Top 3 Data Science Programs in Maryland 2025
University of Maryland-College Park
873 data science graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
Johns Hopkins University
140 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
154 data science graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
- 1.Maryland offers 14+ accredited data science 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)
Data Science Education in Maryland: Overview
Maryland offers 14 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 1,495 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 data science 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.
Based on 14 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science 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 Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | 88 |
| 2 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | — | 64.8 |
| 3 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $9,238 | 90% | 62.1 |
| 4 | Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | $7,382 | 91% | 61.7 |
| 5 | United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | Public | $0 | — | 55 |
| 6 | Loyola University Maryland | Baltimore, MD | Private | $55,480 | 92% | 50.9 |
| 7 | Hood College | Frederick, MD | Private | $45,120 | 84% | 47.5 |
| 8 | Salisbury University | Salisbury, MD | Public | $7,706 | 97% | 45.8 |
| 9 | Coppin State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $4,933 | — | 43 |
| 10 | Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | Private | $23,400 | — | 41.5 |
| 11 | Washington College | Chestertown, MD | Private | $52,146 | — | 39 |
| 12 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,110 | — | 37.3 |
| 13 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,587 | 52% | 37.2 |
| 14 | Women's Institute of Torah Seminary and College | Baltimore, MD | Private | $9,000 | 2% | 21 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side
| School | UMD College Park | Johns Hopkins | UMBC | Towson | United 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 | 873 | 140 | 154 | 176 | 40 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% | 8% | 74% | 83% | 9% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 88.0/100 | 64.8/100 | 62.1/100 | 61.7/100 | 55.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Maryland
Maryland offers 12 bachelor's-level data science 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 data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science 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% | 348 | 69.8 |
| #3 Towson | $7,382 | 91% | 176 | 61.7 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland
For graduate study, Maryland offers 7 master's-level data science 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 Data Science Master's Programs in Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Johns Hopkins | $62,840 | N/A% | 140 | 64.8 |
| #2 UMBC | $9,238 | 90% | 154 | 62.1 |
| #3 UMD College Park | $9,889 | 84% | 72 | 76.4 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Maryland
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science 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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science 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 Data Science Schools in Maryland
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data science 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 873 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 45%
- • Ranking Score: 88.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 873 data science 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.
Why Choose This Program
UMD offers both traditional Data Science and unique Social Data Science programs that combine computer science, statistics, and social science expertise. The university has extraordinary research capabilities through specialized centers like SoDa and START, with strong industry partnerships including Facebook for COVID-19 research.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH140
- •MATH141
- •CMSC131
- •CMSC132
- •CMSC216
- •CMSC250
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 75%
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,840 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 140 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 64.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 140 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (140 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (8% 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 154 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 62.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 154 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (154 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Towson University
Towson, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,382 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 176 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 61.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 176 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.7 / 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.
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 55.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 40 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1252Data Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Data Analyst opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Business Intelligence 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 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 analytics programs in Maryland
Explore cybersecurity programs in Maryland
Explore information security programs in Maryland
Explore software engineering programs in Maryland
Explore computer science programs in Maryland
Explore computer engineering programs in Maryland
Explore information technology programs in Maryland
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Data Science 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.