In-state tuition (1 year)
Rank #27 nationally
$11,480
All states
2025-26Rank #27
2025-26Rank #27Maryland College Cost 2025-26
$11,480 in-state, $27,910 out-of-state. Community college: $5,068.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
$11,480
In-state
$45,920
4-year sticker
$27,910
Out-of-state
#27
National rank
Maryland college cost breakdown
In-state tuition
$11,480
Out-of-state
$27,910
2-year in-district
$5,068
Estimated COA
$25,380
Maryland's $11,480/yr in-state tuition ranks #27 nationally (lowest = #1) and is below the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).
Four-year sticker cost in Maryland
Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.
4-year sticker (tuition only)
No room/board
$45,920
Estimated COA (1 year)
Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)
$25,380
Out-of-state tuition (1 year)
Premium +$16,430
$27,910
Community college (1 year)
Public 2-year in-district
$5,068
Maryland vs neighboring states
Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.
Compare Maryland with another state
Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.
Compare any two states
Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
States with similar in-state tuition
Key takeaways — Maryland college costs
- Maryland public 4-year in-state tuition averages $11,480/yr—rank #27 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $27,910/yr (rank #19), premium +$16,430.
- Four-year sticker (tuition only): $45,920 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $25,380/yr × 4 ≈ $101,520.
- Public 2-year in-district: $5,068/yr (US avg $4,150).
- Maryland is $470 below the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
- Maryland offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $2,500 single / $5,000 MFJ).
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Maryland college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college
Maryland public 4-year institutions charge an average of $11,480 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #27 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $27,910/yr (rank #19), premium +$16,430.
Community college in Maryland: Public 2-year in-district: $5,068/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.
Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Maryland ≈ $25,380/yr in-state.
Four-year sticker cost in Maryland
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $45,920 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $101,520.
Out-of-state students pay about $111,640 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $65,720 more than in-state over 4 years.
These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.
Maryland 529 plan tax benefits
Maryland offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $2,500 single / $5,000 MFJ). Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare 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 (SECURE 2.0 Act).
Link your 529 savings goal to Maryland tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.
Maryland financial aid and scholarship programs
Maryland may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the Maryland higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to Maryland residents attending in-state public institutions.
Who this Maryland guide helps
- Families comparing Maryland tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
- High school students in Maryland evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
- 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Maryland public college costs.
- Relocation researchers weighing 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 in Maryland (this page covers public only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
Maryland college cost checklist
- Note Maryland in-state tuition: $11,480/yr (rank #27).
- Out-of-state: $27,910/yr (premium +$16,430).
- Community college: $5,068/yr (2-year in-district).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
- Check Maryland 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
Maryland college cost FAQs
Maryland averages $11,480 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #27 nationally (lowest = #1).
Out-of-state tuition averages $27,910/yr in Maryland (rank #19), a premium of $16,430 above in-state.
Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $5,068/yr in Maryland (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $45,920 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $25,380/yr × 4 ≈ $101,520.
Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. MD residents should check /529-calculator for Maryland-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.
Maryland may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the Maryland higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.
Maryland ranks #27 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.
Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.
Most Maryland public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Maryland driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.
Yes. Most Maryland state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.
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