2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in Maryland

• College Park, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  5,517 reviews

Junior: The University of Maryland is truly a place like no other. Stepping foot on campus is like walking into an alternate universe. The students are excited, the campus seems to become more beautiful everyday and the list goes on and on. I have had such an amazing experience at Maryland so far and it can all be attributed to the spirit, culture and personality of the school. All professors are willing to lend a hand whenever needed and meeting new classmates each semester will always be one of my favorite parts. The classes offered are very interesting as they range from the psychology of happiness to Brazilian cinema, you can truly do it all here. I would not change anything about my experience this far academically but one thing I would like to see is a larger presence at our football games. We have so much spirit and we should all be going to cheer the players on! Other than that University of Maryland is truly a special place!... Read 5,517 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $17,146

• SAT range 1330-1510

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  886 reviews

Sophomore: For me, Goucher was completely the right choice. For many who start here, it is not. The students here are really wonderful and bright; a thoughtful conversation is never too far away. Yet many find that the atmosphere/academics are far from what they expected. Things to know -Very small and faces become familiar quickly -Right by downtown Towson but still a 20-30 minute walk since campus is secluded -Bus stop not too far and will take you into Baltimore (Inner harbor, Symphony, cinemas, etc)! -Professors are overall really great and I always know they want me to succeed -Small size means classes are sometimes canceled or postponed -Impossible to eat well if you have dietary restrictions -Goucher is in a stage of transition and there are a LOT of frustrations about facility management and lack of updates -The trails around campus are truly nice and fun -You must come out of your shell some to connect with the people on campus -Orchestra/choir/jazz are small but very mighty and fun... Read 886 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $20,144

• SAT range 1030-1360

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  2,057 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 2,057 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $6,912

• SAT range 1220-1410

• Towson, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,391 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 3,391 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $11,076

• SAT range 1040-1220

• Chestertown, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  710 reviews

Niche User: New president making many improvements. Food choice is improving, (Freshen!), each year a different dorm gets updated, new professors are being hired, new clubs for students every semester. Great research and internship opportunities (and money) for students. Personable professors and diverse students with a wide variety of interests. Student event board hosts many events. The attached town is cute and walkable and there is easy access to the water (tubing/sailing clubs, kayaks to borrow). The Environment Center and Field campus is really nice. There is a day trippers club that hosts weekend trips to go different places outside of Chestertown a few times a semester. Classes are challenging and option for double majors. Theater, workout class and Dance class options as clubs/non credit events. Great support for athletes. Cons: A few dorms are still older, but will probably be updated soon. Late night food options are available but sparse. No “big box” stores nearby.... Read 710 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $22,088

• SAT range 1040-1280

• St. Mary's City, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  659 reviews

Sophomore: St. Mary’s College of Maryland has taught me persistence, confidence and strive to do all my accomplishments so far. It has also made me appreciate my home town. As a commuter student I can stay close to friends and family and Pursue my undergrad degree. The campus is beautiful, professors are welcoming and help myself as a student to stay on track of what I love most. Everybody is so helpful! In the psychology field I’m glad I’ve learned so much through St. Mary’s. It helped me find my career path and informed me of local jobs around me. I always brag about my college and it has brought people to come as well!... Read 659 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $20,213

• SAT range 1100-1340

• Westminster, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  718 reviews

Works Here: McDaniel College focuses on academic excellence and personal transformation. One of its most distinctive attributes is the emphasis it places on maintaining an intimate, close-knit academic setting. With its small class sizes, students don't become faceless attendees; they are vital members of an intellectual community. Every student benefits from individualized attention! McDaniel boasts a faculty of world-class professors who are leaders in their respective disciplines. Their mentorship prepares students for exams, but also for the real challenges of life beyond the campus. Outside the confines of the classroom, McDaniel College hums with activity. It offers opportunities for students to immerse themselves in extracurricular pursuits, leadership roles, and meaningful community service. McDaniel is a community where future leaders and thinkers are forged.... Read 718 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $22,161

• SAT range 1050-1230

• Salisbury, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,512 reviews

Alum: I liked most things about SU. The smaller college atmosphere is nice, allowing you to really find your group of people and to mingle with any and all walks of life. The professors are very attentive and you are able to form very close relationships with them. As far as education, like most colleges, some professors are going to be more of a fit than than others, but for the most part I found all of mine quite engaging and well-versed in the material. The campus is beautiful and the life around it is quaint and community based. It isn’t far from the ocean either which never hurts!... Read 1,512 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $18,885

• SAT range 1080-1230

• Bowie, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  1,324 reviews

Senior: I love BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY, If I had to say my favorite thing about attending Bowie is that it is a big, loving, supporting family there. Everyone knows everyone and you can talk to whoever about whatever and not be judged or looked at differently. When I first came to be, I was accepted for who I was as a person, everyone is very friendly and open to getting to know you. I would definitely recommend BSU to any and everyone because it is so fun being there. The professors are very helpful and kind and are always willing to help you and they will go out their way to make sure that you as a student understand what they are teaching. I love my school so much! And I am glad and grateful that I made the decision to go to Bowie for 4 years and I am so excited to see how my last year will be at THE ILLUSTRIOUS BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY.... Read 1,324 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $14,290

• SAT range 840-1020

• Frostburg, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  997 reviews

Freshman: I thoroughly enjoy attending frostburg. All of the professors try their best to make you feel welcome in the school. Their office hours are always open if you need help with anything. There is also always something happening on campus. There is always something to make the students feel welcome and involved. Plus it is very diverse and ensures all are welcome!... Read 997 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $16,720

• SAT range 980-1200

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  2,834 reviews

Graduate Student: Initially when I arrived here, it was just as covid-19 was ravaging and so we had to take all our classes online or virtually (with video conferencing). As hard as it was for me having just moved from Nigeria, it was the best for the safety of students and staff/faculty. However, it proved worthwhile as we devised means to work in teams while collaborating on classwork and assignments. Tutors were supportive as classes resumed in-person. Also, social events and extra-curricular activities resumed in earnest and the experience has just been great. With facilities and learning tools ever-improving at Morgan State with state-of-the-art buildings springing up all the time, this seems just like an academic home for most of us! I also like the fact that I have made life-long friends and engaged with top-notch individuals and cohort from various countries all over the globe. For desired changes, I would like to see improved communication response time from faculties for students in need.... Read 2,834 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $16,167

• SAT range 850-1090

• Baltimore, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,345 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 1,345 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,639

• SAT range —

• Largo, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,159 reviews

Freshman: Prince George's Community College is the besttt! It's like the coolest place to learn and grow. The teachers are super dedicated and totally want you to succeed. They've got all kinds of awesome programs that fit your interests and future plans. The campus is top-notch with all the latest stuff you need to make the most of your education. But you know what's the best part? The vibe is totally friendly and inclusive. You make friends left and right because everyone's so cool and nice. Prince George's Community College is like a powerhouse of awesomeness, making a real impact on students and the whole community!... Read 1,159 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,291

• SAT range —

• Stevenson, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,302 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love Stevenson University and I am thrilled to have chosen it as my college for the next four years! There are several reasons why I believe Stevenson University is the perfect fit for me. Firstly, the campus is absolutely stunning. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful greenery and modern facilities that make up the campus. It feels like a place where I can truly thrive academically, socially, and personally. Secondly, the programs offered at Stevenson University align perfectly with my career aspirations. The school's emphasis on hands-on learning and practical experience will provide me with the skills and knowledge I need to excel in my chosen field. Finally, the sense of community at Stevenson University is unparalleled. Everyone I have met - from current students to faculty members - has been welcoming and supportive. I feel like I am part of a tight-knit family, which is exactly what I was looking for in a college experience.... Read 1,302 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $25,354

• SAT range 1010-1190

• Bel Air, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  509 reviews

Other: As a high school senior, I was granted the opportunity for dual-enrollment credit at Harford Community College. I loved this opportunity, as it granted me college and high school credit. While attending classes at HCC, the professors treated me like a college student while offering the guidance needed as I was adjusting to the style of college academics and expectations. Although I had a great experience, I was excluded from many of the resources the college provided. For example, I was unaware of the text messaging system that the school offers, along with many other events that were hosted. In the future, I would love to see dual enrollment students have easy access to these resources in order to get a glimpse and prepare for college life.... Read 509 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,783

• SAT range —

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  547 reviews

Graduate Student: I did the 5 year BFA/MAT program! I just graduated with my MAT in 2022. MICA has its ups and downs. My experience in undergrad was complicated because of COVID-19 closures and restrictions. But, the MAT program adapted well to all the challenges! The MAT program is incredible, full of amazing professors and your cohort becomes a lovely community. MAT did an incredible job preparing me to become a k-12 art educator. My classes explored strategies, theories, techniques, planning, and more. While the 3 internships (student teaching) allowed for excellent hands-on experience! The 5 year program can be hard to balance, as you start to take graduate classes while you are working on finishing undergrad. Some majors are more flexible than others to fit the requirements. MICA is located in Baltimore, which also has its ups and downs. Baltimore has a great art scene. Bolton Hill is fairly safe, just be cautious as you would in any city and don't wander places you are unfamiliar with.... Read 547 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $28,569

• SAT range 1080-1350

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.37 out of 5  645 reviews

Alum: The university provided a supportive and inclusive environment that fostered both academic and personal growth. The faculty at Coppin State University is knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to student success. The small class sizes allowed for more personalized attention and meaningful interactions with professors. I appreciated their willingness to go the extra mile in providing guidance, feedback, and mentorship. One aspect that stood out to me was the strong sense of community at Coppin State University. The student body is diverse, representing a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. While Coppin State University offers a well-rounded academic experience, there is room for improvement in certain areas. The administrative processes could be more streamlined and efficient. Sometimes, communication between different departments and offices could be clearer and more coordinated.... Read 645 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $5,615

• SAT range 780-1060

• 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 —

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  538 reviews

Graduate Student: My experience as a Graduate student in Interaction Design and Information Architecture at the University of Baltimore has been truly transformative, as it has not only expanded my knowledge and skills but has also allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. This program has built upon my previous experiences as a User Experience (UX) Designer and provided me with the tools and expertise necessary to excel in the field. In conclusion, my overall experience as a Graduate student in Interaction Design and Information Architecture at the University of Baltimore has been nothing short of exceptional. The program has provided me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel as a UX Designer. The collaborative environment, industry connections, and comprehensive curriculum have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. experiences that delight users and drive business success.... Read 538 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $17,117

• SAT range 950-1110

• Wye Mills, MD•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  276 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 276 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,468

• SAT range —