2026 Best Value General Studies Schools in Maryland

1

Chesapeake College
Wye Mills, MD

Leading the list is Chesapeake College, our #1 best value for general studies in Maryland. Located in the rural area of Wye Mills, Chesapeake College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,274 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,768. General Studies graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Chesapeake College generally make around $29,611. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.

2

Baltimore City Community College
Baltimore, MD

Students looking for strong value in general studies will find it at Baltimore City Community College, which ranked #2. Baltimore City Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Baltimore. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,314, compared with $7,394 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,850 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of Baltimore City Community College earn a median of $41,120 early in their careers. Set against $8,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Cecil College
North East, MD

Cecil College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the rural area of North East, Cecil College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,640 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,830. Median earnings reach $43,952 ten years out.

4

Howard Community College
Columbia, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Howard Community College earned it the #4 place for general studies. Located in the city of Columbia, Howard Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,599, with out-of-state students paying around $10,836. General Studies graduates carry a median of $10,200 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $22,042. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Prince Georges Community College
Largo, MD

A rank of #5 makes Prince Georges Community College one of the best values for general studies. Prince Georges Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Largo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,034, while out-of-state students pay about $8,762. General Studies graduates carry a median of $13,499 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Prince Georges Community College generally make around $56,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Washington Adventist University
Takoma Park, MD

Washington Adventist University landed the #6 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Takoma Park, Washington Adventist University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,604. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $47,033. Early-career general studies graduates make about $85,352. That is a strong return on a $47,033 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

7

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University came in at #7 for value in general studies this year. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $13,426. General Studies graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of $45,147 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%.