Baltimore, Maryland Colleges: Costs & Earnings (2026 stats)
TL;DR
EDsmart Data analysis of 2024 College Scorecard data for Baltimore, Maryland shows: median public in-state tuition $13,100 (+137.7% vs national median) median 10-year earnings $65,344 (+20.3% vs U.S.) employment-outcome proxy 84.0% working & not enrolled at 8 years median graduate debt $19,500 (+45.2% vs U.S.) 55,580 students enrolled statewide.
Key Facts
- Institutions in this profile: 22 campuses
- Total college enrollment: 55,580 students
- Median public in-state tuition: $13,100 (+137.7% vs U.S.)
- Median earnings 10 years after entry: $65,344 (+20.3% vs U.S.)
- Working & not enrolled (8-yr cohort proxy): 84.0% (-3.9 pp vs U.S.)
- Median net price: $16,374 (+64.3% vs U.S.)
- Median student debt at graduation: $19,500 (+45.2% vs U.S. $13,432); regional median $13,000
- Average completion rate (institutions in state): 53.7%
- Median first-year retention (full-time, 4-yr): 79.5%
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Full profile payload including top-college lists and peer comparisons.
Overview
EDsmart Data summarizes higher-education outcomes for campuses in Baltimore, Maryland—costs, debt, enrollment, completion, earnings, and standout institutions—against Maryland and U.S. medians from the College Scorecard.
Baltimore vs Maryland & national benchmarks
Medians aggregate institution-level College Scorecard fields unless noted. Enrollment is total undergraduate headcount summed across reporting campuses.
| Geography | In-state tuition | Net price | Median debt | Completion rate | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, Maryland | $13,100 | $16,374 | $19,500 | 53.7% | 55,580 |
| Maryland (state median) | $5,166 | $10,555 | $13,000 | 55.8% | 253,216 |
| United States | $5,512 | $9,967 | $13,432 | 50.3% | 14,484,370 |
Earnings & employment outcomes: Baltimore, Maryland vs benchmarks
Scorecard does not publish formal job-placement rates. We use the share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled (working ÷ working + not working) as a federal employment-outcome proxy. 2-yr and 3-yr default rates are federal cohort default shares (0–1 scale). We show 2-yr default as the primary benchmark; 3-yr default appears only when enough campuses report non-suppressed values (otherwise —). 3-yr repayment progress is the share of completers making progress on loans after 3 years. Sample: bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200. Medians pool campus-level values.
| Geography | Median earnings (10 yr) | Working & not enrolled (8 yr) | Retention (FT yr 1) | 2-yr default | 3-yr default | 3-yr repayment progress | Debt ÷ earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, Maryland | $65,344 | 84.0% | 79.5% | 3.7% | — | 78.9% | 0.36 |
| Maryland (state median) | $61,797 | 86.0% | 78.1% | 4.7% | — | 77.2% | 0.40 |
| United States | $54,323 | 87.9% | 76.3% | 5.0% | — | 73.7% | 0.41 |
Other cities in Maryland (3+ campuses)
Other cities in the same state with at least three reporting campuses.
| City | In-state tuition | Net price | Median debt | Completion | Enrollment | Earnings (10 yr) | Working (8 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, Maryland | $13,100 | $16,374 | $19,500 | 53.7% | 55,580 | $65,344 | 84.0% |
| Rockville | $5,394 | $32,449 | $9,500 | N/A | 13,893 | N/A | N/A |
| Salisbury | $7,462 | $17,743 | $16,500 | 68.2% | 8,258 | $61,515 | 92.1% |
| Salisbury | $7,462 | $17,743 | $16,500 | 68.2% | 8,258 | $61,515 | 92.1% |
| Frederick | $25,774 | $20,873 | $9,833 | 56.9% | 5,537 | $57,089 | 87.3% |
| Annapolis | $40,684 | $38,562 | $18,416 | 82.2% | 5,147 | $51,584 | 73.9% |
| Laurel | $27,592 | $19,556 | $18,382 | 42.7% | 433 | $85,035 | 90.3% |
| United States | $5,512 | $9,967 | $13,432 | 50.3% | 14,484,370 | $54,323 | 87.9% |
Outcomes by sector in Baltimore, Maryland
Median campus-level metrics within each ownership type (public, private nonprofit, private for-profit).
| Sector | Campuses | Median earnings (10 yr) | Working share (8 yr) | Retention | 2-yr default | 3-yr default | 3-yr repayment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private nonprofit | 6 | $65,837 | 74.6% | 81.9% | 2.4% | — | 84.5% |
| Public | 5 | $61,335 | 85.9% | 69.8% | 5.9% | — | 56.3% |
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by graduation rate (150% time)
Ranked by 150% time completion rate (4-year bachelor's-predominant institutions, enrollment ≥ 500). Higher rate = more students finishing within 150% of normal time.
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Rank 1, Graduation Rate, 93.8%, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 2, Graduation Rate, 79.2%, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 3, Graduation Rate, 72.2%, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
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Rank 4, Graduation Rate, 70.0%, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 5, Graduation Rate, 57.3%, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 6, Graduation Rate, 50.0%, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 7, Graduation Rate, 40.9%, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 8, Graduation Rate, 38.2%, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 9, Graduation Rate, 26.2%, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by employment outcome (8 yrs after entry, working & not enrolled)
Ranked by share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled — a federal outcome proxy, not a verified job-placement rate. Enrollment ≥ 500.
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Rank 1, Employment Outcome, 90.5%, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 2, Employment Outcome, 89.0%, University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore
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Rank 3, Employment Outcome, 87.2%, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 4, Employment Outcome, 85.9%, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 5, Employment Outcome, 85.7%, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 6, Employment Outcome, 84.0%, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 7, Employment Outcome, 78.0%, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 8, Employment Outcome, 77.7%, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
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Rank 9, Employment Outcome, 71.6%, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 10, Employment Outcome, 66.1%, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
Top 10 most selective colleges in Baltimore, Maryland (lowest admission rate)
Ranked by lowest admission rate (most selective first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500 and a reported admission rate.
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Rank 1, Admission Rate, 6.4%, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 2, Admission Rate, 45.8%, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 3, Admission Rate, 72.4%, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 4, Admission Rate, 75.5%, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 5, Admission Rate, 76.8%, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
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Rank 6, Admission Rate, 77.7%, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 7, Admission Rate, 78.7%, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 8, Admission Rate, 82.2%, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 9, Admission Rate, 82.2%, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by entry-level earnings (1 yr post-completion, program)
Ranked by median program-level earnings one year after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; reflects completers in reported CIP programs, not all entrants.
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Rank 1, Entry-Level Earnings, $109,514, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 2, Entry-Level Earnings, $86,444, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 3, Entry-Level Earnings, $83,354, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 4, Entry-Level Earnings, $78,568, University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore
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Rank 5, Entry-Level Earnings, $78,033, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 6, Entry-Level Earnings, $76,661, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 7, Entry-Level Earnings, $69,305, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 8, Entry-Level Earnings, $53,551, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 9, Entry-Level Earnings, $46,774, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 10, Entry-Level Earnings, $27,246, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by early-career earnings (4 yr post-completion, program)
Ranked by median program-level earnings four years after completion (highest first). Enrollment ≥ 300; program cohort, not institution-wide median.
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Rank 1, Early-Career Earnings, $196,467, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 2, Early-Career Earnings, $124,858, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 3, Early-Career Earnings, $113,299, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 4, Early-Career Earnings, $102,720, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 5, Early-Career Earnings, $98,640, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 6, Early-Career Earnings, $98,587, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 7, Early-Career Earnings, $89,750, University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore
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Rank 8, Early-Career Earnings, $73,028, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 9, Early-Career Earnings, $65,402, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 10, Early-Career Earnings, $45,436, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by mid-career earnings (6 yrs after entry)
Ranked by median earnings six years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.
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Rank 1, Mid-Career Earnings, $86,306, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 2, Mid-Career Earnings, $82,754, University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore
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Rank 3, Mid-Career Earnings, $64,453, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 4, Mid-Career Earnings, $63,918, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 5, Mid-Career Earnings, $55,137, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 6, Mid-Career Earnings, $48,197, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 7, Mid-Career Earnings, $42,243, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 8, Mid-Career Earnings, $40,563, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 9, Mid-Career Earnings, $40,065, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 10, Mid-Career Earnings, $33,451, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by 8-year earnings (8 yrs after entry)
Ranked by median earnings eight years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.
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Rank 1, 8-Yr Earnings, $94,324, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 2, 8-Yr Earnings, $85,792, University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore
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Rank 3, 8-Yr Earnings, $75,881, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 4, 8-Yr Earnings, $63,658, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 5, 8-Yr Earnings, $60,395, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 6, 8-Yr Earnings, $55,807, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 7, 8-Yr Earnings, $46,142, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 8, 8-Yr Earnings, $45,943, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 9, 8-Yr Earnings, $41,640, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 10, 8-Yr Earnings, $37,601, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by long-term earnings (10 yrs after entry)
Ranked by median earnings ten years after entry (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.
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Rank 1, 10-Yr Earnings, $88,174, University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore
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Rank 2, 10-Yr Earnings, $87,555, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 3, 10-Yr Earnings, $82,652, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 4, 10-Yr Earnings, $69,960, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 5, 10-Yr Earnings, $65,344, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 6, 10-Yr Earnings, $61,335, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 7, 10-Yr Earnings, $53,023, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 8, 10-Yr Earnings, $50,698, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 9, 10-Yr Earnings, $46,490, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 10, 10-Yr Earnings, $45,212, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by 10-year ROI
Ranked by 10-year return on investment (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant institutions with enrollment ≥ 200 and a computed ROI in the EDsmart dataset.
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Rank 1, 10-Yr ROI, $358,634, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 2, 10-Yr ROI, $290,755, Ner Israel Rabbinical College
Ner Israel Rabbinical College
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Rank 3, 10-Yr ROI, $224,254, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 4, 10-Yr ROI, $223,322, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 5, 10-Yr ROI, $192,003, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 6, 10-Yr ROI, $188,182, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 7, 10-Yr ROI, $186,344, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 8, 10-Yr ROI, $153,354, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 9, 10-Yr ROI, $113,395, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 10, 10-Yr ROI, $1,052, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Top 10 most affordable colleges in Baltimore, Maryland (net price)
Ranked by lowest average net price (most affordable first). Uses overall net price, or mid-income bracket net price for public schools when available. Enrollment ≥ 300.
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Rank 1, Net Price, $9,977, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 2, Net Price, $14,985, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 3, Net Price, $16,467, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 4, Net Price, $13,868, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
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Rank 5, Net Price, $18,809, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 6, Net Price, $19,169, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 7, Net Price, $22,470, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 8, Net Price, $30,574, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 9, Net Price, $42,729, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
Top 10 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland by first-year retention (full-time)
Ranked by first-year, full-time retention rate (highest first). Bachelor's-predominant four-year institutions with enrollment ≥ 500.
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Rank 1, First-Year Retention, 98.1%, Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
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Rank 2, First-Year Retention, 87.1%, Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland
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Rank 3, First-Year Retention, 85.0%, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
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Rank 4, First-Year Retention, 83.4%, Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art
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Rank 5, First-Year Retention, 78.6%, Goucher College
Goucher College
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Rank 6, First-Year Retention, 73.3%, Morgan State University
Morgan State University
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Rank 7, First-Year Retention, 72.8%, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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Rank 8, First-Year Retention, 66.2%, Coppin State University
Coppin State University
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Rank 9, First-Year Retention, 60.0%, University of Baltimore
University of Baltimore
In-state tuition: Baltimore, Maryland vs benchmarks
Sticker price
Baltimore, Maryland median in-state tuition is $13,100, +137.7% vs the U.S. median.
Student debt: Baltimore, Maryland vs benchmarks
Borrowing
Median debt at graduation in Baltimore, Maryland is $19,500 (+45.2% vs U.S. median $13,432). Regional median: $13,000.
Median earnings (10 years out): Baltimore, Maryland vs benchmarks
Payoff
Median earnings 10 years after entry for bachelor's-predominant campuses in Baltimore, Maryland center around $65,344 (+20.3% vs U.S.).
Median institution-level 10-year earnings. Source: College Scorecard.
Employment outcome proxy: Baltimore, Maryland vs benchmarks
Working & not enrolled
The share of the 8-year cohort reported as working and not enrolled—our Scorecard employment proxy—is 84.0% at the median Baltimore, Maryland campus (-3.9 pp vs U.S.).
Percent of 8-year cohort working and not enrolled (not a formal placement rate).
Analysis & insights
EDsmart Data aggregates institution-level College Scorecard data for this profile. Highlights below compare local medians to U.S. and regional benchmarks.
Costs & borrowing
Baltimore, Maryland median public in-state tuition is $13,100, about +137.7% vs the national median. Versus the Mid East region, tuition is +77.5%.
Median graduate debt is $19,500 (+45.2% above the U.S. median of $13,432). Low sticker prices do not always mean low borrowing—living costs, time-to-degree, and aid mix matter.
Earnings, employment & retention
Among bachelor's-predominant campuses with ≥200 students, median 10-year earnings in Baltimore, Maryland are $65,344, about +20.3% vs the U.S. campus median ($54,323).
The median campus reports 84.0% of its 8-year cohort as working and not enrolled—our closest federal proxy to a placement rate. The U.S. campus median is 87.9% (-3.9 pp). Formal job-placement statistics are not published in Scorecard; treat this as a comparative outcome indicator, not a hire guarantee.
First-year, full-time retention at the median campus is 79.5% vs a U.S. median of 76.3%—a leading indicator for completion and time-to-degree.
Loan repayment indicators at the median campus: 2-yr default 3.7% (U.S. 5.0%); 3-yr repayment progress 78.9% (U.S. 73.7%). 3-yr default is omitted when most campuses report suppressed zeros.
Top employment-outcome campuses in this extract include Notre Dame of Maryland University (90.5%), University of Maryland Baltimore (89.0%), University of Maryland-Baltimore County (87.2%), Coppin State University (85.9%), University of Baltimore (85.7%), Morgan State University (84.0%), Johns Hopkins University (78.0%), Maryland Institute College of Art (77.7%), Goucher College (71.6%), Loyola University Maryland (66.1%)—useful anchors for local reporting on where graduates are most often working rather than still enrolled.
Completion & workforce context
Within Baltimore, Maryland, sector medians diverge: Private nonprofit median 10-yr earnings $65,837 (6 campuses); Public median 10-yr earnings $61,335 (5 campuses). Public campuses often dominate enrollment while private nonprofits can show higher earnings medians at selective institutions.
Average institution-level completion rate across all sectors in Baltimore, Maryland is 53.7% (national institution average about 50.3%).
FAQ
How many colleges are in Baltimore?
EDsmart Data analysis: this city profile covers 22 campuses in Baltimore, Maryland with College Scorecard cost or outcomes data.
How much does college cost in Baltimore?
EDsmart Data analysis: median in-state tuition in Baltimore is $13,100 and median net price is $16,374. For Maryland overall, medians are $5,166 and $10,555; U.S. medians are $5,512 and $9,967.
What do graduates earn in Baltimore?
EDsmart Data analysis: median 10-year earnings for campuses in Baltimore is $65,344 vs $61,797 for Maryland and $54,323 nationally.
What is student debt like for Baltimore colleges?
EDsmart Data analysis: median completer debt in Baltimore is $19,500 vs $13,000 for Maryland and $13,432 nationally.
What are the best colleges in Baltimore?
EDsmart Data analysis: top campuses on this page include Johns Hopkins University (graduation) and University of Maryland Baltimore (10-yr earnings). See Top 10 lists for admission, affordability, and employment metrics.
Are there HBCUs, Hispanic-serving, tribal, or religious colleges in Baltimore?
EDsmart Data analysis: among 22 campuses in Baltimore, Maryland, 2 historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs, IPEDS HBCU flag), including Coppin State University and Morgan State University; 3 religiously affiliated private nonprofit campuses (IPEDS RELAFFIL); most common affiliations: Roman Catholic (2), Jewish (1).
Sources & related
- Maryland college profile
- All college profiles
- National benchmarks
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
- Download: JSON