1. Johns Hopkins University
Overview of Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Founded in 1876, Johns Hopkins University is a prestigious private research university and is recognized globally for its leadership in medicine, public health, and engineering. The university was the first in the United States to adopt the German university model of emphasizing research through seminars and laboratories. It’s best known for its School of Medicine, Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Whiting School of Engineering.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #9 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 27,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 260 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Average SAT Score: 1480-1560
Extracurricular Activities
- Johns Hopkins Blue Jays Athletics (NCAA Division III)
- The Johns Hopkins News-Letter (student newspaper)
- The Hopkins Symphony Orchestra
- Student Government Association
- Research and Health Care Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Michael Bloomberg – Former Mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg LP
- Woodrow Wilson – 28th President of the United States
- Rachel Carson – Marine biologist and conservationist, author of Silent Spring
- Johns Hopkins – Founder of the university
- Wolf Blitzer – Journalist and anchor for CNN
Top Employers of Graduates
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Northrop Grumman
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Amazon
2. University of Maryland, College Park (UMD)
Overview of University of Maryland, College Park
Location: College Park, Maryland
Established in 1856, UMD is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and one of the nation’s top public research universities. Known for its excellent programs in engineering, business, and computer science, UMD is also famous for its extensive research partnerships, including with NASA and the U.S. government. UMD’s proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it a hub for public policy and federal internships.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #55 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 40,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Average SAT Score: 1290-1480
Extracurricular Activities
- Maryland Terrapins Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government Association
- The Diamondback (student newspaper)
- Engineers Without Borders
- UMD Debate Team
Famous Alumni
- Sergey Brin – Co-founder of Google
- Larry David – Comedian and co-creator of Seinfeld
- Carl Bernstein – Journalist who uncovered the Watergate scandal
- Jim Henson – Creator of The Muppets
- Gayle King – Co-host of CBS This Morning
Top Employers of Graduates
- Lockheed Martin
- Amazon
- Northrop Grumman
- Booz Allen Hamilton
3. United States Naval Academy (USNA)
Overview of United States Naval Academy
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Founded in 1845, the United States Naval Academy is a federal service academy that educates and commissions officers for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Known for its rigorous academic and physical training, USNA offers a disciplined environment that fosters leadership and service. It is renowned for producing top military leaders and astronauts, including some of the most influential figures in the U.S. Navy.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #3 Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 4,500 midshipmen
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Science degrees in 25 fields
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Average SAT Score: 1230-1450
Extracurricular Activities
- Navy Midshipmen Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Brigade of Midshipmen leadership positions
- Navy Sailing Team
- The Drum and Bugle Corps
- Service Clubs and Military Societies
Famous Alumni
- John McCain – U.S. Senator and former Presidential candidate
- Jimmy Carter – 39th President of the United States
- David Robinson – NBA Hall of Famer
- Alan Shepard – First American in space
- Chester W. Nimitz – Fleet Admiral of the U.S. Navy during WWII
Top Employers of Graduates
- United States Navy
- United States Marine Corps
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Boeing
4. Loyola University Maryland
Overview of Loyola University Maryland
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Established in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit liberal arts university known for its commitment to a values-based education and focus on leadership and service. The university is particularly strong in programs like business, psychology, and education, and it provides a well-rounded liberal arts education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence and ethical leadership.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #4 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: Approximately 5,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1170-1340
Extracurricular Activities
- Loyola Greyhounds Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government Association
- Campus Ministry and Service Programs
- Greek Life
- Entrepreneurship and Leadership Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Tom Clancy – Bestselling author of The Hunt for Red October
- Jim McKay – Sports journalist and broadcaster
- Mike Malone – NBA head coach
- Harry Markopolos – Whistleblower in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme
- Patrick Flynn – Vice President of Salesforce
Top Employers of Graduates
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- T. Rowe Price
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- Loyola University Maryland
5. Towson University
Overview of Towson University
Location: Towson, Maryland
Founded in 1866, Towson University is a public university known for its programs in education, business, health professions, and arts. It is the second-largest university in Maryland and has a strong reputation for teacher education and producing graduates who enter the public service and education sectors. The university is also known for its diverse student body and vibrant campus life.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #44 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: Approximately 22,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1040-1220
Extracurricular Activities
- Towson Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government Association
- The Towerlight (student newspaper)
- Greek Life
- Community Service and Outreach Programs
Famous Alumni
- Amy Schumer – Comedian and actress
- Stacy Keibler – Former WWE wrestler and actress
- Mike Rowe – TV host, Dirty Jobs
- Toni Braxton – Grammy Award-winning singer
- Gary Neal – Former NBA player
Top Employers of Graduates
- Baltimore County Public Schools
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- University of Maryland Medical System
- Northrop Grumman
- T. Rowe Price
6. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Overview of University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Founded in 1966, UMBC is a public research university known for its strengths in the sciences, engineering, and information technology. UMBC is recognized for its focus on undergraduate research, innovation, and its diversity initiatives. It consistently ranks among the top universities in the U.S. for producing graduates who go on to earn doctorates in STEM fields.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #137 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Average SAT Score: 1220-1410
Extracurricular Activities
- UMBC Retrievers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Chess Club (nationally ranked)
- Meyerhoff Scholars Program
- Student Government Association
- Undergraduate Research and Innovation Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Kizzmekia Corbett – Lead scientist in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
- Kwame Dawes – Poet and author
- Dan Marohl – Professional lacrosse player
- Erickson Blanks – Founder of tech company SparksFly
- Marc Steiner – Public radio host and producer
Top Employers of Graduates
- Northrop Grumman
- Lockheed Martin
- Amazon
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
7. Mount St. Mary’s University
Overview of Mount St. Mary’s University
Location: Emmitsburg, Maryland
Founded in 1808, Mount St. Mary’s University is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States. It is known for its programs in liberal arts, business, and education, with a strong emphasis on ethics and leadership development. The university offers a personalized education with small class sizes and focuses on developing the whole person, both academically and spiritually.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #44 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1250
Extracurricular Activities
- Mountaineers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Campus Ministry and Service Programs
- Student Government Association
- Music Ensembles and Theater Groups
- Outdoor Adventure Club
Famous Alumni
- Fred Carter – Former NBA player and coach
- Peter Angelos – Owner of the Baltimore Orioles
- Tim Gallagher – Former U.S. Secret Service Director
- Lou Barletta – Former U.S. Congressman
- Sam Perlozzo – MLB coach
Top Employers of Graduates
- Mount St. Mary’s University
- Northrop Grumman
- U.S. Army
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Frederick County Public Schools
8. Salisbury University
Overview of Salisbury University
Location: Salisbury, Maryland
Founded in 1925, Salisbury University is a public university known for its programs in education, business, and nursing. It is part of the University System of Maryland and provides a personalized learning environment with a focus on student engagement and applied learning. The Perdue School of Business is highly respected, and the university is also recognized for its environmental sustainability efforts.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #62 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: Approximately 8,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1260
Extracurricular Activities
- Sea Gulls Athletics (NCAA Division III)
- Student Government Association
- Environmental and Sustainability Clubs
- Greek Life
- Performing Arts Groups
Famous Alumni
- Brice Williams – Mayor of Salisbury
- Dan Quinn – NFL coach
- Vic Fangio – NFL coach
- Patricia Guerrero – Maryland State Senator
- Chris Adams – State delegate in Maryland
Top Employers of Graduates
- TidalHealth Peninsula Regional
- Wicomico County Public Schools
- Perdue Farms
- Wells Fargo
- University of Maryland Medical System
9. St. John’s College
Overview of St. John’s College
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Founded in 1696, St. John’s College is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. Known for its distinctive Great Books curriculum, St. John’s focuses on a classical education where students study original texts in literature, philosophy, math, and science. It has a strong liberal arts tradition that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and discussion.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #63 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 500
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Liberal Arts
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Average SAT Score: 1230-1450
Extracurricular Activities
- The King William Players (theater troupe)
- Debate Society
- Intramural Sports
- Student Government Association
- Great Books Discussion Groups
Famous Alumni
- Francis Scott Key – Author of The Star-Spangled Banner
- Robert A. George – Editorial writer for Bloomberg Opinion
- David Townsend – Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University
- Walter Isaacson – Biographer and journalist
- Lex Friedman – Podcaster and AI researcher
Top Employers of Graduates
- St. John’s College
- Library of Congress
- Johns Hopkins University
- National Endowment for the Humanities
- Smithsonian Institution
10. Frostburg State University
Overview of Frostburg State University
Location: Frostburg, Maryland
Founded in 1898, Frostburg State University is a public university located in Western Maryland and is part of the University System of Maryland. Frostburg is known for its strong programs in business, education, and environmental science. The university places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement, offering students numerous internship and research opportunities.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #109 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: Approximately 4,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Average SAT Score: 960-1160
Extracurricular Activities
- Frostburg Bobcats Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Environmental and Sustainability Clubs
- Student Government Association
- Greek Life
- Outdoor Adventure Club
Famous Alumni
- Jimmy Tingle – Comedian and political humorist
- Greg Garcia – Television producer and writer
- J.R. Martinez – Actor and motivational speaker
- Mark Manges – Former NFL player
- Cathy Wiblemo – Deputy Director of the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee
Top Employers of Graduates
- Allegany County Public Schools
- Frostburg State University
- U.S. Forest Service
- Northrop Grumman
- Maryland Department of Education