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Small Colleges in Maryland

38 schools in Maryland. See our methodology.

Capitol Technology University graduates earn $85,035 annually, the highest among Maryland's smaller colleges, reflecting the state's cybersecurity sector strength near NSA headquarters. The 259-student Laurel campus produces tech specialists who command premium salaries in the Baltimore-Washington corridor's defense and intelligence community. Maryland's 38 small colleges span dramatic cost differences, from Frederick Community College at $2,801 net price to Loyola University Maryland at $29,633. St. Mary's College of Maryland stands out as the state's public honors college with a 68% graduation rate, while community colleges like Carroll and Frederick serve thousands preparing for transfer or workforce entry. The state's proximity to federal agencies creates unique pathways for graduates. Ner Israel Rabbinical College maintains strong outcomes with 72% acceptance and $66,330 earnings, showing specialized education's value. Many institutions cluster around Baltimore, capitalizing on the city's biotech corridor and medical centers. Graduation rates vary widely from Coppin State's 25.6% to St. John's College Annapolis reaching 67.4%, reflecting different missions from access-focused to academically selective.
38
Schools
$16,161
Avg. Net Price
$52,928
Avg. Earnings
49.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Maryland

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,566 $18,362 68.0% 77.3%
2 259 $24,678 46.7% 64.3%
3 2,006 $3,917 47.2%
4 292 $5,548 43.9% 72.2%
5 3,975 $29,633 80.5% 83.5%
6 3,628 $9,953 38.4%
7 1,743 $10,107 44.8%
8 4,116 $2,801 35.2%
9 488 $27,934 67.4% 49.9%
10 522 $15,026 40.0% 51.4%
11 2,783 $7,672 36.4%
12 4,422 $9,867 33.3%
13 2,849 $15,323 52.1% 87.9%
14 1,276 $17,546 46.7% 89.3%
15 1,756 $6,007 25.6% 45.0%
16 1,369 $10,097 27.9%
17 424 $6,396 31.7%
18 890 $29,095 74.1% 74.7%
19 4,465 91.8% 10.8%
20 3,027 $26,806 66.4% 84.1%
21 576 $26,956 41.3%
22 2,047 $6,573 27.1%
23 684 $24,536 51.9% 69.6%
24 141 $11,230 100.0% 100.0%
25 1,275 $4,178 21.2%
26 2,165 $14,035 34.6% 81.6%
27 1,806 $24,987 58.0% 79.6%
28 1,652 $20,923 63.8% 82.1%
29 1,075 $29,997 64.3%
30 3,234 $9,769 12.5%
31 1,202 $23,707 55.3% 77.9%
32 57 $2,200 50.0%
33 948 $23,774 60.0% 80.2%
34 1,319 $38,429 71.3% 79.6%
35 959
36 1,177 $18,092
37 91 $9,482 12.0% 100.0%
38 643

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Capitol Technology University graduates earn the highest salaries?

Capitol Tech's 259 students focus on cybersecurity, engineering, and technology programs that directly serve Maryland's defense corridor. Graduates average $85,035 annually, benefiting from proximity to NSA, military contractors, and federal agencies. The specialized curriculum aligns with high-demand security clearance positions.

How do Maryland's community college costs compare to four-year options?

Frederick Community College costs just $2,801 net price annually, while four-year Loyola University Maryland reaches $29,633. Community colleges like Carroll ($3,917) and Harford ($9,953) offer affordable pathways, with graduates earning $44,000-46,000 in starting careers.

Where do small college graduates find the best job opportunities?

The Baltimore-Washington corridor offers the strongest market, with biotech companies, Johns Hopkins affiliates, and federal contractors actively recruiting. St. Mary's College graduates earn $60,110 on average, while University of Baltimore students access city-based internships leading to $61,335 median earnings.

Does St. Mary's College of Maryland offer good value as a public institution?

St. Mary's combines public affordability at $18,362 net price with liberal arts quality, achieving 68% graduation rates among 1,566 students. The 77% acceptance rate makes it accessible while maintaining academic standards that lead to $60,110 average earnings.

What explains the wide graduation rate differences among small Maryland colleges?

Rates span from Coppin State's 25.6% to St. John's College's 67.4%, reflecting different missions. Community colleges prioritize access and transfer preparation, while selective institutions like St. John's Annapolis maintain rigorous liberal arts programs with corresponding completion expectations.

How do religious institutions perform compared to secular colleges?

Ner Israel Rabbinical College achieves 43.9% graduation rates with $66,330 earnings, while Washington Adventist University graduates earn $64,249. These specialized institutions serve distinct communities while connecting students to Maryland's broader professional networks through Baltimore-area partnerships.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.