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NCAA Division I Colleges in Maryland

8 schools in Maryland. See our methodology.

University of Maryland-College Park commands attention with its 44.6% acceptance rate and $82,860 median earnings, making it the most selective and highest-paying option among Maryland's eight Division I universities. The state's proximity to federal agencies creates unique opportunities, with graduates often finding roles at NIH, NSA, and other government installations. While College Park leads in outcomes, the financial market varies dramatically across institutions. Coppin State University offers the most affordable path at $6,007 net cost, though its 25.6% graduation rate reflects significant challenges. Meanwhile, private Loyola University Maryland combines an 80.5% graduation rate with $82,652 earnings despite its $29,633 price tag. Baltimore emerges as the education center, hosting four of these eight universities. The earnings spread from $46,490 to $82,860 mirrors Maryland's economy, where cybersecurity professionals and biotech researchers command premium salaries while public service roles offer stable but modest compensation.
8
Schools
$17,548
Avg. Net Price
$63,602
Avg. Earnings
58.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Maryland

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 30,246 $15,590 88.6% 44.6%
2 10,434 $18,328 70.6% 80.6%
3 16,400 $16,791 67.6% 78.6%
4 3,975 $29,633 80.5% 83.5%
5 1,756 $6,007 25.6% 45.0%
6 8,293 $15,015 41.6% 85.4%
7 2,165 $14,035 34.6% 81.6%
8 1,806 $24,987 58.0% 79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Maryland-College Park stand out among state options?

College Park achieves an 88.6% graduation rate while maintaining Maryland's lowest acceptance rate at 44.6%. Its graduates earn $82,860 median income, reflecting the university's research focus and proximity to federal employers seeking advanced technical skills.

How do private versus public costs compare in Maryland's Division I market?

Private institutions like Loyola University Maryland cost $29,633 compared to public options ranging from $6,007 at Coppin State to $18,328 at UMBC. However, Loyola's 80.5% graduation rate and $82,652 earnings often justify the investment.

Is there a correlation between acceptance rates and graduation outcomes?

Not always. While selective College Park (44.6% acceptance) graduates 88.6% of students, Coppin State accepts similar percentages (44.9%) but graduates only 25.6%. UMBC demonstrates that 80.6% acceptance can still yield 70.6% graduation rates.

Does Baltimore offer advantages for Division I students?

Baltimore hosts four Division I universities and provides internship access to Johns Hopkins, NIH facilities, and cybersecurity firms. The city's biotech corridor creates research opportunities, while federal contractors actively recruit from local campuses.

Where do graduates typically find employment after these programs?

Maryland's federal government concentration drives high earnings, with graduates entering agencies like NSA for cybersecurity roles or NIH for biomedical research. The $46,490 to $82,860 earnings range reflects both public service and private sector opportunities.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Maryland Cheapest Programs in Maryland

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.