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Johns Hopkins University commands a 7.25% acceptance rate while maintaining a 94.60% graduation rate, making it the most selective and successful institution among Maryland's 18 urban colleges. The state's city-based schools span from $2,801 at Frederick Community College to $29,997 at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia, reflecting Maryland's position as both a federal employment center and biotechnology center. Community colleges like Montgomery College serve 13,519 students at $7,240 annually, providing pathways into the state's growing cybersecurity and healthcare sectors. Graduates earn between $36,025 and $87,555, with Johns Hopkins leading at nearly $88,000 annually. Baltimore anchors this network with multiple options from research universities to specialized institutions, while proximity to Washington D.C., the NIH, and NSA creates abundant internship and career opportunities. The range from 12.5% to 100% graduation rates shows how urban Maryland colleges serve different student populations, from open-access community colleges supporting working adults to highly selective research institutions preparing the next generation of scientists and policy makers.
18
Schools
$17,804
Avg. Net Price
$57,644
Avg. Earnings
53.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Maryland

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 5,617 $18,161 94.6%
2 City-Small 16,400 $16,791 67.6%
3 City-Large 3,975 $29,633 80.5%
4 City-Small 4,116 $2,801 35.2%
5 City-Small 13,519 $7,240 27.5%
6 City-Large 1,276 $17,546 46.7%
7 City-Midsize 6,779 $10,225 26.4%
8 City-Large 1,756 $6,007 25.6%
9 City-Large 8,293 $15,015 41.6%
10 City-Large 684 $24,536 51.9%
11 City-Large 141 $11,230 100.0%
12 City-Midsize 1,075 $29,997 64.3%
13 City-Large 3,234 $9,769 12.5%
14 City-Small 1,202 $23,707 55.3%
15 City-Small 948 $23,774 60.0%
16 City-Large 1,319 $38,429 71.3%
17 City-Large 959
18 City-Small 643

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Johns Hopkins University stand out among Maryland urban colleges?

Johns Hopkins maintains a 7.25% acceptance rate, the lowest among all Maryland urban colleges, while achieving a 94.60% graduation rate. Graduates earn $87,555 annually, nearly $5,000 more than the second-highest earning school. The university's proximity to medical institutions and research facilities creates strong opportunities.

How affordable are Maryland's urban community colleges?

Frederick Community College costs just $2,801 annually while Montgomery College charges $7,240 for 13,519 students. Howard Community College serves 6,779 students at $10,225. These schools provide cost-effective pathways into Maryland's federal and biotechnology job markets, with graduates earning $46,000-$50,000.

Is there significant variation in graduation rates among these schools?

Graduation rates span from 12.5% at Baltimore City Community College to 100% at Women's Institute of Torah Seminary. Johns Hopkins achieves 94.60% while Loyola University Maryland reaches 80.50%. Community colleges typically range from 25-35%, reflecting their open-access mission and varied student populations.

Does Baltimore offer varied higher education options?

Baltimore houses 8 different institutions ranging from Johns Hopkins' elite research focus to Coppin State's 44.95% acceptance rate and $6,007 cost. The city includes Morgan State University with 8,293 students, specialized schools like Notre Dame of Maryland with 684 students, and community colleges serving working adults.

Where do graduates of these urban Maryland colleges typically work?

Maryland's proximity to Washington D.C., NIH, and NSA creates strong employment pipelines. Earnings range from $36,025 to $87,555, with many graduates entering federal service, biotechnology companies, and cybersecurity firms. The state's growing healthcare and technology sectors actively recruit from these institutions.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.