Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Maryland

Computer science education in Maryland spans an unusually wide cost spectrum, with net prices ranging from $14,035 at University of Maryland Eastern Shore to $24,987 at the high end. The state's proximity to federal agencies like the NSA and NIH creates strong demand for computing professionals, reflected in graduate earnings that reach $108,649 at Johns Hopkins University. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven of the ten cheapest programs offered by state institutions. Maryland Eastern Shore stands out with the lowest net cost at $14,035, though its 34.6% graduation rate trails significantly behind University of Maryland-College Park's 88.6% rate. The earnings gap proves equally striking, with graduates from some programs earning more than double those from others, highlighting how school choice impacts long-term financial outcomes in Maryland's competitive tech market.

Programs

$14,035 – $24,987

Net Price Range

$68,157

Avg. Program Earnings

56.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland	$14,035	$8,898	34.6%	81.6%
2	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$7,992	29.6%
3	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
4	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026	$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
5	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
6	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
7	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
8	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
9	University of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland	$17,546	$9,772	46.7%	89.3%
10	Strayer University-Maryland Suitland, Maryland	$18,092	$13,920
11	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
12	St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City, Maryland	$18,362	$15,236	68.0%	77.3%
13	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335	$8,999	38.1%	86.5%
14	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
15	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
16	Capitol Technology University Laurel, Maryland	$24,678	$27,318	46.7%	64.3%
17	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987	$47,240	58.0%	79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Maryland Eastern Shore the most affordable option?

University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers the lowest net price at $14,035 for computer science students, with in-state tuition of just $8,898. However, this affordability comes with trade-offs, including a 34.6% graduation rate and average earnings of $47,260 after graduation. The school accepts 81.56% of applicants, making it accessible but potentially less selective than other Maryland options.

How do public universities compare to private schools for cost in Maryland?

Public universities dominate Maryland's affordable computer science market, with institutions like Morgan State University ($15,015) and Frostburg State University ($15,323) offering competitive net prices. Johns Hopkins University breaks this pattern as the only private school in the top affordable tier at $18,161 net cost, though its sticker price reaches $63,340. Most other private institutions like McDaniel College ($20,923) and Goucher College ($23,774) cost significantly more.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Maryland?

Higher-priced programs generally show better graduation rates, with University of Maryland-College Park achieving 88.6% at $15,590 net cost and Johns Hopkins reaching 94.6% at $18,161. However, some affordable options like Salisbury University maintain solid 67.4% graduation rates at $16,456 net cost. The lowest-cost option, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, shows a concerning 34.6% graduation rate that prospective students should carefully consider.

Where do computer science graduates earn the most after graduation in Maryland?

Johns Hopkins University computer science graduates command the highest salaries at $108,649, more than double the $47,260 earned by University of Maryland Eastern Shore alumni. University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $84,653, while Salisbury University alumni average $74,576. These earnings differences often justify higher program costs, as graduates from top-earning schools typically recover their educational investment more quickly in Maryland's competitive job market.

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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.