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Key Takeaways
University of Maryland-College Park leads the state with an 84% graduation rate, CAE-R designation, and $9,889/yr in-state tuition
One of the top public CS programs nationally, with NSA and Johns Hopkins APL recruiting pipelines directly from campus
Maryland CS graduates earn a $122,420 median salary, 18% above the national average
Driven by the defense and intelligence employer corridor between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., including NSA, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman
University of Maryland-Baltimore County posts a 90% graduation rate with dual CAE-CDE and CAE-R designations at $9,238/yr
Johns Hopkins University rounds out the elite tier at $62,840/yr, also holding dual CAE-CDE/CAE-R, making Maryland unusually deep in cybersecurity-credentialed programs
14 associate's programs statewide, with Prince George's Community College at $5,016/yr offering the cheapest transfer pathway
Montgomery College, Community College of Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel Community College all hold CAE-2Y cybersecurity designations
7 online CS programs available, with University of Maryland Global Campus specializing in online delivery at $7,632/yr
UMGC holds a CAE-CDE designation and is designed for working professionals, making it the most accessible fully online option in the state
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Maryland Computer Science programs
We rank 51 accredited computer science programs in Maryland using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Science Degree Programs in Maryland Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Maryland
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Maryland by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Science Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 14 accredited associate's degree programs in computer science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Montgomery College, Community College of Balt..., Anne Arundel Community Co..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Maryland offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $7,191/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $67,331 in Maryland.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Maryland's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer science schools in Maryland, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer science degrees in Maryland.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 22 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 12 public and 10 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Maryland-College Park, U of Maryland Global, U of Maryland-Baltimore C..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Maryland computer science programs earn a median salary of $104,057, 6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $4,933 to $62,840 annually, with an average of $23,935/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 76%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Maryland's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer science degrees in Maryland, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Loyola University Maryland
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Washington College | Chestertown, MD | Private nonprofit | $53,190 | 65% | 77.0 |
| #7 | Women's Institute of Torah Seminary and College | Baltimore, MD | Private nonprofit | $9,480 | 100% | 73.2 |
| #8 | Hood College | Frederick, MD | Private nonprofit | $46,700 | 57% | 69.2 |
| #9 | Coppin State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,032 | 26% | 67.8 |
| #10 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,254 | 50% | 66.8 |
| #11 | Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | Private nonprofit | $24,804 | 29% | 65.1 |
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 10 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Johns Hopkins, U of Maryland-Baltimore C..., U of Maryland-College Park, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Maryland earn a median salary of $122,420, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $18,488/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Maryland's computer science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,698 | 41% | 62.7 |
Best Doctoral Computer Science Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland is home to 5 doctoral programs in computer science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Maryland-College Park, Johns Hopkins, U of Maryland-Baltimore C... are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Maryland PhD holders earning a median of $153,025, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Maryland programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer science degrees in Maryland, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
University of Maryland-College Park
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Capitol Technology University
Computer Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Maryland
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,237/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $43,093/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,309/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $103,424 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $25,856 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Science Students in Maryland
State Aid Programs
Maryland residents pursuing computer science degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The primary state-level opportunity is the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, a need-based award distributed by state legislators to qualified Maryland residents (Maryland Higher Education Commission). This scholarship complements federal aid programs available through the FAFSA, which all students should complete to access Federal Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal loan programs (Federal Student Aid). Additionally, students can use the College Scorecard to compare net price and aid packages across Maryland's 57 institutions offering computer science programs (College Scorecard).
Key Programs & Amounts
Many Maryland institutions also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships specific to computer science majors. Public four-year universities in Maryland average $7,730 in annual in-state tuition, making them substantially more affordable than private options (IPEDS). Students should explore institutional aid packages from top-ranked programs like University of Maryland-College Park and University of Maryland-Baltimore County, both of which provide competitive scholarships to admitted students. Transfer students benefit from Maryland's ARTSYS articulation system, which maps course equivalencies between institutions and can reduce overall degree costs (ARTSYS). For detailed financial planning, consult the BLS labor market data to understand computer science career earnings in Maryland (BLS).
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Maryland
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree in Maryland. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+959%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,774,135
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$100,000
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Maryland metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $135K |
| Bethesda | $129K |
| Rockville | $122K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Science Graduates in Maryland
Find computer science jobs in Maryland. These major employers across Maryland metro areas are actively hiring computer science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Science Jobs in Baltimore
MDComputer Science Jobs in Bethesda-Rockville
MDComputer Science Jobs in Columbia-Fort Meade
MDTransfer Pathways for Computer Science Degrees in Maryland
State Transfer System
Maryland's transfer system supports seamless progression from two-year to four-year computer science programs. The state's 18 community colleges produced 493 associate's degree completions in computer science in 2023 (IPEDS), providing an affordable and accessible entry point for students. Maryland's Articulation System (ARTSYS) maps course equivalencies between institutions, ensuring that credits transfer seamlessly and that general education and program-specific coursework align with bachelor's degree requirements (ARTSYS). Top-ranked community college programs like Montgomery College, College of Southern Maryland, and Anne Arundel Community College offer comprehensive associate's degree curricula that prepare students for direct transfer to four-year institutions. These programs are significantly more affordable, community college tuition ranges from $5,016 to $8,190 annually, compared to four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Transfer agreements between Maryland community colleges and four-year universities streamline the admissions process, often guaranteeing admission to students who maintain specified GPAs and complete required coursework. Students complete general education and foundational computer science courses at community colleges, then transfer to pursue upper-level specializations at institutions like University of Maryland-Baltimore County or Towson University. The ARTSYS system eliminates course duplication and ensures efficient progress toward the bachelor's degree. Additionally, Maryland's state financial aid programs, including the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, support transfer students (Maryland Higher Education Commission). For prospective community college students, explore Associate's Rankings in Maryland to identify top programs. Complementary pathways are available in Data Science in Maryland and Cybersecurity in Maryland, which follow similar transfer structures.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree in Maryland?
Industry & Workforce
Maryland offers exceptional opportunities for computer science students with 57 institutions across the state providing accredited programs at every degree level (IPEDS). The state produced 2,328 bachelor's degree completions in computer science during 2023, demonstrating strong educational infrastructure and employer demand (IPEDS). Maryland's computer science programs are concentrated in major tech hubs including the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region (MD portion), which host employers like Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Lockheed Martin, and Marriott International. These proximity advantages create internship and career placement opportunities unavailable in many other states.
Salary Outlook
Top-ranked institutions like the University of Maryland-College Park lead the nation in computer science education, with 960 completions annually and tuition at just $9,889 for in-state students (IPEDS). For those seeking affordability, Maryland's public universities offer exceptional value, average public in-state tuition stands at only $7,730 (IPEDS), making quality education accessible. Students also benefit from Maryland's state financial aid programs, including the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, which provides need-based awards to Maryland residents (Maryland Higher Education Commission). Whether pursuing a bachelor's degree at a competitive research institution or starting at a community college, Maryland's diverse program offerings support multiple pathways to success. Explore National Best Bachelor's Programs and National Affordable Programs to compare Maryland schools nationally.
Computer Science Program Availability in Maryland
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Science Job Market & Salary Data in Maryland
Employment Outlook
Maryland's computer science job market is strong, supported by a diverse technology sector spanning multiple metro areas and major employers. The state is home to 57 institutions offering computer science programs at various levels, producing thousands of qualified graduates annually (IPEDS). The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro areas drive significant demand for computer science professionals, with major employers including Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Maryland system, Lockheed Martin, and Marriott. These organizations consistently recruit computer science talent for roles in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and systems engineering. For current salary data and detailed occupational insights, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Maryland occupational data provides comprehensive information on earnings and employment trends in the state.
Salaries by Metro
Maryland's strategic location in the Mid-Atlantic region, coupled with proximity to federal research institutions and private sector innovation hubs, creates competitive compensation packages and diverse career pathways. Cities including Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Rockville, Frederick, Bethesda, and Towson serve as employment centers with varying cost-of-living profiles. Graduates from Maryland's top programs, including University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, and Johns Hopkins University, benefit from strong alumni networks and employer partnerships. Students should also explore related fields like Software Engineering in Maryland, Data Science in Maryland, and Cybersecurity in Maryland to understand the broader technology employment landscape.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Maryland
Online Programs
7 available in Maryland
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 128
- Median Tuition
- $31,400
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $13,200
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $9,200
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 141
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 156
- Median Tuition
- $19,000
Computer Science Degree Programs in Maryland: FAQ
What are the best computer science degree programs in Maryland?
How much do computer science degree programs cost in Maryland?
What salary can computer science degree graduates earn in Maryland?
Are there online computer science degree programs in Maryland?
What companies hire computer science degree graduates in Maryland?
Is a computer science degree program worth it in Maryland?
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What financial aid is available for computer science degree students in Maryland?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Maryland salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.