District of Columbia
Rank #6
In-state tuition$8,636
Out-of-stateN/A
4-year sticker$34,544
All states
2025-26
District of Columbia vs Maryland College Cost
District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition by $2,844/yr.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
District of Columbia vs Maryland side by side
Maryland
Rank #27
In-state tuition$11,480
Out-of-state$27,910
4-year sticker$45,920
District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition
$2,844 per year cheaper ($11,376 over 4 years, tuition only). Net price after financial aid may differ—use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Compare another pair
Select two states to see in-state, out-of-state, and 4-year sticker side by side.
Compare any two states
Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
Key takeaways — college cost comparison
- District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition by $2,844/yr ($11,376 over 4 years). District of Columbia: $8,636. Maryland: $11,480.
- District of Columbia ranks #6 nationally; Maryland ranks #27 (lowest = #1).
- One state does not report out-of-state data.
- Room & board (US avg $13,900/yr) is not included in tuition figures.
- Both states may offer 529 plan tax benefits. Check /529-calculator for deduction/credit details.
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators.
District of Columbia vs Maryland: in-state tuition comparison
District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition: $8,636/yr (rank #6) vs $11,480/yr (rank #27) in Maryland. That's a $2,844 annual gap, or $11,376 over 4 years (tuition only, before aid).
Room & board is not included. Add US average room & board ($13,900/yr) to estimate COA: District of Columbia ≈ $22,536/yr; Maryland ≈ $25,380/yr.
These are sticker prices from College Board. Net price after federal Pell Grants, state aid, institutional scholarships, and merit awards is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Out-of-state tuition: District of Columbia vs Maryland
District of Columbia does not report out-of-state data (DC has only one public 4-year institution with special enrollment). Maryland out-of-state: $27,910/yr.
Community college costs in District of Columbia and Maryland
District of Columbia: N/A. Maryland: $5,068.
Many students complete general education requirements at community college and transfer to a 4-year institution with junior standing, saving tens of thousands in tuition. Verify transfer pathways and articulation agreements with your target 4-year school.
529 plan tax benefits: District of Columbia vs Maryland
Both District of Columbia and Maryland residents can open 529 college savings plans. State tax benefits vary: some states offer unlimited deductions, others cap deductions at $1,000–$10,000/yr, and a few offer flat tax credits instead of deductions.
Use our /529-calculator to compare District of Columbia (DC) and Maryland (MD) tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and evaluate superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.
529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers under SECURE 2.0 Act rules.
Who this comparison helps
- Families comparing District of Columbia and Maryland for college relocation decisions.
- High school students weighing in-state vs out-of-state tuition in District of Columbia or Maryland.
- 529 savers in District of Columbia or Maryland setting contribution targets based on tuition trends.
- Guidance counselors comparing public college affordability across state lines.
When to use other tools
- You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
- You're comparing private college costs (this comparison covers public 4-year and 2-year only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
College cost comparison checklist
- Compare in-state tuition: District of Columbia $8,636 vs Maryland $11,480.
- Four-year sticker: District of Columbia $34,544 vs Maryland $45,920 (tuition only).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
- Check 529 plan tax benefits in District of Columbia and Maryland using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
District of Columbia vs Maryland college cost FAQs
District of Columbia has lower public 4-year in-state tuition by $2,844 per year. District of Columbia: $8,636/yr in-state (rank #6). Maryland: $11,480/yr in-state (rank #27).
District of Columbia does not report out-of-state data (DC has only one public 4-year institution with special enrollment). Maryland out-of-state: $27,910/yr.
Four years of sticker tuition (no room & board): District of Columbia ≈ $34,544 in-state, Maryland ≈ $45,920 in-state. Add room & board (US avg $13,900/yr) for estimated COA.
Both states may offer 529 plan tax benefits. Check our /529-calculator for state-by-state deduction/credit details. District of Columbia: DC. Maryland: MD.
No. These are published sticker tuition and fees for public 4-year in-state and out-of-state. Net price after grants, scholarships, and state aid is typically lower. Local flagship and regional campus costs also vary.
District of Columbia: N/A. Maryland: $5,068.
Most state financial aid programs are limited to residents attending in-state public institutions. A few states (e.g., DC TAG) allow portability. Check your home state's higher education agency for out-of-state eligibility rules.
No. You can keep your existing 529 plan or roll it over to another state's plan. You may lose state tax benefits if you move, but federal tax-free growth and withdrawals remain. Consult a tax advisor for your situation.
District of Columbia has lower in-state tuition ($2,844/yr), but net price after aid may differ. Compare state financial aid programs, 529 tax benefits, and institutional aid packages using college net price calculators.