Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program length across every accredited Maryland LPN school.
The Baltimore area alone employs over 5,000 LPNs, and demand persists from DC-suburb clinics to Eastern Shore nursing homes. The 12 top-ranked LPN programs in Maryland carry net prices ranging from $2,725 at Carroll Community College to over $15,000 at others, a spread that rewards careful comparison of affordable LPN programs. Maryland LPNs earn a median wage above the national figure, and bridge programs keep the RN path accessible, making licensure, with its LPN benefits, a pragmatic first step in a nursing career.
Our 2026 ranking of Maryland LPN programs weighs affordability, student persistence, and realistic earnings after leaving school. We focus on programs that accept students into a practical nursing pathway and offer clear routes to the NCLEX-PN. Each entry lists institution-wide figures, so treat net price and completion rates as general indicators, not program-specific guarantees.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Carroll Community College | Westminster, MD | ~$3,000/yr (est.) | Budget-minded students planning RN advancement | |
Carroll Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is one of the most affordable options we reviewed, with an approximate net price under $3,000. The LPN pathway is embedded in the associate degree nursing sequence: students complete the first year of the RN curriculum and a summer practical nursing course before becoming eligible for the NCLEX-PN. Admission is selective and requires a preadmission exam, and the school reports a solid institution-wide graduation rate near 39% and median earnings around $44,000 for former students. This program makes sense for students who want an economical route that can later bridge into the RN program.
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| #2 | Wor-Wic Community College | Salisbury, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | Eastern Shore students wanting structured cohorts | |
Wor-Wic Community College offers a standalone Practical Nursing Certificate that is appealing for its structured cohort format and relatively low net price near $9,400. The 41-credit program is accredited by NLN CNEA and includes courses in adult health, mental health, pharmacology, and maternal-child nursing, with fall or spring start dates. Institution-wide graduation rates are modest, around 27%, and median earnings for former students are about $37,000, which is lower than some peers but still a solid entry point on the Eastern Shore. The program's cohort model and clear pre-nursing course requirements help students plan clinical schedules in advance.
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| #3 | Montgomery College | Rockville, MD | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Career changers wanting one-year LPN training | |
Montgomery College stands out for speed and earnings potential: the Practical Nursing Certificate can be completed in one year or less, and institution-wide median earnings for former students are about $50,000. The program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and uses clinical placements across the D.C.-area healthcare network. Admission is selective with an April 1 fall deadline, and students must maintain a C or better in every nursing course. Net price is roughly $8,000, making it a strong value for a fast, high-return pathway in the Maryland suburbs.
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| #4 | College of Southern Maryland | La Plata, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
College of Southern Maryland's Practical Nursing Certificate is a long-running, ACEN-accredited option with flexible full-time and part-time scheduling. It reports a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for recent cohorts, which is a strong outcome signal. The program is based at the Regional Hughesville Campus, a multi-county health careers hub serving Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties, and net price is about $9,200. Institution-wide graduation rates are around 33%, and median earnings for former students are close to $44,000. ACEN accredited
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| #5 | Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Hagerstown Community College offers a 16-month Practical Nursing certificate with one of the lowest net prices in this ranking, around $6,800. The ACEN-accredited program includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical training for settings like hospitals, physician offices, and long-term care. With an institution-wide graduation rate near 39%, it is among the stronger completion performers here, and former students report median earnings close to $42,000. The curriculum is direct and well suited to students in the Western Maryland region who want to enter LPN practice quickly. ACEN accredited
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| #6 | Harford Community College | Bel Air, MD | $9,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Harford Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is a 12-month, 41-credit program with a relatively strong institution-wide graduation rate near 39%. Admission is selective and requires a TEAS exam score, prerequisite courses in anatomy, English, and psychology, plus CPR, background, and drug screening. The program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and offers clear articulation into associate degree RN programs, making it a practical step-one for Maryland nursing careers. Net price is about $9,200, and former students report median earnings close to $45,000.
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| #7 | Prince George's Community College | Largo, MD | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Prince George's Community College's Nursing (LPN) Certificate prepares students for entry-level LPN practice with a 47-credit curriculum that includes anatomy, physiology, psychology, and core nursing courses. The program emphasizes culturally sensitive care and patient teaching, which fits the diverse Prince George's County and D.C. metro area. It offers seamless articulation into the associate degree RN program, and net price is about $8,700. While the institution-wide graduation rate is lower than peers at 18%, former students report median earnings around $48,000, a strong return for those who complete.
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| #8 | Howard Community College | Columbia, MD | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Howard Community College's Licensed Practical Nursing certificate is a career track within its Nurse Education Program, combining lectures, a skills laboratory, and supervised patient care. The program prepares graduates to apply for the Maryland Board of Nursing's NCLEX-PN examination, though applicants should be aware that certain convictions may affect eligibility. Net price is around $11,100, higher than many community college peers, but institution-wide median earnings for former students are about $49,000. The program is campus-based in Columbia and targets students seeking basic patient care roles under RN supervision.
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| #9 | Cecil College | North East, MD | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Cecil College's Certificate in Practical Nursing offers a distinctive tri-state clinical experience, with rotations at affiliated hospitals and clinics in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. The program uses the Neuman Systems Model as its curriculum framework and emphasizes evidence-based practice, safety, and patient-centered care. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, prerequisites, and a fall start, with a seat fee to hold a spot. Net price is about $9,700, and institution-wide graduation rates are near 37%, with former students reporting median earnings around $44,000.
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| #10 | Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | $4,000 – $11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Community College of Baltimore County's Practical Nursing program is a 12-month, 46-credit certificate with unusual flexibility: three cohort start dates per year (fall, summer, spring) and day or evening/weekend options at the Dundalk Campus. Admission is competitive, requiring prerequisite courses, a 2.0 GPA, and a TEAS score, plus background, drug, and CPR requirements. Net price is about $9,800, though institution-wide graduation rates are lower at 19%. The program offers a clear option to continue directly into CCBC's RN program, supporting career laddering in Central Maryland.
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Many prospective LPN students focus first on location or cost, but two equally critical filters are accreditation and licensure pass rates. A program might be convenient, but without proper accreditation, you could waste time and money. Here’s how to evaluate your options systematically.
Accreditation confirms that a program meets quality standards and prepares you for licensure. For LPN programs, the primary national accreditor is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). While the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) typically accredits baccalaureate and graduate programs, some institutions with CCNE-accredited BSN tracks may still offer strong LPN pathways. Always verify a program’s ACEN status first via the ACEN directory. Maryland’s Board of Nursing also approves programs, so cross-checking both lists gives you a complete picture.
The NCLEX-PN is the licensing exam all LPN candidates must pass, so a program’s pass rate is a direct measure of how well it prepares students. Maryland Board of Nursing annual reports publish institution-level pass rates: visit their website or contact them directly for the latest data. You can also search the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) database for program-level results. Aim for programs with rates consistently above the national average. If a school’s rates lag, even by a few points, it may signal outdated curriculum or weak clinical preparation.
LPN programs come in multiple formats: full-time day tracks that can finish in about a year, and part-time evening or weekend options tailored for working students. Not all schools offer this flexibility: check each program’s website under “program formats” or call admissions to confirm. Some Maryland programs, for instance, run evening clinical rotations at nearby hospitals, while others provide hybrid options with online coursework and in-person labs. Match the schedule to your life commitments, not the other way around.
The Maryland Nurses Association (MNA) and local practical nursing organizations can offer unfiltered feedback about program quality. These groups often host networking events, publish guides, or maintain member forums where current students and graduates share experiences. Tapping into their insights can reveal whether a program’s advertised strengths hold up in real clinical settings. While not a substitute for official data, this word-of-mouth intelligence helps you avoid programs with high attrition or poor job placement support.
By layering accreditation checks, pass rate analysis, schedule fit, and professional feedback, you’ll make a confident decision that leads to licensure and a rewarding career.
How much will an LPN program in Maryland cost, and what financial aid options can make it more affordable?
LPN program expenses depend heavily on the type of school you choose. Community colleges in Maryland typically charge the lowest tuition, often between $4,000 and $8,000 for the entire program, while private schools and hospital-based programs may run from $15,000 to $25,000 or more. These figures usually cover tuition and mandatory fees, but you should also budget for textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, and licensing exam fees that can add another $1,500 to $3,000. Many programs break costs into per-credit rates, so part-time study can spread expenses over a longer period but may increase the total.
Maryland provides several funding sources specifically for nursing students. The Nurse Support Program II (NSP II), administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, offers grants to nursing programs and direct aid to eligible students. Details on award amounts and eligibility are updated regularly, so check the Maryland Board of Nursing website for the latest information. Another option is the Nursing Foundation of Maryland Scholarship, which requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, Maryland residency, and an application submitted by August 10 for the academic cycle. The Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program also targets nursing students who commit to working in underserved areas. For state-level aid, complete the Maryland State Financial Aid application by March 1 each year.
Many of Maryland’s largest healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement or direct sponsorship for LPN students. MedStar Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) often provide full or partial payment of tuition in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment. These programs sometimes cover fees, books, and even a living stipend. Visit each system’s human resources or careers page, or speak with a recruiter to learn about current offerings. Because these opportunities can be competitive, applying early and demonstrating a clear plan for your nursing career is essential.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) makes training grants available to individuals who meet certain criteria, such as being unemployed, underemployed, or transitioning careers. WIOA funds can pay for tuition, books, supplies, and sometimes transportation or childcare. To determine your eligibility and begin the application process, visit the Maryland Department of Labor website or contact a local American Job Center. Your school’s financial aid office can also connect you to WIOA and other state-specific grants. Don’t overlook the value of a direct conversation with a financial aid advisor at the community college you plan to attend, they often know about lesser-known local scholarships and institutional payment plans.
Start planning early, file the FAFSA, and reach out to your program’s financial aid office as soon as you apply. The right combination of grants, scholarships, and employer assistance can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
The chart below compares the average net price of six Maryland LPN programs against the median earnings of former students 10 years after entering the school. Programs with a wider gap between earnings and cost offer a stronger return on investment.
Admission requirements are the specific academic and non-academic criteria you must meet to be considered for a spot in a Licensed Practical Nurse training program. These standards ensure that incoming students have the foundational knowledge and personal readiness to handle rigorous nursing coursework and clinical rotations. In Maryland, LPN programs share a core set of expectations, though individual schools may adjust minimum scores or prerequisite coursework. Understanding these common threads, and where they vary, helps you plan early and submit a competitive application.
Most Maryland LPN programs expect you to have completed a handful of college-level prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C or better. English Composition, General Psychology, and Anatomy & Physiology I are the most consistent requirements across the state. For example, Harford Community College specifies BIO 203 (Anatomy & Physiology I), ENG 101, and PSY 101 as mandatory before applying.
GPA minimums typically range from 2.0 to 2.5. The College of Southern Maryland asks for a cumulative 2.0 GPA, while Harford requires at least a 2.5. Some schools calculate GPA based on your prerequisite courses only, so strong performance in those key classes can offset a lower overall average. Keep in mind that meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee admission; many programs use competitive ranking systems where higher grades give you an edge.
Nearly every Maryland PN program requires the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) as part of the application. This standardized exam assesses reading, math, science, and English language usage. Composite score thresholds usually fall between 58% and 67%, though specific programs set their own cutoffs. Howard Community College, for instance, demands a 66.5% composite with minimum sub-scores of 69% in both reading and math (2024-2025 figures). Harford Community College sets a lower bar at 58.7%.
The TEAS can be retaken if you need to improve your score, many schools allow up to three attempts per year, and scores remain valid for two years. Preparing with study guides or practice tests is a smart investment, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while.
Timing matters. While a few programs offer multiple start dates, most Maryland LPN cohorts begin in the fall or spring with strict application windows. Howard Community College accepts applications from September 15 to February 15 for its fall start program. Harford’s deadline is September 15, also for a fall cohort. Montgomery College runs a more flexible schedule with three start terms: fall (apply by April 1), spring (August 1), and summer I (December 1). Check each school’s website because deadlines can shift, and late submissions are rarely accepted.
Beyond transcripts and test scores, you’ll need to clear a criminal background check and provide proof of immunizations and CPR certification. These are standard for clinical placement and are often due after conditional acceptance. A few programs may prefer or require a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential, though it’s not mandatory at most Maryland schools, having a CNA license can strengthen your application and prepare you for the hands-on demands of nursing. If you’re already a CNA, bridge pathway options can accelerate your LPN training later on.
Follow these steps to earn your Maryland LPN license. The entire process, from prerequisites to licensure, generally takes 18 to 24 months.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Maryland earn strong wages, particularly in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area, which also employs over 5,000 LPNs. The table below highlights median and percentile earnings across key Maryland metros based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
| Metro Area | Total Employment | Mean Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 5,200 | $70,810 | $64,050 | $68,850 | $75,910 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 650 | $63,800 | $56,160 | $61,580 | $71,570 |
| Salisbury, MD | 280 | $63,020 | $49,290 | $62,800 | $68,180 |
| Lexington Park, MD | 210 | $67,960 | $62,040 | $67,270 | $71,990 |
What’s the fastest way to move from LPN to RN in Maryland?
If you are a certified nursing assistant (CNA) hoping to shorten the path to LPN licensure, be aware that most Maryland practical nursing programs do not grant advanced standing for CNA experience. The standard LPN program in the state runs about 12 months, and schools typically require all students to complete the full curriculum. However, some employer–college partnerships offer accelerated tracks. For example, the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center collaborates with Anne Arundel Community College to provide a 12-month LPN pathway for individuals with at least six months of healthcare experience, guaranteeing a job at the medical center upon graduation. This type of initiative effectively bridges CNA experience into an LPN career, though it does not shorten the program itself.
Several community colleges in Maryland run bridge programs that let licensed practical nurses earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and become registered nurses faster than new students. These programs give you credit for your LPN training and work experience, allowing you to skip foundational courses.
After completing an ADN program, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin working as a registered nurse. All of these bridges have competitive admission, so early application and a strong academic record are important. Topnursing.org’s Maryland RN program directory can help you compare current offerings and application deadlines.
For LPNs who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), several Maryland universities offer LPN-to-BSN tracks. These programs typically grant transfer credit for your LPN education, cutting the total time to about three years of full-time study. Schools such as Towson University, Stevenson University, and Notre Dame of Maryland University have articulation agreements that accept prior nursing coursework. Because these programs lead to a BSN, graduates qualify for a wider range of nursing roles and are well positioned for graduate study in the future. Check each university’s admissions page for prerequisite and GPA requirements, which may be higher than those for ADN programs.
Advancing from LPN to RN brings a substantial earnings increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for LPNs in Maryland is approximately $57,500, while registered nurses in the state earn a median of $84,200, a difference of more than $26,000 per year. Over a 30-year career, that adds up to nearly $800,000 in additional earnings.
This salary multiplier makes bridge programs one of the most impactful investments you can make in your nursing career. Whether you choose an ADN or BSN route, the financial return is clear and often realized within just a few years of graduation.
Prospective practical nursing students often have similar questions about program options, timelines, and costs. Below are straightforward answers to help you navigate your path to becoming a licensed practical nurse in Maryland.
