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Washington College stands out among Maryland's Division III schools with the highest graduation rate at 74.1% and strongest earning potential at $65,518 annually. This small Chestertown institution of just 890 students represents the premium end of Maryland's DIII market, where net prices span from Salisbury University's accessible $16,456 to Washington College's $29,095. The state's proximity to federal agencies and biotech corridors creates unique opportunities for these graduates. St. Mary's College of Maryland, the state's designated honors college, combines reasonable costs at $18,362 with solid outcomes including 68% graduation rates. Meanwhile, Salisbury University demonstrates that affordability doesn't compromise access, accepting over 91% of applicants while maintaining respectable graduation rates above 67%. These eight institutions serve students across Maryland's varied geography, from Baltimore's urban environment to the rural Eastern Shore, all benefiting from the state's concentration of government contractors, healthcare systems, and research facilities that value the critical thinking skills these liberal arts programs develop.
8
Schools
$22,957
Avg. Net Price
$60,668
Avg. Earnings
63.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in Maryland

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,566 $18,362 68.0% 77.3%
2 6,056 $16,456 67.4% 91.1%
3 890 $29,095 74.1% 74.7%
4 3,027 $26,806 66.4% 84.1%
5 684 $24,536 51.9% 69.6%
6 1,652 $20,923 63.8% 82.1%
7 1,202 $23,707 55.3% 77.9%
8 948 $23,774 60.0% 80.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Washington College worth its higher price tag among Maryland DIII schools?

Washington College graduates earn $65,518 annually, the highest among these schools, while achieving a 74.1% graduation rate. Despite costing $29,095 net, the return on investment justifies the premium for its 890 students seeking strong liberal arts preparation.

How accessible are Maryland's Division III colleges for average students?

Most Maryland DIII schools accept 75-90% of applicants, with Salisbury University leading at 91.1% acceptance. Only Notre Dame of Maryland maintains selectivity at 69.6%, making these colleges generally welcoming to students across academic profiles.

Is St. Mary's College of Maryland a good value compared to other state options?

At $18,362 net cost, St. Mary's delivers strong value with 68% graduation rates and $60,110 earning potential. As Maryland's designated public honors college, it offers selective liberal arts education at significantly lower cost than private alternatives.

Does school size affect graduation rates among Maryland DIII colleges?

The smallest schools perform best: Washington College (890 students, 74.1% graduation) and St. Mary's (1,566 students, 68% graduation) lead rates. Larger Salisbury University (6,056 students) maintains solid 67.4% graduation despite its size.

Where do Maryland DIII graduates typically find employment after college?

Maryland's proximity to Washington DC, NIH, and NSA creates opportunities in government, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Graduates earning $53,023-$65,518 annually often leverage the state's biotech corridor and federal contractor base for career placement.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.