Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Schools in Maryland

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Schools in Maryland

76 Schools Ranked
$46,389 Average Earnings
$22,490 Avg Student Debt

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Schools in Maryland to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 76 schools in Maryland to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

15,422 Total Awards
$59,246 Average Earnings
$25,870 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Maryland Global Campus the most popular school in Maryland for students working on their degree. Adelphi, Maryland is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 15,422 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,870 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, UMGC graduates make an average of $59,246 annually. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Maryland Global Campus

#2

University of Maryland - College Park

College Park, Maryland
12,417 Total Awards
$52,217 Average Earnings
$20,252 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of Maryland - College Park is a great place for students. University of Maryland - College Park is a large public school located in College Park, Maryland that handed out 12,417 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,252 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $391. During the early years of their career, UMCP graduates make an average of $52,217 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read More…

#3

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland
10,486 Total Awards
$68,344 Average Earnings
$18,755 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Johns Hopkins University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Maryland. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 10,486 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Johns Hopkins accumulate an average of $18,755 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $599, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Johns Hopkins graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $68,344 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#4

Towson University

Towson, Maryland
6,027 Total Awards
$45,980 Average Earnings
$21,133 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Towson University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in Maryland list. Towson is a public institution located in Towson, Maryland. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,027 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,133 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $292 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Towson graduates make an average of $45,980 annually. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Towson University

3,893 Total Awards
$43,325 Average Earnings
$22,489 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Maryland - Baltimore County. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Maryland list. UMBC is a public institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,893 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UMBC accumulate an average of $22,489 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $248 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMBC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,325 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read More…

#6

Montgomery College

Rockville, Maryland
3,110 Total Awards
$39,576 Average Earnings
$16,910 Avg Student Debt

Montgomery College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Maryland list. Montgomery College is a fairly large public school located in Rockville, Maryland that handed out 3,110 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,910 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Montgomery College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,576 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on Montgomery College

2,934 Total Awards
$43,878 Average Earnings
$20,384 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Baltimore County ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Maryland list. This fairly large public school is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and it awarded 2,934 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,384 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from CCBC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,878 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read More…

#8

Anne Arundel Community College

Arnold, Maryland
2,547 Total Awards
$47,736 Average Earnings
$15,869 Avg Student Debt

Anne Arundel Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Maryland list. Located in Arnold, Maryland, the fairly large public school handed out 2,547 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,869 in student loans. During the early years of their career, AACC graduates make an average of $47,736 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Anne Arundel Community College Report

#9

University of Maryland - Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland
2,534 Total Awards
$78,304 Average Earnings
$25,927 Avg Student Debt

University of Maryland - Baltimore did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #9 on the list. UMB is a medium-sized public school situated in Baltimore, Maryland. It awarded 2,534 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,927 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $318 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UMB, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $78,304 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Read More…

#10

Salisbury University

Salisbury, Maryland
2,277 Total Awards
$41,391 Average Earnings
$21,988 Avg Student Debt

Salisbury University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Maryland ranking. Salisbury is a medium-sized public school situated in Salisbury, Maryland. It awarded 2,277 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Salisbury accumulate an average of $21,988 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $380. Once they receive their degree, Salisbury graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,391 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full Salisbury University Report

#11

College of Southern Maryland

La Plata, Maryland
1,757 Total Awards
$38,975 Average Earnings
$14,340 Avg Student Debt

College of Southern Maryland ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Maryland list. CSM is a medium-sized public school situated in La Plata, Maryland. It awarded 1,757 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,340 in student loans.After graduating from CSM, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,975 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on College of Southern Maryland

#12

Loyola University Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland
1,614 Total Awards
$49,585 Average Earnings
$24,043 Avg Student Debt

Loyola University Maryland came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Maryland ranking. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,614 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,043 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $629. During the early years of their career, Loyola Maryland graduates make an average of $49,585 annually. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Loyola University Maryland

#13

Morgan State University

Baltimore, Maryland
1,473 Total Awards
$42,587 Average Earnings
$33,596 Avg Student Debt

Morgan State University ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Maryland list. Baltimore, Maryland is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,473 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,596 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $265 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Morgan State graduates make an average of $42,587 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Morgan State University Report

#14

Howard Community College

Columbia, Maryland
1,436 Total Awards
$49,948 Average Earnings
$20,141 Avg Student Debt

Howard Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #14 on the list. HCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Columbia, Maryland. It awarded 1,436 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from HCC accumulate an average of $20,141 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, HCC graduates make an average of $49,948 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

1,341 Total Awards
$49,968 Average Earnings
$16,180 Avg Student Debt

Prince George’s Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Largo, Maryland, and it awarded 1,341 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,180 in student loans.After graduating from PGCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,968 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Read full report on Prince George’s Community College

#16

Frostburg State University

Frostburg, Maryland
1,334 Total Awards
$38,800 Average Earnings
$24,481 Avg Student Debt

Frostburg State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #16 on the list. This small public school is located in Frostburg, Maryland, and it awarded 1,334 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,481 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $196 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Frostburg State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,800 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#17

Bowie State University

Bowie, Maryland
1,176 Total Awards
$48,510 Average Earnings
$29,449 Avg Student Debt

Bowie State University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Bowie, Maryland, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,176 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,449 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $196.After graduating from Bowie State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,510 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Bowie State University

#18

University of Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland
1,205 Total Awards
$46,323 Average Earnings
$26,874 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, University of Baltimore did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UB is located in Baltimore, Maryland and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,205 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,874 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UB graduates make an average of $46,323 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#19

United States Naval Academy

Annapolis, Maryland
1,127 Total Awards

United States Naval Academy landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Annapolis is a small public school situated in Annapolis, Maryland. It awarded 1,127 degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 28% were women.

Read More…

#20

Frederick Community College

Frederick, Maryland
1,050 Total Awards
$40,826 Average Earnings
$13,742 Avg Student Debt

Frederick Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Frederick, Maryland, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,050 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,742 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Frederick Community College graduates make an average of $40,826 annually. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Frederick Community College Report

#21

Stevenson University

Stevenson, Maryland
1,023 Total Awards
$46,605 Average Earnings
$27,754 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Stevenson University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Stevenson University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Stevenson, Maryland that handed out 1,023 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,754 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $610 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Stevenson, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,605 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Read full report on Stevenson University

#22

McDaniel College

Westminster, Maryland
908 Total Awards
$41,310 Average Earnings
$19,073 Avg Student Debt

McDaniel College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Maryland ranking. McDaniel is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Westminster, Maryland. It awarded 908 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from McDaniel accumulate an average of $19,073 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from McDaniel, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,310 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on McDaniel College

#23

Harford Community College

Bel Air, Maryland
904 Total Awards
$37,466 Average Earnings
$12,835 Avg Student Debt

Harford Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Maryland list. Located in Bel Air, Maryland, the small public school awarded 904 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,835 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Harford Community College graduates make an average of $37,466 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read full report on Harford Community College

#24

Hagerstown Community College

Hagerstown, Maryland
801 Total Awards
$42,699 Average Earnings
$17,096 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Hagerstown Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. HCC is a public institution located in Hagerstown, Maryland. The school has a small population, and it awarded 801 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from HCC accumulate an average of $17,096 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, HCC graduates make an average of $42,699 annually. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#25

Mount St Mary's University

Emmitsburg, Maryland
683 Total Awards
$41,078 Average Earnings
$22,755 Avg Student Debt

Mount St Mary’s University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #25 on the list. The Mount is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It awarded 683 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,755 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $600 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from The Mount, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,078 during the early years of their career. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.