Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in Maryland 2025
University of Maryland-College Park
873 computer programming graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
151 computer programming graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Towson University
176 computer programming graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
- 1.Maryland offers 13+ accredited computer programming 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 Programming Education in Maryland: Overview
Maryland offers 13 accredited computer programming programs, producing approximately 1,344 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 programming programs in the state are led by University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Towson University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Programming degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Maryland-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Maryland Computer Programming Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | 88 |
| 2 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $9,238 | 90% | 61.9 |
| 3 | Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | $7,382 | 91% | 61.7 |
| 4 | United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | Public | $0 | — | 55 |
| 5 | Loyola University Maryland | Baltimore, MD | Private | $55,480 | 92% | 50.5 |
| 6 | Hood College | Frederick, MD | Private | $45,120 | 84% | 47.5 |
| 7 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | $26,088 | 87% | 44.1 |
| 8 | Coppin State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $4,933 | — | 43 |
| 9 | Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | Private | $23,400 | — | 41.5 |
| 10 | Washington College | Chestertown, MD | Private | $52,146 | — | 39 |
| 11 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,110 | — | 37.3 |
| 12 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,587 | 52% | 37.2 |
| 13 | Women's Institute of Torah Seminary and College | Baltimore, MD | Private | $9,000 | 2% | 21 |
Top 5 Computer Programming Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side
| School | UMD College Park | UMBC | Towson | United States Naval Academy | Loyola University Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,889 | $9,238 | $7,382 | $0 | $55,480 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 90% | 91% | N/A% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 873 | 151 | 176 | 40 | 25 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% | 74% | 83% | 9% | 76% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 88.0/100 | 61.9/100 | 61.7/100 | 55.0/100 | 50.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Programming in Maryland
Maryland offers 12 bachelor's-level computer programming 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 programming typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs in Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMD College Park | $9,889 | 84% | 873 | 88.0 |
| #2 UMBC | $9,238 | 90% | 330 | 69.2 |
| #3 Towson | $7,382 | 91% | 176 | 61.7 |
Top Computer Programming Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland
For graduate study, Maryland offers 6 master's-level computer programming programs. Leading institutions include University of Maryland-Baltimore County, University of Maryland-College Park, Towson University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maryland reaching $159,146 or more.
Top 3 Computer Programming Master's Programs in Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMBC | $9,238 | 90% | 151 | 61.9 |
| #2 UMD College Park | $9,889 | 84% | 64 | 75.2 |
| #3 Towson | $7,382 | 91% | 41 | 61.3 |
Most Affordable Computer Programming Colleges in Maryland
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer programming 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 Programming Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs in Maryland (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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 Programming Schools in Maryland
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer programming 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.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,889 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 873 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 45%
- • Ranking Score: 88.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 873 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 88.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (873 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (45% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,238 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 151 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 61.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 151 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (151 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMBC's Computer Science program offers a comprehensive 77-credit curriculum with strong foundations in algorithms, operating systems, and software engineering. The university's location between Washington D.C. and Baltimore provides access to key industries like healthcare, biotechnology, and professional services, while research opportunities and accelerated bachelor's/master's programs enhance academic flexibility.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 77 credits
Towson University
Towson, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,382 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 176 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 61.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 176 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
Why Choose This Program
Towson University's Computer Science program offers specialized tracks in Cyber Operations and Software Engineering with an accelerated B.S./M.S. option. The program is part of Maryland's #1 public university with strong employment outcomes, where 90% of graduates find employment or enter graduate school.
Admission Prerequisites
- •COSC 175
- •COSC 236
- •COSC 237
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.00
Program Details
- Credits: 81-83
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $60,840
- Job Placement: 90%
Available Specializations / Concentrations
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 55.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 40 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $55,480 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 25 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 50.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 25 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (25 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- 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
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maryland's 13)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Maryland
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Explore software engineering programs in Maryland
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Explore computer engineering programs in Maryland
Computer Programming Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Computer Programming 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
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.