TOP 11 Cheap Universities In Maryland, USA

The cost of tuition is one of the salient factors students consider when choosing universities. There are 30 public colleges and universities in Maryland – about twice the number of private universities in the Old Line state.

This indicates that it is less challenging to find an inexpensive university in Maryland than in other areas in the United States. But what matters is which of these cheap universities, despite their low fees, offer decent quality education and a reputation?

When thinking of the top most affordable universities in Maryland, institutions like the University of Maryland, College Park, United States Naval Academy, and the University of Baltimore are the first three to come to mind because they have been reviewed as the best inexpensive severally.

Although Baltimore County and Towson University are reasonable options, Morgan State University seems to do better than the latter in cost-friendliness.

The truth is that Maryland is blessed with many great colleges ranging from prestigious research universities to public institutions.

So, when it comes time to choose a college and expense is among the top factors, you still need to look beyond the fees. Other aspects like reputation (which influences your degree at the end of the day), cost of living, and eligibility also remain crucial.

11 Inexpensive Universities in Maryland 2023

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Maryland. Note that the order ranking is not peculiar to the tuition fee as other considerations are involved in determining which comes above the other, as explained in this listing.

1. United States Naval Academy – Navy

When listing the best educational values in Maryland, it is impossible to leave out the U.S Naval Academy. It is the number one cheap university in the country because it is close to being free since the total cost in-state and out-of-state is $0, but the undergraduate enrollment will cost $4,500.

Located in Annapolis, The U.S. Naval Academy obliges students to fulfill a service commitment in the Navy or Marines after graduation.

The tricky thing about this institution is that, though it is close to being free, the admission process is highly selective since applicants are expected to meet some prerequisites.

For example, you must be between 17 and 23 years old to enroll in the U.S Naval Academy. Aside from that, students who are married and have children may not be allowed. You see, so much goes into the requirement that the cheap tuition cost is not for nothing.

Begin your application to U.S Naval Academy, Maryland HERE

It may be one of the best cheap universities in Maryland, but it takes a lot to get accepted, especially when you must receive an official nomination.

Before choosing this university, check out all it takes to get accepted into U.S Naval Academy.

2. McDaniel College

McDaniel College is located in Westminster, Maryland, and offers more than 60 academic majors, 100 minors, and 20 graduate programs.

It is a liberal arts college that offers eligibility for scholarships to first-year students, transfer students, and international students of four-year awards costing $5,000 to $25,000, $8,000 to $18,000, and $10,000 to full tuition per year, respectively.

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, McDaniel College offers a need-based financial aid known as the McDaniel College Grant, which has made it one of the most affordable institutions in the area.

The grant ranges between $2,000 and $27,000 annually.

Apply for undergraduate admission into McDaniel College HERE

3. Towson University

Towson University is among the famous and apparent options if you are looking for an inexpensive university in Maryland. Currently, the school has more than 20,000 students and is considered one of the largest public universities in Maryland.

Despite this, and in addition to offering more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, the tuition cost of the university is relatively cheap due to the scholarship opportunities presented to students on different terms, allowing them to school without almost paying a dime.

For example, students who are the first in their families to attend college or applicants from under-served groups can take advantage of the CEEP Award (Community Enrichment and Enhancement Partnership) at Towson university, which ranges between $2,500 – $3,000 per year.

Students who have overcome personal or physical obstacles in pursuit of education can also be a beneficiary of the above award.

There is also the International Student Merit Scholarship for incoming international students, which is about $8,000 per year of sponsored education.

Begin your application at Towson University at affordable tuition fees here

Also, as an incoming freshman with outstanding academic achievement, you stand a chance to win the Hoke L. Smith Scholarship Endowment of $4,000 per year of sponsored education, especially if you have a strong interest in community service.

See more about the Eligibility of Towson scholarships that makes it one of the cheap universities in Maryland.

4. Coppin State University

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the total cost in-state and out-of-state at Coppin State University is between $17,371 and $23,768, making it one of the most affordable universities in the area.

Aside from that, Coppin State University is among the most selective, which indicates it to be one of the most demanding colleges in America to get into.

The university has a rich history of being a Black college and university (HBCUs) in Maryland. It commemorates the legendary African-American advocate for female higher education, Jackson Coppin.

Several estimations have shown that there are more female students than male counterparts enrolled in the institution, but if you want to school in Maryland and be strict on your cost of tuition, this is one viable option.

However, you must know what it takes to get accepted before considering this option.

5. Morgan State University

Morgan state university has been in operation since 1867 and is considered one of the most affordable universities in Baltimore, Maryland. The total cost in-state or out-of-state is between $18,622 and $31,245

Though known as HBCUs, the school welcomes multiethnic, multiracial, and multinational students. One good thing about the institution is that they engage in high research activity since it is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution.

Aside from the affordable tuition cost, there are other intricacies to being accepted into Morgan State University.

6. Notre Dame of Maryland University

The tuition cost at Notre Dame of Maryland University for an International and Domestic Bachelor’s degree is between USD 13,950 and $14,850.

Aside from the affordable fees, Notre Dame of Maryland University is known for being the first Catholic college for women in America that offers four-year education.

Despite being a cheap university, its reputation is highly regarded and has a core value of transforming the world through leadership education.

Expect to spend a maximum of $14,850 on tuition fees if you want to study for a bachelor’s degree as an international student.

Here is the inquiry form to begin application at Notre Dame of Marland University

7. Loyola University Maryland

Another cheap university in Maryland is Loyola University. It consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, and Business and Management.

International and domestic students’ bachelor’s degree tuition fee is around $53,430. The institution offers around 47 undergrad and grad programs and boasts four campuses located in Baltimore. Courses offered include accounting and theology.

How to apply for Loyola University, Maryland? Learn about the application process

8. University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)

The total cost In-state and out-of-state at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is $18,643 to $29,053. The institution is located in Princess Anne and has an acceptance rate of 62 percent. It is one of the country’s four HBCUs and offers bachelor’s degrees in nearly 40 fields, including accounting.

These bachelor’s degrees are presented through the university’s academic outfit, which are the School of Education, Social Sciences, and the Arts, School of Business and Technology, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, and School of Pharmacy and Health Professions.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore contributes to the 12 University of Maryland System campuses.

Learn about the University of Maryland Eastern Shore requirements and application process here

9. Bowie State University

Located in Bowie, Ma, Ryland, the Bowie state university has a total tuition cost of between $19,920 to $30,612 for in-state and out-of-state, making it one of the most inexpensive universities in Maryland compared to most other educational outfits.

It is less challenging to get accepted into Bowie University due to its high acceptance rate.

The university has been operating since 1865, making it among the oldest HBCUs in the nation and Maryland’s oldest HBCU.

There are 23 majors offered at Bowie University, including visual communication, digital media arts, biology, and many others. These majors are provided through four colleges under the university, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Professional Studies.

Suppose your school is Bowie State University. In that case,  it will take about 30-minute to drive to arrive at Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, making the campus a strategic location for students to enjoy recreational opportunities, cultural glitz, and professional connections.

10. Frostburg State University

Frostburg University in Maryland has a high acceptance rate and is home to over 4,000 students. Otherwise known as FSU, the university has a solid image of being one of the more affordable colleges in Maryland.

It has even been ranked in the top five in the list of top institutions on value for students this year by financial companies in New York, including SmartAsset.

The total cost in-state or out-of-state at Frostburg University is between $20,612 and $34,712

Apply for Frostburg State University Online

11. Johns Hopkins University

It is impossible to complete this list of cheap universities in Maryland without mentioning Johns Hopkins University. Although it has the highest tuition fee on this list, it is the U.S state’s first research university that has maintained its tradition of excellence at such an affordable tuition cost.

International bachelor tuition at Johns Hopkins University would cost between $59,128 and $60,480. The institution concerns itself with making discoveries and innovating solutions.

Aside from the relatively affordable rates, JHU is known for its prestigious education and has been ranked among the top 30 universities in the world.

It is one thing to filter your choice of college in Maryland by affordability in tuition; it is another thing to understand their differences in offering online and offline degree programs and many other college stats.

So you want to probe into these universities before applying. For instance, the University of Maryland University College and Towson University may be cheap, but they are examples of public schools with larger student bodies in Maryland.

If you want to excel in the sciences and medical fields without breaking the bank, John Hopkins University is an excellent choice among 18 other private universities in Maryland. However, you must meet the admissions prerequisites and requirements and technical standards.

Wrapping Up

It is necessary to admit that living comfortably in Maryland can be expensive. However, there are still affordable college education opportunities.

The good thing about these cheap universities is that there are state financial aids for students who cannot absorb the financial requirements at a gulp. These aids include loan repayment, loan forgiveness programs (available for graduates willing to work in public service), and the Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant.

There is no doubt that the price of a degree can be an influencer in your decision to pursue a specific school in Maryland. While The University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) and Towson University are apparent options for cheap universities there, it is essential to consider other factors outside the tuition cost.

As you choose from these lists, pay attention to available courses, courses-on learning, and extracurriculars.

I hope you found this article helpful. Do you know of any other universities that you think would make this list of Cheap universities in Maryland? Then share in the comments.