nursingadmissionscareersMaryland

Best Nursing Schools in Maryland: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

January 27, 2026

Explore Maryland's 20 nursing programs across universities and community colleges. Compare tuition costs, graduation rates, and nursing salaries to find your ideal pathway into healthcare.

Overview of Nursing Education in Maryland

Maryland offers prospective nursing students 20 accredited programs spanning both the traditional four-year university route and the more affordable two-year associate degree pathway. With 12 community colleges and 8 universities offering nursing degrees, Maryland provides flexible, accessible entry points into one of the nation's fastest-growing healthcare professions.

The state's nursing programs prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses), the standardized test required to practice as a registered nurse anywhere in the United States. Whether you're a traditional high school graduate, a career changer, or a working professional, Maryland's diverse nursing schools accommodate different timelines, budgets, and educational goals.

This guide breaks down your options, from elite private institutions to affordable community college programs, helping you make an informed decision about your nursing education investment.

Top University Nursing Programs in Maryland

Elite Option: Johns Hopkins University

Location: Baltimore
Type: Private nonprofit, 4-year
Tuition: $63,340/year
Acceptance Rate: 7.6%
Graduation Rate: 94.3%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $119,930/year (Graduate Certificate)

Johns Hopkins stands as Maryland's most selective and prestigious nursing institution. With a 7.6% acceptance rate, admission is highly competitive—you'll need strong GPA, MCAT/GRE scores, and demonstrated healthcare experience. However, the investment pays dividends: Johns Hopkins nursing graduates earn $119,930 annually, significantly higher than other Maryland programs. The 94.3% graduation rate reflects rigorous academics and strong institutional support. This program is ideal if you're pursuing advanced practice roles (nurse practitioner, clinical specialist) or leadership positions in healthcare.

Strong Value: University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

Location: Adelphi
Type: Public, 4-year
Tuition: $7,992/year (in-state)
Enrollment: 48,238
Graduation Rate: 23.6%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $92,323/year (Bachelor's Degree)

UMGC offers the lowest tuition among four-year universities at $7,992 annually—less than half the cost of Johns Hopkins. The program serves a large, diverse student population of 48,238, including many working professionals and non-traditional students. While the 23.6% graduation rate appears low, this reflects UMGC's open-access mission serving students with varied academic backgrounds. Graduates earn $92,323 yearly, a strong salary for a bachelor's degree investment. This program works well for budget-conscious students seeking flexibility and affordability.

Balanced Choice: Towson University

Location: Towson
Type: Public, 4-year
Tuition: $11,306/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 82.8%
Graduation Rate: 68.7%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $69,964/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 16,400

Towson offers a middle ground: moderate tuition ($11,306), reasonable admission standards (82.8% acceptance), and solid graduation outcomes (68.7%). With 16,400 students, you'll find a vibrant campus community. The 68.7% graduation rate indicates strong academic support and student success. Towson is ideal if you want a traditional university experience with manageable costs and good completion rates.

Strong Academics: Morgan State University

Location: Baltimore
Type: Public, 4-year
Tuition: $8,118/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 83.0%
Graduation Rate: 43.5%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $79,390/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 8,293

Morgan State combines affordability ($8,118/year) with accessible admission (83.0%). Graduates earn $79,390 annually. The 43.5% graduation rate is lower than Towson's, suggesting a more rigorous curriculum or less institutional support—research student services before enrolling.

Regional Options: Salisbury and Frostburg Universities

Salisbury University (Salisbury) offers in-state tuition of $10,638/year with an 88.6% acceptance rate and 68.0% graduation rate. Nursing graduates earn $65,146/year.

Frostburg State University (Frostburg) charges $9,998/year with an 89.4% acceptance rate and 50.7% graduation rate. Graduates earn $72,116/year.

Both serve smaller student bodies (6,056 and 2,849 respectively) and offer close-knit campus communities in rural/suburban Maryland.

Advanced Degrees: Bowie State and Stevenson University

If you're pursuing a Master's degree in nursing (for roles like nurse practitioner or nurse educator):

Bowie State University: $8,999/year tuition; 83.5% acceptance; 39.1% graduation rate; Master's graduates earn $104,121/year
Stevenson University: $39,708/year tuition; 83.2% acceptance; 65.7% graduation rate; Master's graduates earn $94,975/year

Stevenson's higher tuition reflects its private nonprofit status, but offers better graduation outcomes (65.7% vs. 39.1%).

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Maryland's 12 community colleges offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs—a two-year pathway to becoming a registered nurse. ADN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN exam as bachelor's degree holders and earn comparable starting salaries. This route costs significantly less and allows faster entry into the workforce.

Most Affordable Options

Frederick Community College (Frederick) has the lowest tuition at $3,772/year. Graduates earn $63,994/year.

Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury) charges $3,744/year. Graduates earn $58,970/year.

Baltimore City Community College (Baltimore) offers $3,314/year tuition—Maryland's cheapest nursing program. Graduates earn $71,000/year.

Highest-Earning Community College Programs

Prince George's Community College (Largo) charges $3,914/year, and graduates earn $74,944/year—the highest among two-year programs.

Montgomery College (Rockville) costs $5,394/year with graduates earning $70,026/year.

Other Strong Community College Options

Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold): $4,178/year; graduates earn $63,437/year
Howard Community College (Columbia): $4,080/year; graduates earn $66,619/year
Community College of Baltimore County (Baltimore): $4,380/year; graduates earn $62,946/year
College of Southern Maryland (La Plata): $4,200/year; graduates earn $61,812/year
Harford Community College (Bel Air): $3,974/year; graduates earn $61,717/year
Hagerstown Community College (Hagerstown): $4,320/year; graduates earn $64,870/year
Carroll Community College (Westminster): $4,128/year; graduates earn $63,387/year

Total two-year cost: Most community college nursing programs cost between $7,500–$10,800 for the complete degree—roughly one year of tuition at a public university.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Consider Your Goals

Bachelor's degree (BSN): Choose a four-year university if you plan to pursue advanced practice roles (nurse practitioner, clinical specialist), leadership positions, or graduate school. BSN graduates have more career mobility.

Associate degree (ADN): Choose a community college if you want faster entry into nursing, lower costs, and immediate employment. Many nurses later complete a bridge program (RN-to-BSN) while working.

Evaluate Admission Competitiveness

All Maryland nursing programs are competitive. Expect prerequisites including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and organic chemistry. Many programs require:

Minimum 2.5–3.0 GPA in prerequisites
TEAS or HESI entrance exam scores
Background check and drug screening
CPR certification

Johns Hopkins (7.6% acceptance) is highly selective. Community colleges and most public universities (80%+ acceptance) are more accessible but still maintain rigorous academic standards.

Factor in Graduation Rates

Higher graduation rates (65%+) suggest strong academic support and student success. Compare:

Johns Hopkins: 94.3%
Towson: 68.7%
Salisbury: 68.0%
Stevenson: 65.7%

Lower rates (40–50%) may indicate challenging curricula or fewer support services—ask programs about tutoring, mentoring, and student success resources.

Compare Total Cost of Attendance

Don't focus on tuition alone. Include:

Room and board (if living on campus)
Books and supplies ($1,200–$1,500/year)
Clinical fees
Licensing exam fees ($200–$300)
Background checks and drug screens

Community college total cost: $7,500–$10,800 for ADN
Public university total cost: $30,000–$50,000 for BSN
Private university total cost: $250,000+ for BSN

Location and Campus Culture

Consider commute time, campus size, and community. Towson (16,400 students) offers vibrant campus life. UMGC (48,238 students) serves commuters and online learners. Frostburg (2,849 students) provides tight-knit rural community.

Nursing Job Market in Maryland

Maryland's nursing job market is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects registered nurse employment will grow 6% nationally through 2032—faster than average job growth. Maryland's healthcare infrastructure, anchored by Johns Hopkins Health System and University of Maryland Medical System, creates robust demand.

Starting salaries for ADN graduates: $58,970–$74,944/year
Starting salaries for BSN graduates: $65,146–$119,930/year
Salary growth: Most nurses earn 20–30% more within 5–10 years

Maryland's cost of living (particularly in Baltimore and Washington D.C. suburbs) is moderate-to-high, so nursing salaries provide solid middle-class income. Many hospitals offer sign-on bonuses ($5,000–$15,000), student loan repayment, and tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Maryland

Federal Aid

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov. You may qualify for:

Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2024–25, no repayment required)
Federal Stafford Loans (6.53% interest for 2024–25)
Work-Study (on-campus employment)

State Aid

Maryland offers:

Maryland Higher Education Grant Program (need-based; up to $3,000/year for public universities)
Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (for healthcare programs at community colleges)

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarships
American Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships
AAUW Educational Foundation Fellowships
Nursing schools' internal scholarships (ask each program)

Employer Sponsorship

Many Maryland hospitals and health systems offer:

Tuition reimbursement ($3,000–$10,000/year)
Loan forgiveness programs
Paid clinical internships
Conditional employment agreements (work X years in exchange for education funding)

Contact HR departments at Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System, Medstar Health, and Sinai Hospital about nursing education benefits.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Ready to explore Maryland nursing programs in detail? Visit GradeToGrad's nursing school search to:

Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduation rates side-by-side
Read student reviews and campus culture insights
Calculate your total cost of attendance
Request information directly from programs
Build a personalized college list

Action Steps

Take prerequisite courses (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology) if you haven't already
Research 3–5 programs that match your goals, budget, and location preferences
Attend campus visits or virtual information sessions
Prepare for entrance exams (TEAS or HESI) if required
Complete applications (typically due 6–12 months before program start)
Apply for financial aid via FAFSA and state/institutional scholarships

Maryland's nursing programs range from elite Johns Hopkins ($63,340/year, 7.6% acceptance) to affordable community colleges ($3,314–$5,394/year). Whether you choose a four-year BSN or two-year ADN, you're investing in a stable, rewarding career with strong earning potential and job security. Use the resources above to find the program that aligns with your goals, timeline, and budget.