Compare NCLEX pass rates, costs, outcomes, and program formats across Maryland's top nursing programs.
Maryland is projected to be short 13,800 registered nurses this year, a 23% gap that has hospitals and clinics competing fiercely for new graduates. Nursing programs in the state reflect this urgency: they range from Johns Hopkins University’s direct-entry MSN in Baltimore to community college ADN pathways on the Eastern Shore. With median earnings varying widely by degree and location, picking the right program means weighing cost, clinical placements, and long-term earnings, not just reputation.
Our 2026 Maryland nursing rankings bring together ten standout programs, from direct-entry MSNs to affordable community college ADNs. Each school below pairs institutional data with program-level details so you can compare fit, cost, and career preparation side by side.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | ~$65,000/yr (est.) | Career changers needing elite direct-entry path | |
Johns Hopkins University stands out for its elite direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing, designed for career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree. The five-semester, full-time program in Baltimore combines rigorous science with leadership and global health perspectives. With a 93.8% graduation rate and strong post-graduate earnings, Hopkins offers a high-powered pathway to RN licensure. ACEN accredited
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| #2 | Towson University | Towson, MD | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | Traditional BSN seekers wanting strong NCLEX outcomes | |
Towson University offers both a traditional BSN and an entry-level MSN, making it a strong public option for Maryland students at different stages. The BSN is a competitive, screened major with a 91% licensure pass rate, while the direct-entry MSN provides an accelerated route for bachelor's degree holders. Clinical placements at partner sites and dedicated student resources support strong NCLEX preparation. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #3 | Salisbury University | Salisbury, MD | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | Eastern Shore students prioritizing hands-on clinicals | |
Salisbury University's traditional BSN is a cohort-based program built for first-time bachelor's degree seekers, with a strong focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Clinical partnerships across the Eastern Shore and regional facilities provide hands-on experience, and a structured application process supports students from sophomore year onward. The program prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure and roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health. CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Carroll Community College | Westminster, MD | ~$3,000/yr (est.) | ||
Carroll Community College offers an affordable associate degree in nursing with a 70-credit curriculum that prepares students for RN practice, including a track for current LPNs. Clinical rotations at regional hospitals, small group sizes, and simulation labs provide solid hands-on training. The college's associate-to-bachelor option allows students to work toward a BSN concurrently with four-year partners.
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| #5 | Montgomery College | Rockville, MD | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Montgomery College's ADN program at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus is a two-year pathway to RN licensure, with ACEN accreditation and a TEAS exam requirement. The curriculum blends nursing science with humanities and biological sciences, and graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN. The program's ADN to BSN pathway supports seamless transfer for further education. ACEN accredited
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| #6 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | ~$27,000/yr (est.) | ||
Stevenson University's BSN is a direct-admission program that immerses students in nursing from day one, with clinical experiences starting in the third year. The program emphasizes ethical care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, and clinical placements at top hospitals like Johns Hopkins and MedStar Health provide strong real-world exposure. CCNE accreditation and Maryland Board of Nursing approval underpin the curriculum. CCNE accredited
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| #7 | University of Maryland, Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | ||
University of Maryland, Baltimore's School of Nursing is a flagship public option with multiple pathways: a traditional BSN, a fully online RN-to-BSN, and a direct-entry MSN. The BSN is competency-based and top-ranked, while the RN-to-BSN grants 30 credits for a valid RN license and requires only 31 additional credits online. The direct-entry MSN offers arranged clinical experiences across Maryland and DC, with pathways to DNP or PhD.
ACEN accredited
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| #8 | Harford Community College | Bel Air, MD | $9,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Harford Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing is a four-semester program with selective admission, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum covers fundamentals, medical-surgical, mental health, maternal-newborn, and pediatric nursing, with clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. Part-time options and articulation agreements with BSN programs provide flexibility for career advancement. ACEN accredited
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| #9 | Frederick Community College | Frederick, MD | $4,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Frederick Community College's Nursing A.S. offers a selective pathway to RN licensure with daytime and evening/weekend cohorts. The program boasts a 95% licensure pass rate and 94% job placement rate, with small clinical groups and state-of-the-art facilities. Students can transfer into RN-to-BSN partnerships at several universities, and the program is ACEN accredited.
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| #10 | Notre Dame of Maryland University | Baltimore, MD | ~$19,000/yr (est.) | ||
Notre Dame of Maryland University's entry-level BSN is a traditional four-year program that blends caring science with nursing core courses. Clinical experiences start in junior year at prestigious Baltimore hospitals, and students complete a Transformational Practice Project. Small classes and faculty mentoring provide personalized support, with CCNE accreditation and a mission trip option to Haiti. CCNE accredited
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Some nursing school rankings lean on a single metric like NCLEX pass rates or rely on editorial opinion alone. Our approach builds a fuller picture by combining multiple data points that matter to your education and career. We analyze cost, earnings, graduation rates, and program formats to help you weigh trade-offs that truly affect your decision.
We use four key factors, each drawn from publicly available federal data. Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships, sourced from the College Scorecard institution-level data. This is not the sticker price; it shows what students typically pay out of pocket. Earnings come from College Scorecard program-level data, where available, and capture median debt-to-earnings ratios and early-career pay for nursing graduates. Graduation rates are institution-wide (not nursing-specific) but indicate how well a college supports its students through to completion. Finally, we note which formats each school offers: traditional BSN, ADN, accelerated, or RN-to-BSN pathways.
A school with a perfect NCLEX pass rate might have low graduation rates or leave graduates with debt far outpacing their early salaries. By blending cost, outcomes, and completion data, we spotlight programs that balance affordability, student success, and career readiness. Many competitor rankings rely on a single metric or anecdotal reputation, but our data-driven method provides a clearer, less biased starting point.
All figures come from the College Scorecard, a U.S. Department of Education resource. Because program-level earnings are still rolling out nationally, some newer programs may show limited data; we note that openly. For a detailed breakdown of our scoring, see our full methodology page. We believe transparency builds trust, and we publish our process so you can verify exactly how each school earned its spot.
The table below lists in-state and out-of-state tuition alongside the average net price for nursing schools in Maryland. Net price is the amount students and families actually pay after subtracting grants and scholarships, so it is often much lower than the published tuition, especially at private institutions and public universities with robust financial aid. Community colleges typically offer the lowest net prices, while private colleges have higher sticker prices but may provide significant aid packages.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll Community College | $7,278 | $10,158 | $2,725 | Public (2-Year) |
| Chesapeake College | $6,608 | $8,768 | $5,106 | Public (2-Year) |
| Hagerstown Community College | $6,390 | $8,190 | $6,835 | Public (2-Year) |
| Montgomery College | $10,398 | $14,250 | $8,027 | Public (2-Year) |
| Allegany College of Maryland | $9,500 | $12,620 | $8,819 | Public (2-Year) |
| College of Southern Maryland | $7,350 | $9,450 | $9,204 | Public (2-Year) |
| Harford Community College | $6,432 | $8,832 | $9,234 | Public (2-Year) |
| Wor-Wic Community College | $7,032 | $8,400 | $9,360 | Public (2-Year) |
| Coppin State University | $7,100 | $14,024 | $9,977 | Public (4-Year) |
| Anne Arundel Community College | $8,354 | $11,522 | $14,915 | Public (2-Year) |
| Morgan State University | $8,229 | $19,124 | $14,985 | Public (4-Year) |
| Baltimore City Community College | $3,314 | $7,394 | $15,987 | Public (2-Year) |
| Frostburg State University | $10,220 | $25,814 | $16,715 | Public (4-Year) |
| Towson University | $11,728 | $29,820 | $17,413 | Public (4-Year) |
| Salisbury University | $11,084 | $22,174 | $17,743 | Public (4-Year) |
| Washington Adventist University | $26,604 | $26,604 | $18,526 | Private |
| Johns Hopkins University | $64,730 | $64,730 | $18,809 | Private |
| Notre Dame of Maryland University | $43,360 | $43,360 | $19,169 | Private |
| Bowie State University | $9,218 | $19,938 | $19,298 | Public (4-Year) |
| Hood College | $47,700 | $47,700 | $20,873 | Private |
| McDaniel College | $52,081 | $52,081 | $21,916 | Private |
| Stevenson University | $40,560 | $40,560 | $26,505 | Private |
| Loyola University Maryland | $57,150 | $57,150 | $30,574 | Private |
The table below compares median earnings 10 years after entry and median debt for Maryland nursing program completers, based on College Scorecard data. Early-career (1-, 2-, and 4-year) program-level earnings are not yet available, so these long-term figures offer a view of career trajectory. For context, the mean annual wage for RNs in Maryland is $78,350, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024).
| School | Median Earnings (10-Year) | Median Debt | ROI Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | 87555 | 10250 | 8.54 |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore | 88174 | 15000 | 5.88 |
| Anne Arundel Community College | 46219 | 8250 | 5.6 |
| College of Southern Maryland | 44435 | 8500 | 5.23 |
| Montgomery College | 50159 | 10415 | 4.82 |
| Wor-Wic Community College | 36748 | 7828 | 4.69 |
| Harford Community College | 44608 | 9812 | 4.55 |
| Hagerstown Community College | 41615 | 11000 | 3.78 |
| Carroll Community College | 44349 | 11750 | 3.77 |
| Towson University | 64390 | 18718 | 3.44 |
| Loyola University Maryland | 82652 | 27000 | 3.06 |
| Salisbury University | 61515 | 21000 | 2.93 |
| Notre Dame of Maryland University | 65344 | 22666 | 2.88 |
| Allegany College of Maryland | 38476 | 13702 | 2.81 |
| Frostburg State University | 55493 | 21105 | 2.63 |
| McDaniel College | 60663 | 25000 | 2.43 |
| Stevenson University | 62079 | 26000 | 2.39 |
| Bowie State University | 54537 | 22985 | 2.37 |
| Hood College | 57089 | 25000 | 2.28 |
| Washington Adventist University | 64249 | 30500 | 2.11 |
| Morgan State University | 50698 | 27250 | 1.86 |
| Coppin State University | 46490 | 25000 | 1.86 |
In Maryland, registered nurses earn a median annual wage of $84,000 according to 2023 BLS data. For broader context, here is how the national RN salary distribution looks in 2024, with the 10th percentile at $66,030, median at $93,600, and 90th percentile at $135,320. Maryland's median falls below the national median, reflecting regional cost-of-living and demand factors.
Maryland nursing programs come in four distinct formats, and the right one depends entirely on your starting point, whether you’re a high school graduate, a career changer with a bachelor’s in another field, or a working RN looking to level up.
The ADN is the fastest route to RN licensure for students without a prior college degree. Typically completed in two years at community colleges, these programs combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations. After graduation, you sit for the NCLEX-RN and can start working as a registered nurse. - Length: 2 years - Where: Community colleges throughout Maryland, including Anne Arundel Community College, Montgomery College, and others - Best for: High school graduates or adults seeking a direct, affordable entry into nursing - Online availability: Mostly campus-based with some hybrid components; fully online ADN programs are rare due to clinical requirements
A four-year BSN offers a deeper foundation in leadership, research, and community health alongside clinical nursing skills. Many hospitals now prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses, and the degree is a stepping stone to advanced practice roles. In Maryland, universities like Towson University, Salisbury University, and Stevenson University offer comprehensive BSN programs. - Length: 4 years (full-time) - Where: Four-year public and private universities across the state - Best for: High school graduates who want a broad nursing education and eventual career flexibility in management, public health, or graduate study - Online availability: Traditional BSN programs are overwhelmingly in-person; some general education courses may be online, but nursing courses and clinicals require campus attendance
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or Second Degree BSN tracks are built for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. These intensive programs compress core nursing coursework and clinicals into 12 to 18 months. In Maryland, only a handful of schools offer true accelerated paths. - Notre Dame of Maryland University runs a 15-month hybrid ABSN for students with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Its blended online and on-campus format offers some scheduling flexibility. - Salisbury University’s Second Degree BSN takes 12–18 months and is campus-based, with full-time, in-person engagement. - The University of Maryland School of Nursing lists an Entry to Nursing BSN that is not classified as accelerated; it spans 24 months and is campus-based. While faster than a traditional four-year BSN, it does not fit the accelerated second-degree model. - Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, and Stevenson University do not offer ABSN or Second Degree BSN programs.
RN-to-BSN programs are designed specifically for licensed registered nurses who hold an ADN or diploma and want to earn a bachelor’s degree. Most can be completed in one to two years, often while working full-time. Maryland schools commonly offer these programs online or in a hybrid format to accommodate working nurses’ schedules. - Length: 1–2 years - Where: Many Maryland universities, including the University of Maryland School of Nursing, provide online or part-time RN-to-BSN options - Best for: ADN-prepared nurses seeking career advancement, higher pay, or admission to graduate nursing programs - Online availability: Very common, RN-to-BSN is the most online-friendly nursing pathway because students have already acquired clinical skills through their initial RN preparation
If you’re fresh out of high school and eager to start nursing quickly, a two-year ADN at a community college gets you into the workforce fastest. For high school graduates who can invest four years upfront, a traditional BSN opens more doors from day one. Career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree should look at Notre Dame’s hybrid ABSN or Salisbury’s Second Degree BSN for the shortest timeline; the University of Maryland’s Entry to Nursing BSN is a solid option if you can commit to two years of full-time study. If you’re already an RN with an ADN, an online RN-to-BSN lets you earn your bachelor’s without stepping away from your current role.
Maryland is projected to have 13,800 fewer registered nurses than needed this year, a 23 percent shortage according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. That gap could strain hospitals and slow emergency response times across the state.
Becoming a registered nurse in Maryland follows a clear sequence: complete prerequisites, earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX, and obtain licensure through the Maryland Board of Nursing. The state's compact membership and updated fee structure for 2025 add practical considerations.
Maryland's nursing programs cluster around three distinct regions, each with its own clinical partnerships and lifestyle considerations. From the dense Baltimore metro corridor to the quieter Eastern Shore, where you study shapes your clinical rotations, commute, and network.
The greatest concentration of nursing schools sits in and around Baltimore. Programs range from research-intensive universities to community colleges with strong transfer pathways.
The Baltimore region gives nursing students direct access to world-renowned clinical sites, including the Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, and MedStar Health facilities. These rotations often lead to job offers before graduation. Commutes can be heavy on I-695 and I-95, so living near your program or a transit line is worth planning.
South and west of Baltimore, programs serve the Washington, D.C. suburbs and rapidly growing central counties. While less concentrated than Baltimore, the area still holds several strong choices.
Many schools here partner with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, Adventist HealthCare, and Inova Health System on the Virginia side. For out-of-state students from Virginia or the District, these programs can shorten the commute while still offering a Maryland-based license pathway.
Western Maryland offers a handful of nursing programs serving more rural communities. Hagerstown Community College, Frostburg State University, and Allegany College of Maryland (Cumberland) anchor the region. Tuition and living costs tend to be lower here, and clinical rotations often take place at Meritus Medical Center or UPMC Western Maryland. Out-of-state students from Pennsylvania and West Virginia frequently choose these schools for their proximity and affordable in-district rates for border counties.
Across the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore is home to a few intimate nursing programs. Salisbury University and Wor-Wic Community College (both in Salisbury) and Chesapeake College (Wye Mills) serve the Delmarva Peninsula. Clinical placements rely on regional systems like TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. Cohorts are smaller, and faculty mentorship is often more personalized. Out-of-state students from Delaware and Virginia's Eastern Shore may find the reverse commute across the Bay Bridge or Route 50 surprisingly manageable outside of peak summer traffic.
Maryland's compact size makes it possible to commute from neighboring states, but traffic patterns matter. I-95, I-495, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway see heavy congestion during rush hours. Students living in northern Virginia or southern Pennsylvania can realistically attend programs near the state line, but a downtown Baltimore or DC program will require realistic commute planning. Public transit options (MARC, Metro, Light Rail) help, but not all campuses are transit-accessible. Check if a program qualifies you for in-county or in-state tuition waivers through your home county's reciprocity agreements before committing.
How does a nursing school’s NCLEX-RN pass rate signal the quality of its program, and how do Maryland schools compare to national trends?
NCLEX-RN pass rates are one of the most direct measures of a nursing program’s effectiveness. They show the percentage of graduates who pass the national licensure exam on their first attempt, essential for starting a nursing career. A program’s pass rate reflects the strength of its curriculum, clinical training, and student support. Consistently high pass rates suggest thorough preparation, while declining or low rates may point to gaps in instruction or resources.
The NCLEX-RN tests the knowledge and decision-making skills needed for safe, entry-level practice. Schools with pass rates well above the national average often have rigorous coursework, strong faculty, and clinical partnerships that expose students to diverse patient care settings. Beyond classroom learning, these programs tend to emphasize critical thinking and exam-readiness through practice tests and remediation. Pass rates also indirectly indicate student selectivity, programs that attract highly motivated learners may see stronger outcomes. For prospective students, a school’s multi-year trend matters more than a single snapshot. A one-year dip could be due to a smaller cohort or a cohort’s particular characteristics, but a persistent slide warrants caution.
According to data from the Maryland Board of Nursing, the state’s overall pass rate for first-time NCLEX-RN test-takers has tracked favorably against the national average in recent years.1 Here’s how Maryland’s aggregate performance compares to the U.S. all first-time candidates:
These numbers represent all RN programs in the state combined, so individual school results can vary. The 2024 spike to 94% was notably strong, placing Maryland well above the national benchmark. While 2025 slipped slightly to 91%, it remained three percentage points ahead of the national average, indicating sustained strength across Maryland programs.
When comparing Maryland nursing schools, look beyond the state-wide average. Request each program’s pass rate for the last three to five years directly from the school or check the Maryland Board of Nursing’s published reports. Aim for programs whose pass rates consistently exceed the national average, this signals reliable preparation. Be aware that accelerated or large-cohort programs might show more variability, so consider the context behind the numbers. Remember, pass rates are just one part of your decision. Combine them with other factors like clinical placement opportunities, faculty-to-student ratio, and overall NCLEX support resources. A program that invests in early intervention and exam-prep workshops often helps boost passing scores, and that culture of support can make a real difference in your licensing journey.
When exploring nursing education in Maryland, prospective students often have questions about program quality, costs, and admissions. Below you'll find clear answers to common inquiries, drawing on data from topnursing.org’s rankings and state board resources.
Beyond the ranked programs above, Maryland's nursing landscape includes community colleges, state universities, and online options spread across the state. This directory groups schools by region so you can find a program within commuting distance or one that fits a working schedule. Entries here are unranked and listed for comparison only.
