2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in Maryland

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,395 reviews

Sophomore: Hopkins is great! There's always something to do - lots of student organisations, interesting classes, events, parties and places to go to in Baltimore. Labs are very open to taking on undergraduate research assistants. It is more of a struggle narrowing down potential activities to what I can manage than to find things to fill my time. Classes are interesting and a wide range is available. However, some of them are definitely challenging and take up quite a lot of time! It is also difficult to get and maintain a high GPA in most classes because everyone is super smart. Food options are not bad, it varies from time to time and depends on which dining hall but I'm mostly happy with it, and Baltimore has great food options. Dorms are also relatively clean and have good facilities. A disadvantage about Hopkins is the safety around campus, it is mostly safe but sometimes there are robberies or burglaries near campus.... Read 1,395 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 8%

• Net price $20,680

• SAT range 1470-1560

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  2,068 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed my time at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I got involved in a scholars program, SGA, an LLC, and a couple of student organizations. I also attended both in-person and online during the pandemic. I think the school handled the pandemic really well. In terms of courses, my professors were all good, and kept the courses interesting. Though a lot of people do commute, there is a decent amount of things that occur for residential students. Overall, I had a great experience!... Read 2,068 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $6,912

• SAT range 1220-1410

• Rockville, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  1,753 reviews

Other: One of the best community colleges out there. I am currently a dual-enrollment student and coming in, I was worried that I would get made fun of for my age, but it was the complete opposite! The friends I have made at Montgomery College truly encourage me to become the best version of myself. They push me to come out of my comfort zone and try new things. Additionally, the professors are all so sweet, understanding, and are readily available for help whenever needed. Beyond the classroom, there are a plethora of clubs to get involved in and many tutoring centers to seek assistance from. My personal favorite was the Reading and Writing Center. The coach here was very instrumental in helping me draft essays for my 4-year universities. If you are debating going to this college, think no further. Please go!... Read 1,753 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,560

• SAT range —

• Columbia, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  754 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Howard Community college has been nothing short of a pleasant experience. This fall I started my first semester as a freshman, and after talking to friends, I believe this college is as resourceful as your average state university in terms of academics and extracurriculars. As for my personal experience, HCC is the best stepping stool I could have to make the transition from high school to university smooth and easy. So far, my most recent and exciting accomplishment at this school has been earning a spot in the SGA as senator of the academic division. I am looking forward to running for president next semester! A project in progress I am optimistic about is my progress on starting the school’s first ever women’s empowerment club. Though students have easy access to tons of opportunities and guidance at HCC, there is room for improvement. I think that the department that controls teaching should put down stricter guidelines for how the teachers here teach.... Read 754 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,632

• SAT range —

• Towson, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,408 reviews

Sophomore: Towson University has a great community with a diverse community of students. I have met many students where I have been able to stay with connected with through social media and clubs. The main thing I appreciated about Towson University was their Student affairs community. They are very helpful and accomadating for their students, especially if you need help of some sort. Attending Towson University has been an amazing eye opening expierience due to its comfortable environment and ambitious students!... Read 3,408 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $11,076

• SAT range 1040-1220

• Bel Air, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  516 reviews

Other: I attend Harford Community college as a dual enrolled student. I enjoy earring college credits in high school and saving money but signing up for classes can be difficult. It can be hard to get in touch with guidance counselors. Some English professors made the course harder than it has to be. Math test are taken using honor lock. It can be difficult to figure out how to use honor lock at first. Overall this community college isn’t bad. I’ve had opportunities to go on field trips and work with organizations like the NAACP. The college has a help center where they help students with classes. Everyone is friendly and they have events where they give out free ice cream or host yoga classes!... Read 516 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,783

• SAT range —

• Salisbury, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  276 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Wor-Wic has been really amazing. All the teachers I have had so far love teaching. Which has made the experience a lot better for me coming back to college after years of being out of school. Relearning old things and new studies had been nice having the teachers and guidance I have been give. I am going after what I love and that’s learning science being able to go after that has been hard but so far rewarding and I know I have many more Hurdles to go through and this money would really help go towards school! And at a school I love being at!... Read 276 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,686

• SAT range —

• Westminster, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  239 reviews

Sophomore: Carroll is a great place to start your college experience. The professors, faculty, and staff really care about the success of students and want to see students transfer and achieve their dreams. Class sizes are small and so teachers are really engaged and involved with every student. The local campus is great and open with natural lighting and lots of areas for students to hangout and get homework done. The cost of tuition at Carroll Community College is cheaper, and the scholarship foundation and financial aid makes Carroll a great and affordable first start in the college experience while also fighting off the burden of student loan debt. They even have scholarships for graduating students to take with them to their transfer university! And when your scholarships and awards exceed your tuition costs, Carroll gives you the rest of the money through a check to save for your future college. Carroll Community College really cares about student success.... Read 239 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,740

• SAT range —

• Takoma Park, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  301 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Washington Adventist University as both a mother and a nursing student has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. As a mother, I have been grateful for the university's supportive environment and family-friendly policies, which have allowed me to pursue my educational goals while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood. As a nursing student, I've been impressed by the high-quality education and hands-on training provided by the university. The faculty's expertise and dedication to their students' success have been evident throughout my academic journey. The clinical experiences have been invaluable, helping me develop the skills and confidence necessary for a career in nursing. Overall, Washington Adventist University has not only enriched my life academically but has also supported my role as a mother, making it a place where I can thrive both personally and professionally.... Read 301 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $13,414

• SAT range 820-1030

• Frederick, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  474 reviews

Freshman: Growing up, I had heard many bad things about community colleges which distorted my view on the Frederick Community College. During the application process, I was greeted with friendly staff who went above and beyond to answer my questions and make the process easy for me. The campus is comfortable and well-kept making it enjoyable to walk through. The classes are small, but this allows for better relationships with fellow peers and teachers. Overall, my expectations are the only thing I regret coming into Frederick Community College.... Read 474 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $4,729

• SAT range —

• Baltimore, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,347 reviews

Alum: I recently graduated from the HVAC and Energy Technology program at CCBC. Throughout my time at CCBC, I had the opportunity to grow my skillset in the field through both classroom and hands-on experience. I was able to have flexibility and fit my coursework into my schedule while working full time. Many courses had an online option, which was great! There were, of course, classes that needed to be taken 'in person', but they also had flexible course offerings (evenings, etc.). I had a great experience at CCBC!... Read 1,347 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,639

• SAT range —

• Hagerstown, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  330 reviews

Other: When i decided to take a GED course at Hagerstown Community College, It was the best desision I could ever make. They are willing to help and, thanks to that program I got my GED. I'm looking forward to take credit classes this fall 2023. I wouldn't change anything from HCC it's an amazing College full of opportunities for the students. I would definetly recommend it! Their continuing education courses are amazing too!... Read 330 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,372

• SAT range —

• Wye Mills, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  278 reviews

Junior: Chesapeake was not my original plan when attending college, but I am so glad I started here! Most professors truly care about you, and there are so many things that the college's programs do to support their students. Huge shoutout to the TRIO program and the Student Engagement office! I feel as if I truly got a high-quality education for an affordable price. I am transferring to a private college after I receive my Associate's degree, and I would have never been able to afford this, or even feel as if I could achieve admittance, had I not started at Chesapeake.... Read 278 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,468

• SAT range —