20 Best Affordable Schools in Maryland for Bachelor’s Degree 2020

In the following ranking, we highlight the best affordable colleges in Maryland for bachelor’s degrees. Although small in size, Maryland has a large impact in terms of higher education. Schools such as the University of Maryland have a powerful academic effect on the state and produce significant opportunities for experiential learning throughout the region. Maryland is also home to a number of private colleges and unique institutions, including the United States Naval Academy, which offers free tuition for students looking to join the Armed Forces. Most of all, the state’s prime location near Washington, D.C. and within a short drive of both New York and Philadelphia make it a worthwhile consideration for any student considering affordable colleges in Maryland.

Methodology

The following ranking of the top 20 best affordable colleges in Maryland strikes a balance between quality and cost. We focused our research on three primary indicators, including the average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates to identify the best value schools in the state. To develop our initial list, we conducted a search for colleges and universities using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We award points based on the information given on those three areas. We broke point ties between schools based on the lowest-tuition.

Average Cost of Attendance

As you begin the college search process, the first thing you will probably look at is the cost of tuition. For many students, the price of a degree can heavily influence their decision to pursue a specific school. However, it is important to avoid making your selection based solely on cost; instead, consider the majors offered, available extracurriculars, and opportunities for hands-on learning as well as any other components that you are looking for in a program. In other words, keep tuition in mind, but consider the big picture rather than just choosing the cheapest program for the sake of saving money. For this ranking, we ranked tuition based on how much an in-state student would pay if he or she were to take a 15-hour course load per semester for one year from the NCES. Out-of-state tuition rates are also provided for your reference.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

When thinking about schools, another factor to consider is the size of the classrooms and, ultimately, the school. Whereas large universities are known for offering an abundance of majors, many opportunities for research and hands-on learning, and hundreds of student-run organizations and clubs, small colleges are often more likely to provide greater accountability, small class sizes, and more opportunities to develop relationships with peers and faculty. Although class size comes down to individual preference, for this article, we awarded the most points to schools with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios, as reported by NCES.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Graduation Rate

The third factor we took into consideration when awarding points was each school’s reported graduation rate. This figure is crucial when determining the number of students that actually complete the school’s requirements and earn their degree. If a school reports low graduation rates, thus indicating that students are dropping out and finishing their studies elsewhere, it could be a red flag to let others know that it is lacking in some way. This could be anything from offering unaffordable programs, failing to provide student services or academic support, or employing inexperienced or unhelpful faculty members. Therefore, we awarded the most points to schools with the highest graduation rates from NCES based on the following ranges.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Colleges in Maryland

20. Stevenson University

Owings Mills, Maryland

Points: 5
School Website

Located in Owings Mills, Stevenson University is a private, accredited, top-value university in Maryland that also operates a campus in Stevenson. Formerly known as Villa Julie College, Stevenson University received its current name in 2008. The school enrolls more than 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students, reporting a respectable 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for small class sizes as well as personal interactions between students and professors. SU confers more than 28 innovative yet affordable bachelor’s programs, including fashion design and fashion merchandising, biochemistry, and theatre and media performance. Outside of the classroom, students may participate in 27 Division III athletic teams, seven band and music programs, and 50 student clubs and organizations. Approximately 93 percent of students were serving in the military or a volunteer role, attending graduate school, or had found full-time employment after graduation.

In-State Tuition: $36,242
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,242
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent

19. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, Maryland

Points: 5
School Website

Located in Laurel, approximately halfway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Capitol Technology University is a private affordable Maryland university that was founded in 1927 as the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute. Offering certificates as well as cheap associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, CTU is the only independent college in the state dedicated to programs in business, information technology, computer science, and engineering. Maryland National Guard members are eligible for a tuition discount of up to 50 percent, and the school chooses five incoming freshmen students each year to receive a full four-year scholarship. The school also offers a job guarantee for its students: Those who try to find a job but are unsuccessful after 90 days may complete an additional 36 credits free of charge while they continue the job search process.

In-State Tuition: $25,540
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,540
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent

18. University of Maryland, Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 5
School Website

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is one of the cheapest colleges in Maryland and the state’s only human services, law, and public health university. Also known as the University of Maryland, the school was established in 1807 and operates some of the country’s oldest professional schools of nursing, social work, pharmacy, medicine, law, and dentistry. The school confers a number of popular and inexpensive majors such as biology, psychology, information science, computer science, economics, social work and youth services, health professions, and mechanical engineering. UMB is the founding campus of the University System of Maryland and maintains a strategic partnership with the University of Maryland, College Park as well as partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, and K-12 public schools. UMB is home to several renowned museums, including the Living History Museum and Westminster Hall and Burying Ground.

In-State Tuition: $11,033
Out-of-State Tuition: $39,267
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate: N/A

17. Coppin State University

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 5
School Website

Located in Baltimore, Coppin State University is an affordable university in Maryland that was founded in 1900 as Colored High School on Pennsylvania Avenue. This school initially offered a one-year training course to prepare African-Americans to become elementary school teachers. Today, this top HBCU is a member of the University System of Maryland as well as a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. CSU confers 53 cheap majors and nine graduate degrees across six schools and four colleges, including health professions, business, behavioral and social sciences, education, and the arts and sciences. CSU is known for its emphasis on enhancing the freshman experience by providing ongoing advisement, placement testing, freshman seminars, and numerous opportunities for students to participate in club sports, student organizations, campus events.

In-State Tuition: $8,873
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,144
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 24 percent

16. Bowie State University

Bowie, Maryland

Points: 5
School Website

Bowie State University is an inexpensive HBCU in Maryland and a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Established in 1865, it is the oldest HBCU in the state and one of the top 10 oldest HBCUs in the nation. The school is comprised of five colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Professional Studies, and Graduate. BSU confers 22 low-cost undergraduate majors, 19 master’s degrees, 14 specialty certificates, and two doctoral programs in a number of in-demand fields. For instance, students who are interested in working with others and who are seeking the spotlight may pursue a degree in theater arts or broadcast journalism while others looking for a science-based program may choose a program in forensic science or bioinformatics. Support services such as small-group and individual tutoring as well as disability support services and a TRIO Achievers program for first-generation college attendees are offered through Bowie’s Academic Advisement centers.

In-State Tuition: $8,234
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,874
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent

15. University of Maryland-University College

Largo, Maryland

Points: 5
School Website

The University of Maryland – University College is an accredited low-cost college in Maryland. This high-value university offers more than 90 economical programs and specializations, including more than 30 bachelor’s degrees and undergraduate certificates which can be completed online, on-campus, or as hybrid courses. Cheap undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, business and management, education and teaching, healthcare and science, public safety, liberal arts and communication, and information technology and computer science. UMUC is a great choice for nontraditional and new students alike, providing affordable classes at more than 20 locations across the state, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. as well as several start dates each semester to accommodate various schedules. A military-friendly school, UMUC’s undergraduate military service members may be entitled to up to 100 percent tuition coverage.

In-State Tuition: $7,416
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,336
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 9 percent

14. Mount St. Mary’s University

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Mount St. Mary’s University, affectionately known as The Mount, is an accredited and affordable university in Maryland located in Emmitsburg. Established in 1808, the campus includes the nation’s second-largest Catholic seminary. The Mount is organized into a College of Liberal Arts, School of Natural Science and Mathematics, Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business, Division of Education, and a Division of Graduate, Professional, and Continuing Education. The school’s low-cost programs are rooted in the Catholic tradition and focused on leadership development, integrating a liberal arts core curriculum with a variety of affordable major options in business, the sciences, and the arts. Students may enjoy The Mount’s three-day annual SPARC festival — the school’s yearly academic celebration of creativity, research, art, performance, and scholarship. Accomplishments are honored through live performances, a keynote speaker, an art exhibition and student “lightning” talks.

In-State Tuition: $41,350
Out-of-State Tuition: $41,350
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent

13. Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Notre Dame of Maryland University, established in 1873 as the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute, is a private affordable university in Maryland. Located in Baltimore on a wooded campus, students benefit from easy access to local sites such as Penn Station, through a free shuttle operated by the college. The first Catholic institution of higher learning in the country to offer women a four-year bachelor’s degree, NDMU is home to the state’s only women’s college and offers inexpensive certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs for both women and men. Popular majors at NDMU include nursing, the liberal arts and humanities, biology, business administration and management, and communications. NDMU offers a number of programs for students looking for personal growth and academic challenges, including a Transformational Leaders initiative, an honor’s program, and First Impressions, a program in which upperclassmen are paired with alumni mentors to prepare for employment after graduation.

In-State Tuition: $36,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent

12. Washington Adventist University

Takoma Park, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Founded in 1904 as a coeducational training college in the liberal arts, Washington Adventist University is a Seventh-day Adventist school located in Takoma Park. This best-value college in Maryland has total enrollment of nearly 1,500, and confers low-cost undergraduate, and graduate degrees. Students may complete a Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Arts, and popular majors include psychology, business, nursing, biology, healthcare management, and the liberal arts and humanities. WAU’s music program is among the best in the state, with many of its groups, including the Collegiate Chorale and the Brass Quintet, holding performances at Carnegie Hall as well as across the country and overseas. Students benefit from a diversity program focused on spirituality, off-campus mission opportunities, and on-campus chapel services.

In-State Tuition: $23,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent

11. University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

The University of Maryland-Baltimore County is one of the cheapest colleges in Maryland and is located in Baltimore. Established in 1966, UMBC is a space-grant institution that enrolls more than 13,700 undergraduate and graduate students each year. UMBC’s commitment to supporting its community, relevant research, and innovative teaching inspires and empowers students. The school combines the creative intensity of a leading research university with the learning opportunities of a liberal arts college, providing affordable undergraduate and graduate degree programs in in-demand fields such as technology, engineering, and the arts and sciences as well as in unique fields such as entrepreneurship and innovation, early modern and medieval studies, and dance. Outside of the classroom, students may participate in more than 15 NCAA Division I varsity teams, and the school boasts a performing arts program complete with two theaters that host annual dance, theater, and music performances.

In-State Tuition: $11,778
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,872
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent

10. University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Located in College Park, Maryland, the University of Maryland is a low-cost public research university and the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. Established in 1856 as Maryland Agricultural College, it is the largest university in Maryland and the biggest institution of higher learning in the Washington metropolitan area, enrolling more than 41,000 students from more than 120 countries and all 50 states. Spanning 12 colleges and schools, UMCP offers more than 200 affordable degree-granting programs, many of which are ranked among the top in the nation. Popular economical majors include information science, biology, economics, criminology, finance, mechanical engineering, psychology, and accounting, and students enjoy experiences unique to the school’s location just outside the country’s capital, including service and leadership opportunities, research, and internships.

In-State Tuition: $10,595
Out-of-State Tuition: $35,216
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 85 percent

9. Towson University

Towson, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Founded as Maryland’s first training school for teachers in 1866, Towson University is one of the best-value affordable colleges in Maryland. Located in Towson, it is comprised of seven colleges and more than 22,000 enrolled students, making it one of the largest public universities in Maryland and the largest producer of teachers in the nation. Other cheap majors include business, communications, psychology, nursing, social sciences, and accounting. All academic programs are centered around the liberal arts and complemented by opportunities for internships, civic engagement, community service, and study-abroad. Interactive learning experiences, inspiring faculty, and small class sizes are hallmarks of the school, and students work with internationally known artists, scientists, and authors, including Fulbright and Guggenheim Fellows and Nobel Laureates.

In-State Tuition: $9,940
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,208
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 72 percent

8. Salisbury University

Salisbury, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Founded in 1925, Salisbury University is an accredited affordable university in Maryland. Through four endowed academic schools, SU confers 43 low-cost undergraduate degrees, 15 master’s degrees, and two doctoral programs to more than 8,700 undergraduate and graduate students. Unique academic programs include inexpensive degrees in decision and information sciences, dispute resolution and conflict analysis, and respiratory therapy. The school’s 71 percent graduation rate indicates that high student satisfaction, and the 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for close relationships between students and professors. SU is nationally recognized for its self-directed learning opportunities and undergraduate research, and all students, regardless of major, are encouraged to take inspiration beyond the classroom. SU is also known for its sustainability initiatives, including on-campus electric vehicle charging stations, geothermal cooling and heating throughout four buildings, and three gardens.

In-State Tuition: $9,824
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,526
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 71 percent

7. Frostburg State University

Frostburg, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Frostburg State University is one of the most affordable colleges in Maryland. Located in Frostburg, west of the Baltimore-Washington passageway, the school was founded in 1898. This cheap Maryland university enrolls around 5,600 students in 47 inexpensive undergraduate majors and more than 80 specialized areas of study as well as 16 graduate degrees and one doctorate in education. Popular top-value majors include nursing, business, the liberal arts and humanities, psychology, police and criminal science, and communications. The 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio encourages close interactions between students and faculty, and 81 percent of classes have fewer than 30 students. The school encourages students to put what they have learned into practice through study-abroad opportunities, volunteer work, hands-on opportunities, and internships. Outside of the classroom, FSU hosts events throughout the year, including creative performances, project displays, and academic seminars.

In-State Tuition: $9,172
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,892
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent

6. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Established in 1925, the University of Baltimore is a top-value affordable college in Maryland. UB offers convenience and flexibility combined with more than 70 innovative, low-cost degree programs to undergraduate and graduate students. UB’s undergraduate degrees are geared toward professional adults, first-generation students, and career-changers, and they are grouped into five Professional Pathways: Communication and Design; Law, Justice, and Public Affairs; Psychology, Health, and Human Services; Cybersecurity, Gaming, and Technology; and Business and Entrepreneurship. In addition, UB provides an Entrepreneurship Fellows initiative through which students receive a full scholarship as they complete coursework and develop their businesses. Approximately 78 percent of faculty members hold terminal degrees in their respective fields. Outside of the classroom, UB is home to more than 90 student-run clubs and organizations as well as ongoing events and activities hosted by UB’s Rosenberg Center for Student Involvement.

In-State Tuition: $8,958
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,076
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 33 percent

5. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Located on a 745-acre campus in Princess Anne, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is public and economical college in Maryland. Established in 1886, it is an HBCU and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund that enrolls 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students annually. UMES provides several unique yet inexpensive bachelor’s degrees, including a program in aviation science with a concentration in aviation software or piloting and a degree in human ecology with a specialization in fashion merchandising or nutrition. Top-value degree programs are offered through five schools: Business and Technology; Education, Social Sciences, and the Arts; Agricultural and Natural Sciences; Pharmacy and Health Professions; and Graduate Studies. This low-cost college in Maryland is home to several clinics and centers that offer innovative collaboration and research opportunities for students, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) and the Coastal Ecology Teaching and Research Center (CETRC).

In-State Tuition: $8,558
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,508
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 38 percent

4. Morgan State University

Baltimore, Maryland

Points: 6
School Website

Morgan State University, located in Baltimore,  is one of the most affordable colleges in Maryland.  Established in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, MSU is the largest HBCU in the state and a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The school offers a comprehensive range of more than 100 low-cost academic programs in hospitality management, social work, architecture, education, engineering, and business as well as the arts and sciences. The 143-acre campus provides learning and living space to 7,700 students, 31 percent of whom are from out-of-state. MSU is also designated as Maryland’s official public urban research university, meaning that it is required to meet the specific needs of organizations, citizens, and students across the Baltimore metropolitan area. Therefore, students may take advantage of a number of opportunities for community outreach and service through MSU’s partnerships with the surrounding region.

In-State Tuition: $7,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,167
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 38 percent

3. Hood College

Frederick, Maryland

Points: 7
School Website

Hood College is a liberal arts college in Frederick, Maryland that enrolls around 2,000 students each year. Established in 1893 as the Woman’s College of Frederick, Hood offers affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 30 academic areas of study well as pre-professional programs in law, dentistry, medicine, and veterinary studies. Popular cheap majors include business, psychology, communications, computer science, social work and youth services, and special education and teaching. With the school’s location near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., students benefit from access to numerous research opportunities and internships. Students are also within walking distance of restaurants and galleries, shops, and a bustling downtown. An impressive alumni network provides graduates and current students with advice, guidance, connections, and mentoring.

In-State Tuition: $39,492
Out-of-State Tuition: $39,492
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 61 percent

2. St. Mary’s College of Maryland

St. Mary’s City, Maryland

Points: 8
School Website

St. Mary’s College of Maryland, an affordable top-value Maryland university, was established in 1840 as St. Mary’s Female Seminary. Today, the school is nationally recognized as the only public honors college in the state and one of only two of its kind in the country. SMCM enrolls 1,600 students each year in more than 30 low-cost academic programs, including 24 majors and 27 minors. Popular areas of study include psychology, political science, English, economics, and biology, and 69 percent of students major or minor in a second discipline. Students may also choose from nearly 30 study-abroad programs. Outside of the classroom, approximately 60 percent of students complete a St. Mary’s Project, an independent, sustained endeavor under the supervision of a faculty mentor that students present in a public forum. SMCM is also home to 19 varsity athletic teams as well as more than 100 student-run clubs and organizations.

In-State Tuition: $14,806
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,568
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 78 percent

1. United States Naval Academy

Annapolis, Maryland

Points: 9
School Website

The United States Naval Academy is a four-year federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland. Established in 1845, it is the second-oldest of the five service academies in the country. The top-ranked of the best affordable colleges in Maryland, its academic programs focus primarily on science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) fields in order to meet the current and future needs of the Navy. Some academic tracks are comparable to those provided by civilian colleges such as economics, physics, and English, while others such as ocean engineering, naval architecture, and oceanography are geared towards a career in the Navy. All programs are Bachelor of Science degrees. Students are considered active-duty midshipmen during their college experience and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Marine Corps or as ensigns in the Navy after graduation. With an outstanding 91 percent graduation rate and an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, USNA offers its academic programs free of charge to enrolled students.

In-State Tuition: No Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition: No Tuition
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 91 percent

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most In-Demand Careers in Maryland for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?

According to the Baltimore Workforce Development Board, the following eight in-demand industries are a priority for workforce development services. To compile this list, the Board analyzed the availability of entry-level jobs, the potential for career ladders, projected employment growth, past employment growth, wage growth, and current need.

• • Sustainable Energy and Environmentally-Driven Services
  • Port and Port-Related Services
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Construction
  • Computer, Internet, and Software Data Services
  • Business Services
  • Bioscience
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance

In addition, the following are the top 10 in-demand occupations for graduates with a bachelor’s degree across the entire state based on the percentage of growth between 2016 and 2026 as reported by The Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation.

• • Therapists, All Other: 9.51 percent
  • Construction Managers: 9.42 percent
  • Broadcast News Analysts: 9.35 percent
  • Music Directors and Composers: 9.26 percent
  • Recreational Therapists: 9.17 percent
  • Fundraisers: 9.01 percent
  • Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture: 8.88 percent
  • Landscape Architects: 8.75 percent
  • Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes: 8.51 percent
  • Training and Development Managers: 8.21 percent

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What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Maryland?

Regardless of whether you know the exact industry in which you would like to work or you are simply researching various fields to determine where you could earn the most money, knowing the highest-paying jobs in the state can be useful when it comes to choosing a major and, ultimately, an affordable degree in Maryland. To obtain the most accurate statistics, we consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, where we found that the annual mean wage across all occupations and regions in Maryland was $58,770. Naturally, the five highest-paying jobs included surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, psychiatrists, obstetricians and gynecologists, and family and general practitioners.

However, since we are focusing on undergraduate programs, we wanted to provide data regarding occupations that graduates could pursue right after college or with a bachelor’s degree and additional training and/or experience. Although all of the occupations listed below are managerial in nature, each requires a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. The following are 10 high-paying jobs and their salaries as of May 2018, the most recent data available.

• • Computer and Information Systems Managers: $154,870
  • Financial Managers: $152,180
  • Marketing Managers: $150,830
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers: $149,160
  • Natural Sciences Managers: $148,310
  • Sales Managers: $147,530
  • Architectural and Engineering Managers: $145,470
  • Human Resources Managers: $141,780
  • General and Operations Managers: $137,700
  • Purchasing Manager: $136,630

What are the Best Schools in Maryland for Bachelor’s Recipients?

Aside from purchasing a home, college is likely one of the biggest expenses you will incur in your lifetime, so it is natural to want to be smart about where your money is going. The following list was developed to help prospective students decide on the best-value affordable colleges in Maryland based on early salary earnings, mid-career pay, and the 20-year net return on investment for each institution, or the amount a graduate can expect to earn 20 years after earning his or her bachelor’s degree, according to PayScale. When trying to find the school that’s right for you, make sure the one you choose not only meets your academic goals but also provides an attractive ROI. We ranked five of the 20 schools we detailed above below and ranked them in order from the highest ROI to the lowest ROI. All figures are based on in-state tuition rates for students who earned a bachelor’s degree without a financial aid package.

• • 1. United States Naval Academy
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $1,004,000
    – Early Career Pay: $78,600
    – Mid-Career Pay: $149,800

• • 2. University of Maryland-College Park
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $577,000
    – Early Career Pay: $60,000
    – Mid-Career Pay: $109,700

• • 3. University of Maryland-Baltimore County
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $501,000
    – Early Career Pay: $56,800
    – Mid-Career Pay: $102,500

• • 4. Washington Adventist University
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $442,000
    – Early Career Pay: $56,100
    – Mid-Career Pay: $94,900

• • 5. Bowie State University
    – 20-Year Net ROI: $339,000
    – Early Career Pay: $49,500
    – Mid-Career Pay: $87,200

It is no surprise that the United States Naval Academy tops our list in all three areas: 20-year net ROI, early career pay, and mid-career pay. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, a graduation rate of 91 percent, and completely free tuition for in-state and out-of-state students as well as an astronomical ROI of over seven figures, the USNA is among the top four-year schools in Maryland by earning potential. If the military isn’t quite for you, the University System of Maryland provides two solid choices: UM-Baltimore County and UM-College Park, whose notable alumni include “Muppets” creator Jim Henson, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David, and Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

Regardless of whether you want to work in manufacturing, information technology and cybersecurity, the life sciences, energy and sustainability, or aerospace and defense, there are a number of best affordable colleges in Maryland for bachelor’s degrees.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 20 best affordable colleges in Maryland for bachelor’s degree.

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