Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Maryland

Maryland liberal arts programs show striking cost differences that don't always predict earnings outcomes. St. John's College in Annapolis charges $39,126 but graduates earn just $21,052, while Coppin State University costs only $6,007 net and produces graduates earning $31,839. The state's proximity to federal agencies and research institutions creates unique opportunities for liberal arts graduates in policy analysis, communications, and government relations. Notre Dame of Maryland leads earnings at $41,725, reflecting the growing demand for critical thinking skills in the region's expanding biotech and cybersecurity sectors.

Programs

$6,007 – $29,095

Net Price Range

$33,273

Avg. Program Earnings

58.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland	$6,007	$31,839	$7,001	25.6%	45.0%
2	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$32,711	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
3	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$32,124	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
4	Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, Maryland	$24,536	$41,725	$41,910	51.9%	69.6%
5	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$40,188	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%
6	St. John's College Annapolis, Maryland	$27,934	$21,052	$39,126	67.4%	49.9%
7	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026		$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
8	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161		$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
9	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514		$7,992	29.6%
10	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328		$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
11	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590		$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
12	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015		$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
13	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987		$47,240	58.0%	79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between liberal arts programs in Maryland?

Graduates from Notre Dame of Maryland earn $41,725 annually compared to $21,052 at St. John's College. This $20,673 difference often reflects program focus, alumni networks, and proximity to high-paying government and private sector opportunities in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.

How do public university costs compare for in-state liberal arts students?

Maryland public universities range from $7,001 at Coppin State to $12,952 at UMBC for in-state tuition. Frostburg State offers the best middle ground at $9,998 with a solid 52.10% graduation rate and $32,711 average earnings.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in Maryland?

Johns Hopkins achieves a 94.60% graduation rate but admits only 7.25% of applicants, making it highly selective. More accessible options like Salisbury University maintain a strong 67.40% graduation rate with 91.06% acceptance and reasonable $16,456 net costs.

Where do Maryland liberal arts graduates find the best debt-to-earnings ratios?

University of Maryland Global Campus offers the lowest debt burden at $12,833, while Coppin State provides strong earning potential of $31,839 with moderate debt of $35,250. Salisbury University balances both factors well with $20,500 debt and $32,124 earnings.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.