Maryland university campus representing computer engineering education
Updated December 2025

Best Computer Engineering Programs in Maryland: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 14 top accredited computer engineering programs in Maryland. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville.

Programs Ranked14
Median Salary$122,420
Cost of Living109.4%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Maryland 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MDPublic

1074 computer engineering graduates annually, 84% graduation rate

$10K
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad Rate
88.0
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MDPrivate

208 computer engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$63K
Tuition/yr
66.3
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MDPublic

171 computer engineering graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$9K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
61.3
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Maryland offers 14+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
  • 2.University of Maryland-College Park leads with 84% graduation rate
  • 3.Maryland software developers earn median $122,420 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
  • 5.Cost of living index: 109.4% of US average (above average)

Computer Engineering Education in Maryland: Overview

Maryland offers 14 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 1,806 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville, with major employers including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.

With a median software developer salary of $122,420 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 109.4% compared to the US average, Maryland offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.

The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by University of Maryland-College Park, Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 14 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Maryland-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Maryland Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MDPublic$9,88984%88
2Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MDPrivate$62,840โ€”66.3
3University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MDPublic$9,23890%61.3
4Towson UniversityTowson, MDPublic$7,38291%60
5United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis, MDPublic$0โ€”58.9
6Loyola University MarylandBaltimore, MDPrivate$55,48092%49.9
7Hood CollegeFrederick, MDPrivate$45,12084%47
8Capitol Technology UniversityLaurel, MDPrivate$26,08887%46.1
9Coppin State UniversityBaltimore, MDPublic$4,933โ€”42.7
10Washington Adventist UniversityTakoma Park, MDPrivate$23,400โ€”41.4
11Washington CollegeChestertown, MDPrivate$52,146โ€”38.7
12Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MDPublic$5,58752%36.8
13Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg, MDPublic$7,110โ€”36.7
14Women's Institute of Torah Seminary and CollegeBaltimore, MDPrivate$9,0002%20.8

Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side

SchoolUMD College ParkJohns HopkinsUMBCTowsonUnited States Naval Academy
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$9,889
$62,840
$9,238
$7,382
$0
Graduation Rate
84%
N/A%
90%
91%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
1074
208
171
176
65
Acceptance Rate
45%
8%
74%
83%
9%
Type
Public
Private
Public
Public
Public
Score
88.0/100
66.3/100
61.3/100
60.0/100
58.9/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Maryland

Maryland offers 14 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Towson University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,694 in the Maryland market.

A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Maryland

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 UMD College Park
$9,889
84%
1074
88.0
#2 UMBC
$9,238
90%
370
68.2
#3 Towson
$7,382
91%
176
60.0

Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland

For graduate study, Maryland offers 8 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, University of Maryland-College Park. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maryland reaching $159,146 or more.

Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Maryland

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Johns Hopkins
$62,840
N/A%
208
66.3
#2 UMBC
$9,238
90%
171
61.3
#3 UMD College Park
$9,889
84%
94
76.0

Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Maryland

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Maryland are at Coppin State University ($4,933/year), Morgan State University ($5,587/year), Frostburg State University ($7,110/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Maryland's competitive tech salaries.

At Coppin State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $19,732 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,694, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Maryland (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Coppin State
$4,933
$19,732
0.4 years
Public
#2 Morgan State
$5,587
$22,348
0.4 years
Public
#3 Frostburg State
$7,110
$28,440
0.6 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Maryland

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Maryland, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,889 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 1,074 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 88.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 84% graduation rate
  • 1,074 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 88.0 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (1,074 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (45% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $62,840 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 208 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 66.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 208 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 66.3 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (208 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,238 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 171 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 61.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 171 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 61.3 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (171 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Towson University

Towson, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,382 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 176 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 60.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • 176 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 60.0 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (176 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

United States Naval Academy

Annapolis, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 65 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 58.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 65 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 58.9 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (65 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$85,694
Starting Salary
$122,420
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
6,076
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$110,571

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$137,677

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$129,234

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$116,996
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$132,854

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Maryland if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
  • You're seeking competitive salaries ($122,420 median)
  • You want to work at companies like NSA or Lockheed Martin
  • You prefer Maryland's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maryland's 14)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

Other Tech Degree Programs in Maryland

Explore artificial intelligence programs in Maryland

Explore machine learning programs in Maryland

Explore data science programs in Maryland

47 programs
+35% growth
Explore Data Science in Maryland

Explore data analytics programs in Maryland

Explore cybersecurity programs in Maryland

30 programs
+33% growth
Explore Cybersecurity in Maryland

Explore information security programs in Maryland

Explore software engineering programs in Maryland

Explore computer science programs in Maryland

Explore information technology programs in Maryland

Computer Engineering Programs in Other States

Computer Engineering in Maryland FAQ

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Maryland salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)

Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.