2024 Best Value Colleges in Maryland

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,396 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 1,396 reviews

• grade A+

• 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

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $6,912

• SAT range 1220-1410

• College Park, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  5,537 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 5,537 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $17,146

• SAT range 1330-1510

• Towson, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,412 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 3,412 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $11,076

• SAT range 1040-1220

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.34 out of 5  461 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Notre Dame of Maryland University has been quite the journey. Even though I am a freshman, my first semester was a rollercoaster of emotions and many obstacles that I was unprepared for. Going from the exchange to high school was so different since everything happened so fast, and then the next thing I knew I had a D in 3 classes but with the help of my teachers and the dedication I had to succeed, I was able to fight through this semester. This college has a good community for those looking for a sisterhood even though we're going to be Co-Ed now I enjoyed the group of girls I have bonded with and it saddens me to see most of my friends leave but I'm glad I was able to meet such amazing women.... Read 461 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $26,574

• SAT range 910-1130

• Salisbury, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,519 reviews

Junior: I simply adore Salisbury Univ. It was the top school of my choice because it was close enough to home I could visit family on weekends but far enough that I had my independence (2 hours roughly). It has an amazing Business School and Nursing program with so so many resources and opportunities for students that need help in ANYTHING. Housing is amazing, I loved dorm life and the apartments I stayed in. The campus is gorgeous and safe. Avid police patrolling yet the party scene is also still apparent. The best thing about bury is that you don't even have to be a partyer to have fun. There's a scene for everyone and the campus is small enough that you get to know your teachers well but big enough that you don't run into the exact same people every day. I could go on and on about how amazing the teachers and faculty are but I'm running out of characters haha! Moral of the story, I love Salisbury. I am a currently Business Management and International Business double major in my Junior year... Read 1,519 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $18,885

• SAT range 1080-1230

• St. Mary's City, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  662 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 662 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $20,213

• SAT range 1100-1340

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.37 out of 5  648 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 648 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $5,615

• SAT range 780-1060

• Chestertown, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  713 reviews

Sophomore: I will be completely honest that my first year was so-so. I was dealing with several issues at the time. However, my time here has only gotten better and better. The school is slowly improving in all means -- campus events/food, academics, and most importantly its mental health/counseling programs. I swear, you couldn't find any better sense of community somewhere else. The town itself is small and "Gilmore Girls"-esque, as I'd put it. While there's not all too much in-town, Middletown, Centreville, Easton, Annapolis are within very short driving distance. All big east-coast cities (except NYC) are 1hr30min away roughly. So, if you want to stay rural, just stay in or around town, but there's definitely opportunities for adventures to other places without much of a hassle. Education here is obviously the most important thing, and with an exceptional student to faculty ratio, students won't ever feel left out.... Read 713 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $22,088

• SAT range 1040-1280

• Bowie, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  1,331 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 1,331 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $14,290

• SAT range 840-1020

• Stevenson, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,308 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 1,308 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $25,354

• SAT range 1010-1190

• Westminster, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  721 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 721 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $22,161

• SAT range 1050-1230

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  539 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 539 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $17,117

• SAT range 950-1110

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,072 reviews

Freshman: I love Loyola the community is welcoming and kid. The university provides resources that are always available to any student such as the writing center and free counseling if needed. The professors are helpful to students with questions and the city of Baltimore that surrounds the school offers plenty of enrichment and entertainment. The only thing that I would ask for is more food options on campus, the food is good the options just get boring after a while. The Starbucks is awesome to have on campus. It is definitely a smaller school but the campus has lots to offer and there are friendly people everywhere.... Read 1,072 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $32,901

• SAT range 1100-1267

• Frostburg, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,000 reviews

Alum: Frostburg surprised me... I went there due to sports and affordability but it was not my dream school. BUT I had the best time and really made the most of my time there. My advice is get involved on campus since there is not a tonnnn to do in the area, you want to stay busy/focused to not fall into the trap of partying too much. The city and campus have beautiful views!... Read 1,000 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $16,720

• SAT range 980-1200

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  887 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 887 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $20,144

• SAT range 1030-1360

• Adelphi, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  2,177 reviews

Sophomore: My relationship with UMGC started with a friendly and professional phone call, almost a year ago. Nothing like the usual recruiter phone calls students are used to; You know; the quick talking and OVERLY pushy recruiters that some Uni's use? The UMGC recruiter was the opposite. She was patient, personable, and professional. Without feeling rushed she helped me every step of the way. Before I knew it, I was a full-time online student and on the Dean's list three semesters in a row and counting! After a long hiatus from college, as a low income single parent with limited spare time, I had almost given up all hope. Luckily, the guidance from success coaches & wisdom from professors, and fellowship & encouragement from other students has snuffed out those foolish and unfounded fears. I can say with confidence and ease that I am worth the success and wisdom I am gaining with my studies, and I am proud to be an online student from the University of Maryland Global Campus!... Read 2,177 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,228

• SAT range —

• Emmitsburg, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  786 reviews

Alum: No school is perfect, but The Mount is special and has many unique perks that are special. The Mount is similar to schools like: Rollins, Oberlin, Holy Cross, and Middlebury- Very small, very tight knit, and extremely loyal to alumni. The Mount is almost like a cult, its up to you how much you participate, but the more invest into your experience the more you will get out of it (like most schools). The most important part of The Mount is their unwavering support to students. If you can just listen and go to class, you will be ok. I was so lucky to attend The Mount!... Read 786 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $24,471

• SAT range 990-1190

• Frederick, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  542 reviews

Junior: Hood College is a perfect school for me because of the decent and not abnormal size of the campus, its view, its proximity from the downtown area, the access to the cities nearby, close area in access to my Aunt and Uncle's house, and more! Hood College was my #1 pick because the institution gave me an excellent financial aid package, offered great free services, gave me opportunities to get familiarized with the school by setting up "orientation" events in the summer and fall to attend, asked for less test scores and granted me additional incentives, and was easy to access through a phone call or a text message with their admissions counselor. A few things I would like to see Hood College change is their air conditioning quality given that some AC units in the dorm rooms have acquired mold and excessive dust that are prone to cause allergic reactions, access to different doors in the building (though they are emergency doors, we could maybe use them to get closer access when moving).... Read 542 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $23,755

• SAT range 910-1160

• Baltimore, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  2,842 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 2,842 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $16,167

• SAT range 850-1090

• Princess Anne, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.26 out of 5  1,283 reviews

Senior: Being at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has given me the chance to absorb a lot of information. This includes studies of STEM such as Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, and more. It's been a great challenge but ultimately good to learn about these STEM aspects and other general studies. I also like to incorporate leadership into my time at the university. This consists of working with the Office of SOLD to create/make events happen, being a school ambassador, and becoming the Vice President of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences chapter we have. My experience as Vice President of this organization has especially been rewarding due to the fact that it is a national organization that has lead to tons of networking, new connections, and great opportunities. My experience has been busy and challenging, but rewarding and I'd love to see people take further advantage of the amazing opportunities they know they can do!... Read 1,283 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $12,867

• SAT range 840-1010

• 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+

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $28,569

• SAT range 1080-1350

• Laurel, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  152 reviews

Sophomore: During my time at Capitol Technology University, I was impressed by the strong sense of community among students and faculty. The small class sizes fostered a close-knit environment where professors were approachable and readily available for questions and discussions. This personal interaction greatly enhanced the learning experience and allowed for meaningful relationships to form. The thing they should change is that while the practical focus of the curriculum was beneficial, at times it felt a bit overwhelming. The fast-paced nature of the programs sometimes made it challenging to fully grasp complex concepts before moving on to the next topic. It would have been helpful to have more opportunities for in-depth exploration and practical application. Additionally, the campus facilities, while functional, could benefit from updates. Some of the classrooms and labs seemed outdated, and investing in modern equipment and technology would further enhance the learning experience.... Read 152 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $24,946

• SAT range 1020-1230

• 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

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $13,414

• SAT range 820-1030

• Annapolis, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  141 reviews

Alum: St. John's was probably the best four years of my life. There is everything you will need to thrive here intellectually, artistically, physically, and socially. You can really choose your own journey and start pretty much any club, society, or another learning initiative. The campus is beautiful. Everyone, including students, professors, and office people are dedicated and interesting as well as curious about the world!... Read 141 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $29,431

• SAT range 1290-1480