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Key Takeaways
Best information systems degree programs: U of Maryland Global, U of Maryland-College Park, U of Maryland-Baltimore C...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,640 to $62,840/year
Prince George's Community... offers the most affordable option at $5,016/yr
Information Systems degree programs available: 11 associate's, 11 master's, 4 doctoral in Maryland
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online information systems degree programs in Maryland
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Maryland community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
11 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL, Northrop Grumman
Tech hubs in Baltimore and Bethesda
Hakia Research 2026
Information Systems degree programs near 43+ cities across Maryland
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Maryland Information Systems programs
We rank 41 accredited information systems 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 Information Systems Degree Programs in Maryland Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Systems Degree Rankings in Maryland
Compare the top-ranked Information Systems programs in Maryland by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Systems Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 11 accredited associate's degree programs in information systems, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Prince George's Community..., Howard Community College, Community College of Balt..., 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 $5,908/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 information systems schools in Maryland, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information systems degrees in Maryland.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Howard Community College | Columbia, MD | Public | $7,371 | 24% | 70.8 |
| #7 | Prince George's Community College | Largo, MD | Public | $5,136 | 18% | 70.2 |
| #8 | Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,856 | 19% | 69.2 |
Best Bachelor's Information Systems Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland ranks among the nation's top destinations for information systems education, with 15 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 10 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Maryland Global, U of Maryland-College Park, U of Maryland-Baltimore C..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Maryland information systems 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 $55,480 annually, with an average of $16,921/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 83%, 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 information systems degrees in Maryland, these top-ranked information systems 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 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi, MD | Public | $7,776 | 33% | 75.1 |
| #7 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,698 | 41% | 69.1 |
| #8 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,254 | 50% | 68.8 |
| #9 | University of Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | Public | $7,590 | 38% | 67.3 |
| #10 | Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | Private nonprofit | $24,804 | 29% | 66.0 |
| #11 | Strayer University-Maryland | Suitland, MD | Private for-profit | $13,725 | 38% | 62.3 |
Best Master's Information Systems Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 11 master's degree programs in information systems, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Maryland Global, Johns Hopkins, 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 $27,111/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 information systems schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola University Maryland
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | Private nonprofit | $37,734 | 68% | 71.3 |
| #7 | Bowie State University | Bowie, MD | Public | $6,113 | 38% | 69.7 |
| #8 | Notre Dame of Maryland University | Baltimore, MD | Private nonprofit | $41,850 | 50% | 62.6 |
| #9 | Strayer University-Maryland | Suitland, MD | Private for-profit | $13,725 | 38% | 58.9 |
Best Doctoral Information Systems Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland is home to 4 doctoral programs in information systems, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Capitol Technology, U of Maryland-Baltimore C..., Towson 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 information systems 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
Information Systems Degree Costs & Tuition in Maryland
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $15,361/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $38,403/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,840/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $92,168 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $23,042 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Systems Students in Maryland
State Aid Programs
Maryland students pursuing Information Systems degrees have access to multiple federal and state funding opportunities. The primary pathway for federal aid begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid, which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Maryland residents attending four-year institutions benefit from the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, a need-based award program administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. These scholarships are funded by state legislators and provide direct support to qualifying students, supplementing federal aid packages and reducing overall borrowing needs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, students should explore institutional scholarships offered by Maryland's 47 institutions offering Information Systems programs. Major universities like University of Maryland-College Park and Johns Hopkins University provide merit-based and need-based aid packages tailored to IS majors. Community college students beginning their IS education at Maryland's 18 two-year institutions often benefit from lower overall costs and targeted aid programs before transferring through the ARTSYS Articulation System, which streamlines course equivalencies across Maryland's higher education network. Additionally, students should use the College Scorecard to compare actual net price calculations across Maryland institutions, factoring in average aid amounts and post-graduation outcomes. Combining federal Pell Grants, state scholarships, and institutional aid can significantly reduce the cost burden for IS students across all degree levels.
Information Systems Degree ROI Calculator, Maryland
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information systems 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.
Information Systems Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information systems 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
Information Systems 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 Information Systems Graduates in Maryland
Find information systems jobs in Maryland. These major employers across Maryland metro areas are actively hiring information systems degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Systems Jobs in Baltimore
MDInformation Systems Jobs in Bethesda-Rockville
MDInformation Systems Jobs in Columbia-Fort Meade
MDTransfer Pathways for Information Systems Degrees in Maryland
State Transfer System
Maryland's ARTSYS (Articulation System) streamlines transfer pathways for Information Systems students moving from two-year to four-year institutions. This comprehensive course equivalency mapping system ensures that credits earned at 13 community colleges offering IS associate's degrees transfer seamlessly to bachelor's programs at 17 four-year institutions. ARTSYS eliminates duplicate coursework and expedites degree completion, making the pathway to a bachelor's degree more efficient and affordable. Students complete general education and foundational IS courses at community colleges like Montgomery College, Prince George's Community College, or Howard Community College, then transfer to universities such as Towson University or University of Maryland-Baltimore County to complete upper-level IS coursework and specializations.
How Transfers Work
The transfer pathway strategy offers significant financial advantages, as community college tuition averages substantially lower than four-year institutions. For example, Prince George's Community College charges $5,016 annually, while Montgomery College charges $8,190, compared to four-year public institution averages of $7,730 in-state. Students can save thousands of dollars on their first two years before transferring. Maryland's guaranteed transfer agreements ensure that associate's degree holders with strong academic records are admitted to four-year programs with junior status. For additional information about transfer policies and articulation, visit the ARTSYS portal, consult with community college advisors, or explore related programs through our guides on Information Technology in Maryland and Data Analytics in Maryland.
Why Pursue an Information Systems Degree in Maryland?
Industry & Workforce
Maryland has established itself as a premier destination for Information Systems education, with 47 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, according to IPEDS data. The state's strong academic ecosystem includes 17 four-year institutions dedicated to bachelor's degree programs, complemented by 13 two-year community colleges providing accessible entry points. In 2023 alone, Maryland institutions awarded 3,291 bachelor's completions and 1,299 master's completions, demonstrating the strength and scale of IS education throughout the state. Top-tier institutions like the University of Maryland-College Park and Johns Hopkins University consistently rank among the nation's best, offering programs in Maryland's vibrant tech corridors.
Salary Outlook
The state's geographic and economic advantages further enhance the appeal of studying IS in Maryland. The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro areas host major technology employers including Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Lockheed Martin, and the University of Maryland system itself. Maryland's competitive tuition structure, with average public four-year in-state tuition at just $7,730, makes quality education accessible compared to the national average. Students also benefit from state-specific financial support through the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, which provides need-based awards to Maryland residents. Explore related technology fields in the state through our guides on Information Technology in Maryland and Data Analytics in Maryland to understand the broader tech landscape.
Information Systems Program Availability in Maryland
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Systems Job Market & Salary Data in Maryland
Employment Outlook
Maryland's information systems job market is strong and growing, supported by a diverse employer base spanning government, healthcare, defense, and hospitality sectors. The state's strategic location between major metropolitan corridors, including the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region, creates significant demand for skilled IS professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland offers competitive salaries and steady employment growth in technology roles. Major cities including Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Rockville, Frederick, and Bethesda all maintain active IT job markets, with employers actively recruiting graduates from Maryland's 47 institutions offering information systems programs.
Salaries by Metro
The state's information systems landscape benefits from anchor institutions like Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Maryland system, and major corporations such as Lockheed Martin and Marriott. These employers consistently seek entry-level and experienced IS professionals, making Maryland an excellent market for both recent graduates and career changers. The availability of both Bachelor's degrees (3,291 completions) and Master's programs (1,299 completions) across the state ensures a strong pipeline of talent. Prospective students should explore career prospects through the College Scorecard, which provides detailed employment and earnings data for Maryland institutions offering information systems degrees.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Systems Programs in Maryland
Online Programs
3 available in Maryland
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Systems Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 113
- Median Tuition
- $21,600
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $12,800
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 133
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 110
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Information Systems Degree Programs in Maryland: FAQ
What are the best information systems degree programs in Maryland?
How much do information systems degree programs cost in Maryland?
What salary can information systems degree graduates earn in Maryland?
Are there online information systems degree programs in Maryland?
What companies hire information systems degree graduates in Maryland?
Is an information systems degree program worth it in Maryland?
How long do information systems degree programs take in Maryland?
What financial aid is available for information systems 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.