specialized accreditation, ensuring quality and recognition in the workforce.
The university emphasizes applied learning, internships, and career readiness, helping students gain real-world experience before graduation. Salisbury offers a supportive campus environment, affordable tuition, and strong student services.
10. Hood College
Hood College is a private liberal arts institution in Frederick, Maryland, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, sciences, education, and business. It is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and its education programs are approved by professional accrediting bodies.
Hood emphasizes small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research, and community engagement. Students gain practical skills, critical thinking, and professional preparation in a close-knit campus environment.
Frequently Asked Questions — Online Colleges in Maryland
How do I know if an online college in Maryland is properly accredited?
Accreditation matters. Make sure the school is accredited by a recognized agency like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This ensures your degree is respected by employers and other colleges.
Can I transfer my previous college credits when I enroll in a Maryland online college?
Yes, many online colleges in Maryland accept transfer credits, especially from regionally accredited institutions. However, there are rules: courses need to match in content, level, and learning outcome. For example, the University of Maryland requires a grade of “C‑” or higher for credit to transfer.
What’s the cost of attending an online college in Maryland compared to on-campus?
Online tuition varies a lot, but on average, online programs in Maryland can cost 20–40% less than traditional campus-based programs, especially when you factor in savings on housing and campus fees.
Are there residency or registration rules for out‑of-state colleges offering online programs to Maryland students?
Yes, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) keeps a list of out-of-state institutions that are allowed to enroll Maryland students in fully online programs. Make sure any college you consider is registered with MHEC.
How do I apply for financial aid as an online student in Maryland?
You can apply for state and federal financial aid through the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS). MHEC manages a lot of the questions around grants, scholarships, and student loans for both traditional and online students.