2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Maryland

1

Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD

Carroll Community College earned the #1 spot for value among general education schools in Maryland. Located in the town of Westminster, Carroll Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,308, while out-of-state students pay about $10,158. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $17,398. Early-career general education graduates make about $49,058. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

The Community College Of Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD

A rank of #2 makes The Community College Of Baltimore County one of the best values for general education. Set in the suburb of Baltimore, The Community College Of Baltimore County is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,110, with out-of-state students paying around $10,182. Students borrow a median of $16,804 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from The Community College Of Baltimore County generally make around $52,440. That is a strong return on a $16,804 median debt.

3

Howard Community College
Columbia, MD

Howard Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Columbia, Howard Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,599 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,836 for out-of-state students. General Education graduates carry a median of $18,115 in student loans. General Education graduates of Howard Community College earn a median of $56,172 early in their careers. Set against $18,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Frostburg State University earned it the #4 place for general education. Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Frostburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,220, while out-of-state students pay about $25,814. Students borrow a median of $25,340 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Frostburg State University generally make around $56,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

5

Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the suburb of Salisbury, Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $23,545. General Education graduates of Salisbury University earn a median of $51,377 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Salisbury University admits about 88% of applicants.

6

Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. General Education graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Towson University generally make around $55,722. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

7

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University landed the #7 spot for general education value this year. Set in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $13,426. General Education graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of $63,838 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. Johns Hopkins University admits about 6% of applicants.

8

University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD

University Of Maryland Baltimore County earned the #8 position for value in general education this year. Set in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,256 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Students borrow a median of $21,331 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of University Of Maryland Baltimore County earn a median of $55,239 early in their careers. Set against $21,331 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

9

St Marys College Of Maryland
St. Mary's City, MD

St Marys College Of Maryland earned the #9 position for value in general education this year. Located in the rural area of St. Mary's City, St Marys College Of Maryland is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,298, while out-of-state students pay about $31,374. Students borrow a median of $22,655 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $41,665. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.

10

Goucher College
Baltimore, MD

Goucher College placed #10 among the best values for general education. Set in the city of Baltimore, Goucher College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,406. General Education graduates of Goucher College earn a median of $63,622 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

11

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
Baltimore, MD

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland earned the #11 position for value in general education this year. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,360. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland earn a median of $63,279 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.