Top Universities & Colleges in Maryland 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition & Admissions Guide
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Thinking of studying in Maryland in 2025? Great choice! Whether you’re dreaming of a top-ranked research university, a supportive liberal arts college, or an affordable public campus with big opportunities, Maryland has it all. From Johns Hopkins to UMD, and vibrant cities like Baltimore to peaceful towns like Princess Anne, this state offers a fantastic mix of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and real-world career prospects.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best universities and colleges in Maryland—complete with rankings, popular majors, tuition fees, and admission tips—to help you find the perfect fit for your study journey!
Why Should You Choose the University of Maryland in 2025?
If you’re looking for great academics, exciting campus life, and strong career support, the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a smart choice in 2025. It’s located just outside Washington, D.C., so students can easily find internships and job opportunities in politics, tech, healthcare, and more. UMD is ranked #44 among national universities and is part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, which gives students access to top research projects and partner universities.
The school is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, public policy, and health sciences. With more than 40,000 students, including over 4,000 international students from 130+ countries, UMD is a diverse and welcoming place to study. It also has over 90 research centers and brings in more than $1.2 billion in research funding each year, making it a great choice if you want to learn by doing. Following are the key details of University of Maryland:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Location | College Park, Maryland, USA |
| Campus Size | 1,335 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 40,700+ students (30,900 undergrads, 9,800 grads) |
| International Students | 4,000+ from over 130 countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% |
| First-Year Retention | 95% of freshmen return for their second year |
| Graduation Rate | 85% finish their degree within 6 years |
| Tuition (2025) | In-state: $12,008/year; Out-of-state: $41,974/year |
| Popular Majors | Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Biology, Public Health |
| SAT/ACT Range | SAT: 1290–1480; ACT: 29–34 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Action: Nov 1; Regular Decision: Jan 20 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Campus Life | 800+ student clubs, sports, arts, cultural events |
| Top Recruiters | Google, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, NIH, Deloitte |
| Top Student Accommodation Near University of Maryland | Tempo, The Varsity, Terrapin Row, University View, Mazza GrandMarc, Florida Ave |
| Website | www.umd.edu |
Why Is Johns Hopkins University a Top Choice in Maryland for 2025?
If you want to study at one of the best universities in the world, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, Maryland should definitely be on your list in 2025. Known for its excellence in medicine, public health, science, engineering, and international studies, JHU is ranked #6 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. It was also the first research university in the U.S., and today it still leads the way, spending over $3.4 billion every year on research—more than any other university in the country.
The university has students from all over the world—over 6,000 international students from 120+ countries—which makes the campus diverse and welcoming. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, class sizes are small, so students get lots of personal attention and support. Following are the key details of Johns Hopkins University:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1876 |
| Location | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Campus Size | 140 acres (Homewood Campus); several other campuses in Baltimore |
| Total Enrollment | Around 26,000 students (6,000 undergraduates, 20,000 graduates) |
| Acceptance Rate | 8% (highly selective) |
| First-Year Retention | 97% of students return after their first year |
| Graduation Rate | 93% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2025) | $65,230/year (undergraduate); extra fees may apply |
| Popular Majors | Public Health, Biomedical Engineering, International Studies, Neuroscience, Economics |
| SAT/ACT Range | SAT: 1480–1570; ACT: 33–35 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Decision I: Nov 1; Early Decision II & Regular Decision: Jan 2 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 |
| Campus Life | 400+ student clubs, NCAA Division III sports, music, arts, and startups |
| Top Recruiters | Johns Hopkins Hospital, NIH, McKinsey, Google, Microsoft, Amazon |
| Top Student Accommodation Near Johns Hopkins University | Nine East 33rd, The Essential, The York, Altus Towson Row |
| Website | www.jhu.edu |
Why Should You Study at Loyola University Maryland in 2025?
If you want a university that helps you grow in both your career and your personal life, Loyola University Maryland is a great choice in 2025. Located in Baltimore, this private Jesuit university focuses on teaching the whole person. Loyola is ranked #6 among Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. It offers a liberal arts education, which helps you build useful skills like critical thinking, communication, and leadership. The university is best known for its strong programs in business, psychology, communications, and biology.
With a smaller campus and just around 5,500 students, Loyola gives you the chance to really connect with your professors and classmates. The campus is diverse too, with 300+ international students from over 40 countries. Whether it’s career guidance, study abroad, or community service, Loyola offers great support to help you succeed. Following are the key details of Loyola University Maryland:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1852 |
| Location | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Campus Size | 81 acres (urban campus) |
| Total Enrollment | 4,000 undergrads, 1,500 grad students |
| International Students | 300+ from 40+ countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 (small class sizes, more personal attention) |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% (easy to apply with good academic background) |
| First-Year Retention | 88% (most freshmen return for their second year) |
| Graduation Rate | 80% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2025) | $57,150 per year (undergraduate) |
| Popular Majors | Business, Psychology, Communications, Biology, Finance |
| SAT/ACT Range | SAT: 1180–1360; ACT: 26–31 |
| Application Deadlines | Regular Decision: January 15 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Campus Life | 150+ student clubs, sports, leadership programs, service learning |
| Top Recruiters | T. Rowe Price, Under Armour, Deloitte, PwC, Johns Hopkins Hospital |
| Website | www.loyola.edu |
What Makes Towson University a Great Option for Students in 2025?
If you’re looking for a big, affordable, and student-focused university, Towson University is a great choice in 2025. It’s located just 15 minutes from Baltimore, so students get the best of both worlds—a lively campus and access to city internships and job opportunities. Towson is Maryland’s second-largest university with over 22,000 students, but it still feels like a friendly community. It’s ranked #5 among the Best Public Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
The university is known for its strong programs in education, business, nursing, psychology, and communications. Students get hands-on learning through internships, service projects, and study abroad programs. The school has recently built a $180 million Science Complex, added new labs, and upgraded student housing—so you’ll have modern, high-quality facilities. Following are the key details of Towson University:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1866 |
| Location | Towson, Maryland, USA (near Baltimore) |
| Campus Size | 329 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 18,000 undergrads, 4,000 grads |
| International Students | 500+ from over 60 countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 79% (easy to get into with solid grades) |
| First-Year Retention | 85% (most freshmen return for sophomore year) |
| Graduation Rate | 72% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2025) | In-state: $11,306/year; Out-of-state: $26,820/year |
| Popular Majors | Education, Business, Nursing, Psychology, Communication |
| SAT/ACT Range | SAT: 1130–1290; ACT: 22–28 |
| Application Deadlines | Regular Decision: Jan 15 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Campus Life | 300+ clubs, sports, cultural festivals, leadership programs |
| New Facilities | Science Complex, health labs, modern dorms |
| Top Recruiters | Baltimore County Public Schools, T. Rowe Price, MedStar Health, Northrop Grumman |
| Website | www.towson.edu |
Why Is Morgan State University a Good Pick for Students in 2025?
If you’re looking for a diverse, affordable, and career-focused university, Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, is a great choice in 2025. It’s the largest historically Black university (HBCU) in Maryland and has a long history of welcoming students from all backgrounds. Morgan State is a public research university that’s known for its strong programs in engineering, business, architecture, education, and social sciences.
It’s also home to one of the few engineering schools at an HBCU, making it a great pick for STEM students. Morgan State is also becoming more international, with students from over 50 countries and resources to help international learners feel at home. Following are the key details in Morgan State University:
| Feature | Details |
| Ranking (2024) | #332 among National Universities (U.S. News & World Report) |
| Founded | 1867 |
| Location | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Campus Size | 143 acres |
| Total Enrollment | Over 9,000 students (around 7,700 undergrads, 1,300+ grad students) |
| International Students | 300+ from more than 50 countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% (accessible to many students) |
| First-Year Retention | 76% (students like it enough to stay) |
| Graduation Rate | 47% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2025) | In-state: $8,118/year; Out-of-state: $18,480/year |
| Popular Majors | Engineering, Business, Architecture, Education, Sociology |
| SAT/ACT Range | SAT: 910–1060; ACT: 17–21 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.0 |
| Campus Life | 100+ student clubs, sports, marching band, multicultural events |
| New Developments | $171M Science Complex, Urban Health Center, new residence halls |
| Top Recruiters | NASA, Verizon, Northrop Grumman, Baltimore Schools, T. Rowe Price |
| Website | www.morgan.edu |
Why Should You Consider the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2025?
If you want to study at a top public university in the U.S. that offers great education, a fun campus life, and strong career support, then the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a fantastic choice in 2025. UMD is ranked #44 among national universities and is part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, giving students access to top research projects and connections with other big-name universities. The university is known for its excellent programs in engineering, computer science, business, public health, and policy.
With over 40,000 students, including 4,000+ international students from more than 130 countries, UMD is a welcoming and diverse place to study. There are over 90 research centers on campus, and the university gets more than $1.2 billion in research funding each year—perfect for students who want to get real-world experience. Following are the key details of University of Maryland Eastern Shore:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Location | College Park, Maryland, USA |
| Campus Size | 1,335 acres |
| Total Enrollment | 40,700+ students (30,900 undergraduates, 9,800 graduates) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% |
| First-Year Retention | 95% of freshmen stay for their second year |
| Graduation Rate | 85% finish their degree within 6 years |
| Tuition (2025) | In-state: $12,008/year; Out-of-state: $41,974/year |
| Popular Majors | Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Biology, Public Health |
| SAT/ACT Range | SAT: 1290–1480; ACT: 29–34 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Action: Nov 1; Regular Decision: Jan 20 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Campus Life | 800+ clubs, sports teams, arts, and cultural events |
| Top Recruiters | Google, Amazon, NIH, Lockheed Martin, Deloitte |
| Website | www.umd.edu |
Conclusion
Maryland is more than just a scenic state on the East Coast—it’s a top destination for students looking to combine quality education with exciting career paths. Whether you’re aiming for the Ivy-level prestige of Johns Hopkins, the well-rounded experience at UMD, or the supportive community at Morgan State or Towson, there’s a place here for everyone.
And once you’ve picked your university, don’t forget about where you’ll live! University Living makes it easy to book safe, verified student housing near Maryland’s top universities—so you can focus on studying while we handle the rest. Explore your ideal student accommodation at University Living and make your study abroad journey smooth from day one!
