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Key Takeaways
Best network administration degree programs: U of Maryland Global, Stevenson, Capitol Technology
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,640 to $62,840/year
Montgomery College offers the most affordable option at $8,190/yr
Network Administration degree programs available: 12 associate's, 6 master's, 1 doctoral in Maryland
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online network administration degree programs in Maryland
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Maryland community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
12 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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration programs
We rank 25 accredited network administration 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 Network Administration Degree Programs in Maryland Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in Maryland
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in Maryland by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 12 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Montgomery College, Anne Arundel Community Co..., 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 $6,176/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 network administration schools in Maryland, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Maryland.
Show all 12 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Baltimore City Community College | Baltimore, MD | Public | $2,640 | — | 38.6 |
| #7 | Harford Community College | Bel Air, MD | Public | $5,640 | — | 38.5 |
| #8 | Carroll Community College | Westminster, MD | Public | $5,712 | — | 37.9 |
| #9 | Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown, MD | Public | $5,760 | — | 37.9 |
| #10 | Cecil College | North East, MD | Public | $7,290 | — | 42.7 |
| #11 | Garrett College | McHenry, MD | Public | $8,064 | — | 41.7 |
| #12 | Howard Community College | Columbia, MD | Public | $7,155 | — | 34.4 |
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland ranks among the nation's top destinations for network administration education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Maryland Global, Stevenson, Capitol Technology, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Maryland network administration 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 $7,110 to $45,660 annually, with an average of $23,947/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 83%, with the highest reaching 87%. 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 network administration degrees in Maryland, these top-ranked network administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,110 | — | 36.0 |
Best Master's Network Administration Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland offers 6 master's degree programs in network administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Maryland Global, Johns Hopkins, Capitol Technology, 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 $27,928/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 network administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Johns Hopkins University
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Maryland Eastern Shore | Princess Anne, MD | Public | $5,637 | 78% | 41.9 |
Best Doctoral Network Administration Programs in Maryland
Program Landscape
Maryland is home to 1 doctoral programs in network administration, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Capitol Technology 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 network administration 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.
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Maryland
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $15,781/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $39,453/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,945/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $94,688 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $23,672 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in Maryland
State Aid Programs
Maryland students pursuing network administration degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The federal government offers grants, loans, and work-study through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), administered via the Federal Student Aid portal. All Maryland residents should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans. Additionally, Maryland maintains its own need-based aid program: the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, which provides awards distributed through state legislators to Maryland residents. These scholarships recognize academic merit and financial need, making them a valuable supplement to federal aid for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and assistantships. Many of Maryland's top network administration programs, including University of Maryland-College Park, Johns Hopkins University, and Towson University, provide merit-based awards, graduate assistantships, and tuition remission opportunities. Community colleges like Montgomery College and Anne Arundel Community College often have lower sticker prices and transfer-friendly pathways, reducing overall cost of degree completion. Students should consult institutional financial aid offices and review the College Scorecard for transparency on net price and aid availability. For detailed state-level guidance, the Maryland Higher Education Commission provides comprehensive scholarship and funding information.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Maryland
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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
Network Administration 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 Network Administration Graduates in Maryland
Find network administration jobs in Maryland. These major employers across Maryland metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration Jobs in Baltimore
MDNetwork Administration Jobs in Bethesda-Rockville
MDNetwork Administration Jobs in Columbia-Fort Meade
MDTransfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in Maryland
State Transfer System
Maryland's strong transfer system makes pursuing a Network Administration degree highly accessible through multiple pathways. The ARTSYS (Articulation System) maps course equivalencies between Maryland's 13 associate's degree programs and 7 bachelor's degree programs, enabling seamless credit transfer. Students beginning at community colleges like Montgomery College, Anne Arundel Community College, or Community College of Baltimore County can complete associate's degrees then transfer to four-year institutions with guaranteed credit recognition and junior-standing admission.
How Transfers Work
This pathway offers significant advantages: associate's degrees cost substantially less than bachelor's programs, with tuition as low as $5,016 at Prince George's Community College, compared to average public four-year in-state tuition of $7,730. Community college graduates maintain competitive academic preparation and often receive priority admission at partner universities like University of Maryland-College Park, Towson University, and University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Maryland residents benefit from the Maryland Senatorial/Delegate Scholarship, a need-based award available through state legislators to ease transfer transitions. Consult ARTSYS directly to identify specific course equivalencies and articulation agreements for your intended transfer institution.
Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in Maryland?
Industry & Workforce
Maryland offers exceptional opportunities for students pursuing Network Administration degrees across multiple degree levels. According to IPEDS, the state hosts 29 institutions offering Network Administration programs, with 13 associate's, 7 bachelor's, 8 master's, and 1 doctoral program. In 2023 alone, Maryland institutions awarded 453 associate's completions, 484 bachelor's completions, and 1,129 master's completions, demonstrating strong educational pathways from entry-level to advanced credentials. The University of Maryland Global Campus leads the nation with 1,211 completions, while prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Capitol Technology University provide specialized, research-driven training.
Salary Outlook
Maryland's strategic location in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro areas provides proximity to major technology employers including Johns Hopkins, NIH, the University of Maryland, Lockheed Martin, and Marriott. These employers actively recruit network administration professionals, creating strong job placement prospects. Public in-state tuition averages just $7,730 at four-year institutions, making quality education accessible. For students seeking top-ranked programs, University of Maryland-College Park and Towson University offer excellent bachelor's degrees, while Johns Hopkins University leads master's rankings. Explore related IT specializations through our guides on Cybersecurity in Maryland and Information Technology in Maryland.
Network Administration Program Availability in Maryland
Source: IPEDS 2024
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Maryland
Employment Outlook
Maryland's network administration job market is strong, supported by a diverse employer base and strategic geographic location spanning multiple major metropolitan areas. The state hosts 29 institutions offering network administration programs at various credential levels, producing skilled professionals to meet regional demand (IPEDS). Key hiring markets include the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria corridor (Maryland portion), both of which feature significant concentrations of technology employers and government agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland's technology sector continues to expand, creating consistent opportunities for network administration professionals across multiple industries and career stages.
Salaries by Metro
Network administration graduates from Maryland institutions benefit from proximity to major employers in cities including Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Rockville, Frederick, Bethesda, and Towson. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $7,730, making Maryland programs accessible compared to national averages (College Scorecard). Students pursuing associate's degrees have 13 institutions to choose from with 453 completions annually, while bachelor's seekers can select from 7 institutions producing 484 completions per year. For advanced credentials, 8 institutions offer master's programs with 1,129 completions, demonstrating strong pipeline development from entry-level through advanced positions in the state's network administration sector.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in Maryland
Online Programs
2 available in Maryland
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 48
- Median Tuition
- $19,700
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $14,700
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $8,400
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
Network Administration Degree Programs in Maryland: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in Maryland?
How much do network administration degree programs cost in Maryland?
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in Maryland?
Are there online network administration degree programs in Maryland?
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in Maryland?
Is a network administration degree program worth it in Maryland?
How long do network administration degree programs take in Maryland?
What financial aid is available for network administration 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.