Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Maryland 2025
University of Maryland-College Park
974 software engineering graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
164 software engineering graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Towson University
176 software engineering graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
- 1.Maryland offers 14+ accredited software engineering 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)
Software Engineering Education in Maryland: Overview
Maryland offers 14 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 1,479 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 software engineering 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 14 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering 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% | 61.7 |
| 3 | Towson University | Towson, MD | Public | $7,382 | 91% | 60.8 |
| 4 | United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | Public | $0 | — | 55.2 |
| 5 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | — | 51.4 |
| 6 | Loyola University Maryland | Baltimore, MD | Private | $55,480 | 92% | 50.2 |
| 7 | Hood College | Frederick, MD | Private | $45,120 | 84% | 47.3 |
| 8 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | Private | $26,088 | 87% | 45.2 |
| 9 | Coppin State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $4,933 | — | 42.8 |
| 10 | Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | Private | $23,400 | — | 41.4 |
| 11 | Washington College | Chestertown, MD | Private | $52,146 | — | 38.8 |
| 12 | Frostburg State University | Frostburg, MD | Public | $7,110 | — | 37 |
| 13 | Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD | Public | $5,587 | 52% | 37 |
| 14 | Women's Institute of Torah Seminary and College | Baltimore, MD | Private | $9,000 | 2% | 20.9 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side
| School | UMD College Park | UMBC | Towson | United States Naval Academy | Johns Hopkins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,889 | $9,238 | $7,382 | $0 | $62,840 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 90% | 91% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 974 | 164 | 176 | 47 | 11 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% | 74% | 83% | 9% | 8% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 88.0/100 | 61.7/100 | 60.8/100 | 55.2/100 | 51.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Maryland
Maryland offers 13 bachelor's-level software engineering 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMD College Park | $9,889 | 84% | 974 | 88.0 |
| #2 UMBC | $9,238 | 90% | 370 | 69.3 |
| #3 Towson | $7,382 | 91% | 176 | 60.8 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland
For graduate study, Maryland offers 6 master's-level software engineering 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 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Maryland
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UMBC | $9,238 | 90% | 164 | 61.7 |
| #2 UMD College Park | $9,889 | 84% | 64 | 74.2 |
| #3 Towson | $7,382 | 91% | 41 | 60.5 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Maryland
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering 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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Schools in Maryland
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 974 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 45%
- • Ranking Score: 88.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 974 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 88.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (974 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 164 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 61.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 164 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (164 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 176 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 60.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 176 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.8 / 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
The program requires a minimum of 30 major units to be taken at Towson University and offers an accelerated B.S./M.S. option in Computer Science. The Software Engineering track includes specialized courses in requirements analysis, quality assurance, and a software project practicum.
Admission Prerequisites
- •COSC 175
- •MATH 119 or MATH 231 or qualifying score in Math placement test
Program Details
- Credits: 87-89 units for major, 120 total units to graduate
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Sources
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 47 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 55.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 47 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (47 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,840 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 51.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 11 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Johns Hopkins offers a top-ranked computer science program (#21 nationally) with unprecedented investment in AI and data science, adding 12 new faculty members and providing access to world-class research centers. The program requires no GRE and no application fee, with flexible degree completion options including courses combined with research.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Software Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1252Backend Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1252Frontend Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer 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
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Explore computer science programs in Maryland
Explore computer engineering programs in Maryland
Explore information technology programs in Maryland
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Software Engineering 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.