Collectively, Maryland’s colleges and universities offer every type of education experience, whether for the traditional college student who goes directly to college from high school or for students who have already begun their careers and want to learn new skills.
Maryland is proud that over one-third of its residents age 25 and older have bachelor’s degrees or higher, which is among the highest for all states.
The resources listed in this section, which are unique to Maryland, consist of higher education agencies, higher education institutions, savings plans, state financial aid programs, benefits for veterans, publications, and special programs.
Maryland higher education agencies
Maryland higher education institutions
- Public and private four-year colleges and universities offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
- Community colleges offer two-year degree programs and technical training at affordable tuition rates.
- Private career schools offer training and educational programs that focus on specific occupational areas.
- Distance learning provides opportunities to take courses online.
- Finding a Major lets you search Maryland postsecondary schools by program of interest.
Use Sallie Mae’s School Search Tool to compare colleges and universities on your list.
Savings plans
- Maryland Prepaid College Trust allows families to lock in future college tuition at today’s prices.
- The Maryland College Investment Plan is a great way to give students more education options and offers many advantages.
State financial aid programs
Maryland offers a variety of financial aid programs such as grants, scholarships, and other awards for students who want to further their education beyond high school:
To qualify for federal and other sources of financial aid, you must file the FAFSA. To ensure priority consideration for Maryland state scholarships and grants, your FAFSA must be submitted online or postmarked by March 1.
Use the Maryland College Aid Calculator to estimate how much you'll need to pay toward your college costs.
Benefits for veterans
Students who attend an approved postsecondary institution and meet the requirements under the GI Bill, may be eligible for these education benefits:
Publications
- College 411 (pdf) a helpful guide to state financial aid programs.
- An Academic Year: Preparing for College Calendar (pdf) for high school seniors to assist in preparing for college.
- Student Guide to Higher Education and Financial Aid in Maryland provides information on Maryland's postsecondary schools and state financial aid programs. Also available in Spanish.
- Transfer Scholarship Guide for Maryland Community College Students (pdf) assists transfer students in identifying and obtaining scholarships at four-year institutions.
Special programs
- Academic Common Market (ACM) offers students an opportunity to enroll in certain out-of-state bachelor's and graduate programs that are not offered at a Maryland public in-state college or university, at reduced tuition rates.
- Maryland Summer Centers Programs for gifted and talented students
- INROADS offers leadership programs to develop and place talented minority youth in business and industry.
- Service-learning is a teaching method that combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning.
- Explore careers and job opportunities at the Maryland Workforce Exchange.
- Southern Maryland College Access Network offers financial aid and college admission advice.
Use Sallie Mae’s School Search Tool to compare colleges and universities on your list.
