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Rural Colleges in Maryland

8 schools in Maryland. See our methodology.

St. Mary's College of Maryland stands apart from its rural counterparts with a 68% graduation rate and $60,110 median earnings, nearly double what graduates from other countryside institutions typically see. The state's rural college market spans from Garrett College's $6,396 net price in the western mountains to Mount St. Mary's $24,987 cost in Emmitsburg. Most students attend community colleges serving 1,275 to 4,422 enrollees, with acceptance rates hovering around 78%. These schools connect directly to Maryland's federal employment corridor, preparing students for positions with agencies like NSA and NIH. Graduates often transition into biotech and cybersecurity roles that define the state's economy, though earnings vary significantly based on program focus and transfer patterns.
8
Schools
$11,302
Avg. Net Price
$45,756
Avg. Earnings
38.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Maryland

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Fringe 1,566 $18,362 68.0%
2 Rural-Fringe 3,628 $9,953 38.4%
3 Rural-Fringe 4,422 $9,867 33.3%
4 Rural-Fringe 1,369 $10,097 27.9%
5 Rural-Distant 424 $6,396 31.7%
6 Rural-Fringe 2,047 $6,573 27.1%
7 Rural-Distant 1,275 $4,178 21.2%
8 Rural-Distant 1,806 $24,987 58.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St. Mary's College different from other rural Maryland schools?

St. Mary's achieves a 68% graduation rate compared to the 21-38% range at community colleges, while maintaining a 77.3% acceptance rate. The public honors college model produces median earnings of $60,110, reflecting its four-year degree focus versus two-year programs.

How affordable are community colleges in rural Maryland?

Net prices range from $4,178 at Chesapeake College to $10,097 at Cecil College, making them highly accessible. Garrett College costs just $6,396 annually, serving 424 students in western Maryland's mountain region with strong transfer pathways.

Is Mount St. Mary's worth the higher cost?

At $24,987 net price, Mount St. Mary's delivers the highest median earnings at $64,072 and maintains a 58% graduation rate. The private Catholic university's 79.6% acceptance rate suggests selective admission while remaining accessible to qualified students.

Do rural Maryland colleges connect to state job markets?

Graduates often transition into federal positions with NSA, NIH, and other agencies requiring security clearances. Community college programs align with Maryland's biotech corridor, while transfer agreements help students continue education at major research universities.

Where do most rural college students enroll?

College of Southern Maryland serves 4,422 students, the largest enrollment among rural institutions. Harford Community College follows with 3,628 students, while smaller schools like Garrett College focus on 424 students with personalized attention and local workforce needs.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.