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allnurses (Editorial Team / Admin)
Maryland, located on the eastern seaboard of the United States, offers a diverse range of nursing programs catering to aspiring nurses at various stages of their journey.
Whether you're seeking entry-level nursing education like an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or seeking to advance your career as a registered nurse (RN) with an RN to BSN program, or seeking to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), we've got you covered.
Whether you're beginning your nursing journey or advancing your career, explore Maryland's top nursing schools and gain insights into studying in the Old Line State, along with expected salaries after graduation.
Best Nursing Schools in Maryland 2025 — Online & On-Campus
The selection of the following nursing schools relies on a comprehensive methodology that includes direct input from our readers, extensive data analysis, and continuous updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our team of Data Analysts dedicates over 100 hours weekly to refine our database, incorporating critical criteria like reader surveys, graduation rates, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more elements valued by our community.
*Tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more. Our rankings are based on the latest college data from the U.S. Department of Education complemented by additional insights from our analysts.
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#1 University of Maryland, Baltimore
allnurses College Ranking: AUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, CNL, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 620 West Lexington St, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, US
- 1-410-706-3100
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution
- 65% Acceptance Rate
- 92% Graduation Rate
- 956 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 5,968 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 27 Average Age
- 17% Men
- 83% Women
- 2% Veterans
- 66% White
- 5% Hispanic
- 25% Black
- 5% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Hybrid Program$69,840 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$69,840 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$70,713 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$69,840 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$69,840 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$69,840 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$69,840 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Online Program$13,175 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$51,960 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Online Program$16,587 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Online Program$31,428 In-State Tuition4.6 Program Score
* tuition estimated#2 Johns Hopkins University
allnurses College Ranking: AJohns Hopkins University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNS, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, US
- 1-410-955-4766
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
- 7% Acceptance Rate
- 93% Graduation Rate
- 5,643 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 25,231 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 46% Men
- 54% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 76% White
- 8% Hispanic
- 12% Black
- 6% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Online Program$139,790 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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Online Program$145,425 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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Online Program$149,303 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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Online Program$147,364 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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Hybrid Online On-Campus Program$22,572 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Online Program$31,977 In-State Tuition4.7 Program Score
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Online Program$145,425 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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Online Program$149,303 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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Online Program$22,572 In-State Tuition4.8 Program Score
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Hybrid Online On-Campus Program$145,425 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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Hybrid Online Program$147,364 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
* tuition estimated#3 Salisbury University
allnurses College Ranking: B+Salisbury University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, and DNP degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, Maryland 21801, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 70% Graduation Rate
- 6,145 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 745 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 45% Men
- 55% Women
- 0% Veterans
- 78% White
- 3% Hispanic
- 17% Black
- 3% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Online Program$37,932 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$11,070 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$17,004 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$29,648 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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Online Program$3,924 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$38,520 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$14,124 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
* tuition estimated#4 Frostburg State University
allnurses College Ranking: B+Frostburg State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 101 Braddock Rd, Frostburg, Maryland 21532, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 88% Acceptance Rate
- 60% Graduation Rate
- 2,873 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 804 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 47% Men
- 53% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 76% White
- 3% Hispanic
- 19% Black
- 3% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Hybrid Program$31,920 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$31,388 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Online Program$9,728 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$36,480 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Online Program$17,538 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
* tuition estimated#5 Notre Dame of Maryland University
allnurses College Ranking: B+Notre Dame of Maryland University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 4701 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21210, US
- 1-410-435-0100
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 70% Acceptance Rate
- 65% Graduation Rate
- 634 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 1,073 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 27 Average Age
- 3% Men
- 97% Women
- 0% Veterans
- 69% White
- 3% Hispanic
- 25% Black
- 3% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Online Program$14,250 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$125,400 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$58,520 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
* tuition estimated#6 Bowie State University
allnurses College Ranking: B+Bowie State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and on-campus programs—including BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, Maryland 20715, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 51% Graduation Rate
- 5,289 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 897 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 22 Average Age
- 38% Men
- 62% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 36% White
- 5% Hispanic
- 55% Black
- 4% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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On-Campus Program$22,393 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Online On-Campus Program$15,995 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
* tuition estimated#7 Coppin State University
allnurses College Ranking: B+Coppin State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 2500 West North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21216, US
- 1-410-951-3970
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Small Programs
- 45% Acceptance Rate
- 39% Graduation Rate
- 1,708 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 249 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 26 Average Age
- 23% Men
- 77% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 34% White
- 4% Hispanic
- 60% Black
- 2% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Hybrid On-Campus Program$52,570 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Hybrid On-Campus Program$30,040 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Hybrid On-Campus Program$11,687 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$6,390 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$25,560 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$11,715 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
* tuition estimated#8 University of Maryland Global Campus
allnurses College Ranking: BUniversity of Maryland Global Campus is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 3501 University Blvd East, Adelphi, Maryland 20783, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 0% Acceptance Rate
- 30% Graduation Rate
- 44,458 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 9,104 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 29 Average Age
- 56% Men
- 44% Women
- 2% Veterans
- 60% White
- 8% Hispanic
- 29% Black
- 5% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Hybrid Program$69,840 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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Online Program$10,571 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$36,840 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
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Online Program$31,428 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
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Online Program$16,587 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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Online Program$33,174 In-State Tuition3.9 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$69,840 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$41,904 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$22,698 In-State Tuition4.1 Program Score
* tuition estimated#9 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
allnurses College Ranking: BUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CRNA, CNS, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, US
- 1-301-295-1707
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 8% Acceptance Rate
- 98% Graduation Rate
Student Demographics
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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On-Campus Program$0 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$0 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$0 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
* tuition estimated#10 Harford Community College
allnurses College Ranking: C+Harford Community College is a public and non-profit Community College. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MA, LPN/LVN, ADN/ASN, RN to BSN, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, Maryland 21015, US
- 1-443-412-2000
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- Less-than-4-year institution
- Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
- 100% Acceptance Rate
- 32% Graduation Rate
- 3,620 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 24 Average Age
- 41% Men
- 59% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 82% White
- 2% Hispanic
- 13% Black
- 2% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Online On-Campus Program$7,000 In-State Tuition4.0 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$9,800 In-State Tuition3.8 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$8,400 In-State Tuition3.9 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$5,740 In-State Tuition4.0 Program Score
* tuition estimated#11 Morgan State University
allnurses College Ranking: C+Morgan State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21251, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
- 47% Graduation Rate
- 7,599 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 1,492 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 38% Men
- 62% Women
- 0% Veterans
- 39% White
- 6% Hispanic
- 52% Black
- 3% Asian
#12 Towson University
allnurses College Ranking: C+Towson University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and Entry Level Masters degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 8000 York Rd, Towson, Maryland 21252, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 79% Acceptance Rate
- 73% Graduation Rate
- 16,734 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 2,932 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 41% Men
- 59% Women
- 0% Veterans
- 74% White
- 3% Hispanic
- 19% Black
- 4% Asian
#13 Community College of Baltimore County
allnurses College Ranking: C+Community College of Baltimore County is a public and non-profit Community College. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 800 South Rolling Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21228, US
- 1-443-840-2222
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- Less-than-4-year institution
- Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
- 0% Graduation Rate
- 13,223 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 25 Average Age
- 37% Men
- 63% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 59% White
- 2% Hispanic
- 36% Black
- 2% Asian
#14 Stevenson University
allnurses College Ranking: C+Stevenson University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and RN to MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 100 Campus Circle, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 84% Acceptance Rate
- 60% Graduation Rate
- 2,979 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 498 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 38% Men
- 62% Women
- 0% Veterans
- 75% White
- 2% Hispanic
- 20% Black
- 3% Asian
Why Become a Nurse in Maryland?
Choosing a nursing career in Maryland brings rewarding opportunities, strong job stability, and the chance to make a real impact on public health. Here's why Maryland is an attractive state for aspiring nurses:
Growing Demand for Nurses: Maryland, like many states, is experiencing a nursing shortage, creating strong demand for nursing professionals. With a large and aging population, the state's healthcare needs continue to grow. Maryland's healthcare systems are actively seeking RNs and NPs, especially in underserved rural and suburban areas. Major cities such as Baltimore and Annapolis also offer abundant opportunities in dynamic urban healthcare environments.
Efforts to Improve Retention: Maryland has prioritized enhancing working conditions to reduce burnout and improve nurse retention. The Nurse Support Program, led by the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC), along with local healthcare systems, offers wellness programs for mental health support, competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and mentorship, particularly for early-career nurses. Nurse residency programs across Maryland help new nurses transition smoothly into practice, strengthening retention and contributing to a more stable nursing workforce.
Public Health and Community Involvement: Maryland has numerous Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), especially in rural regions and certain urban communities with limited access to care. Nurses in Maryland have the chance to make a significant public health impact by serving in these underserved areas, where their expertise is most needed. Whether working in Baltimore's urban centers or rural clinics on the Eastern Shore and in Western Maryland, Maryland nurses play a vital role in improving health equity, providing primary care, mental health services, and preventive care to vulnerable populations.
Career Growth Opportunities: Maryland offers numerous prestigious nursing programs, including those at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, providing a wide range of advanced nursing degrees. For nurses aiming to advance their careers, Maryland presents ample opportunities to become Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), or clinical leaders across various healthcare fields. The state also supports continuing education through collaborations between healthcare systems and universities, ensuring Maryland nurses have access to top-tier training and professional development.
Maryland's combination of high demand, diverse clinical settings, and strong career growth opportunities makes it an excellent state for aspiring nurses.
Steps to Become a Nurse in Maryland
Becoming a nurse in Maryland involves several key steps, each designed to ensure that you are well-prepared to provide high-quality care to patients. Whether you aim to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or advance your career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), following the right educational and licensure pathways is crucial.
RN Requirements in Maryland
- Complete an Accredited Nursing Program: Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing school.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure.
- Apply for RN Licensure: Submit an application for RN licensure to the Maryland Board of Nursing (BON). This process typically involves providing your transcripts, proof of passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing a background check. For details specific to Maryland, be sure to check the MD BON website.
- Obtain a Nursing License: Once your application is approved, you will be issued an RN license, allowing you to practice as a Registered Nurse in Maryland.
- Pursue Continuing Education: In Maryland, RNs are required to complete 30 continuing education unit hours (CEUs) for license renewal, for more details visit the MD BON website, as some states require specific CE units in areas like pain management or child abuse.
APRN Requirements in Maryland
- Obtain an RN License: Before pursuing APRN certification, you must be a licensed RN in Maryland.
- Earn a Graduate Degree: Complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialization in an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role — e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife.
- Gain Clinical Experience: APRN programs require specific clinical hours based on your specialty and degree. All graduate-level nursing programs mandate a minimum of 500 clinical hours post-graduate. The National Task Force Standards for NP Education requires at least 750 clinical hours for NP graduates, while DNP programs require a minimum of 1,000 hours. These hands-on experiences are crucial for developing advanced nursing skills.
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Pass a National Certification Exam: After completing your graduate program, you must pass a national certification exam specific to your APRN role and specialization.
- CNMs via the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).
- CNSs via the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- NPs via the American Association of Nurse Practitioners American Nurses(AANP) or the Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- CRNA's via the National Board of Certification CRNA (NBCRNA).
- Apply for APRN Licensure: Submit an application for APRN licensure to the Maryland Board of Nursing. This may require documentation of your RN license, advanced nursing degree, APRN certification exam results, and clinical experience.
- Maintain Certification and Licensure: APRNs in Maryland must meet both state licensure and national certification requirements. For APRN license renewal, review the Maryland Board of Nursing website for specific guidelines.
Maryland Nurse Salary & Employment Outlook 2025
Salary expectations in 2025 are based on geography, experience level, education, type of nursing specialties, and the types of industry that the nurse works in.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national mean annual wage for an RN is $94,480, with the lowest 10th percentile making $63,720 and the 90th percentile making $132,680 annually. The highest employment levels were nurses in general medicine and surgical hospitals, making an annual $96,830.
Registered Nurses salary in Maryland is just below the national average at a mean annual salary of $92,090 or $44.27 an hour.
The highest salary states for RNs include:
- California: $137,690.00
- Hawaii: $119,710.00
- Massachusetts: $113,440.00
- Oregon: $111,030.00
- Alaska: $109,210.00
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not distinguish between nursing degree levels in its data, most nurses who pursue advanced degrees, such as an MSN or DNP, aim to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) — which includes Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and Nurse Anesthetists (DNAP/CRNAs).
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for APRNs is $129,480, with employment in these roles expected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2033, reflecting strong demand for advanced practice nurses.
In Maryland, APRNs earn the following mean annual salaries:
- Nurse Practitioners: $127,990.00
- Certified Nurse Midwives: $128,400.00
- Nurse Anesthetists: $187,420.00
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Maryland
Selecting the right nursing program depends on various personal preferences. Some students emphasize tuition costs, while others prioritize pass rates, academic reputation, or other considerations. Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Course
For prospective doctorate and master's degree nursing students, additional considerations include:
- Specialization: Ensure the program offers the right focus for your chosen specialty concentration.
- Certification and Licensure: Meets APRN certification and state licensure requirements.
- Certification Pass Rates: Check program national certification success rates.
- Clinical Training: Diverse, high-quality clinical placements and/or clinical placement support.
- Faculty Expertise: Qualified and experienced faculty.
- Support Services: Mentoring, career services, and academic support.
- Technology and Resources: Access to advanced technology and resources.
- Alumni Network: Strong network for job placement and growth.
- Interprofessional Education: Collaborative learning with other healthcare professionals.
- State Regulations: Ensure your program is approved by the state Board of Nursing in the state where you want to work.
Choosing the right program should be based on your personal preferences and learning style. If you prefer a more flexible schedule and a longer duration for coursework and clinical practice, consider a traditional nursing program. Conversely, if you are eager to complete your education quickly and thrive in an intensive, fast-paced learning environment, an accelerated nursing program might be the better choice.
Importance of Picking an Accredited Nursing School in Maryland
Choosing to attend an accredited nursing school in Maryland is important for several reasons:
- Assurance of Educational Quality: Accredited nursing schools undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure their curriculum, faculty, and clinical training meet high standards. This guarantees that students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education, equipping them with the skills needed for successful nursing careers.
- Licensing Requirements: Graduation from an accredited program is often necessary to meet state licensure requirements. Without attending an accredited school, students may find it challenging or even impossible to obtain the necessary credentials to practice as a registered nurse.
- Enhanced Career Opportunities: Employers prioritize hiring graduates from accredited nursing programs because these programs are recognized for maintaining high educational standards. This preference can lead to better job prospects and career advancement opportunities in the nursing field.
- Ease of Credit Transfer: Credits earned at an accredited nursing school are more likely to be recognized and accepted by other institutions. This is particularly important for students who may wish to transfer schools or pursue further education, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing.
- Professional Credibility: Completing a program at an accredited nursing school adds to a nurse's professional credibility. It demonstrates that their education aligns with national standards, which is essential for advancing in the nursing profession.
- Eligibility for Financial Aid: Accreditation is often a prerequisite for accessing federal financial aid, including grants and loans. Attending an accredited school ensures that students can receive the financial support they need to complete their education.
Given these points, it's important prospective students research whether their choice of nursing school is accredited by a recognized body such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
More Top Nursing Programs & Schools in Maryland
If you're interested in a specific nursing degree or specialty, we've got you covered. Explore our comprehensive guides to nursing programs across Maryland, tailored to various career paths and levels. Find the best program for you, whether you're looking to advance your nursing career or specialize in a specific area. Check out these resources:
Maryland Nursing Schools By City:
Pre-Nursing Programs in Maryland
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Maryland
- Best ADN Programs in Maryland
- Best BSN Programs in Maryland
- Best RN to BSN Programs in Maryland
- Best ABSN Programs in Maryland
Graduate Nursing Programs in Maryland
- Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland
- Best Nursing Informatics Programs in Maryland
- Best Nurse Educator Programs in Maryland
- Best DNP Programs in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I become a nurse practitioner (NP) in Maryland?
To become an NP in Maryland, you typically need to earn an MSN or a DNP degree with a specialization in the desired NP role (e.g., family, pediatric, adult-gerontology). You must also pass a national certification exam in your chosen NP specialty.
Q: How can I stay updated on nursing regulations and policies in Maryland?
You can stay informed about nursing regulations and policies in Maryland by regularly visiting the Maryland Board of Nursing website, attending professional nursing associations, and participating in continuing education courses.
Q: How do I pick a nursing degree that's right for me?
Choosing the right nursing degree program that aligns with your career goals and aspirations is a crucial decision. Here are some considerations:
- Determine Your Career Goals: Start by identifying your long-term career goals. Do you want to become a registered nurse (RN), a nurse practitioner (NP), a nurse educator, or pursue another nursing specialty? Knowing your career aspirations will guide your degree choice.
- Research Nursing Roles: Research different nursing roles and specialties. Understand the scope of practice, responsibilities, and educational requirements for each. This will help you decide if a particular nursing degree aligns with your interests.
- Consider Your Prior Education: Your current educational background can influence your choice of nursing degree. If you have a bachelor's degree in another field, you might consider an accelerated BSN program or an entry-level MSN program. If you're just starting your education, you can choose between an ADN or a traditional BSN program.
- Assess Your Learning Preferences: Consider your preferred learning style and pace. If you prefer a more gradual approach to nursing education, an ADN program might be suitable. If you thrive in a structured and immersive learning environment, a BSN program might be a better fit.
- Evaluate Financial Considerations: Determine your financial situation and budget for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Explore scholarship opportunities, financial aid, and loan repayment programs specific to nursing students.
- Research Accredited Schools: Look for accredited nursing programs at universities, colleges, and community colleges. Accreditation ensures that the program meets quality standards and prepares you for licensure and practice.
- Location Matters: Do you want to study locally, or are you open to relocating for your education? Some regions may have more nursing program options than others.
- Clinical Opportunities: Investigate the clinical opportunities offered by nursing programs. Clinical experiences are a vital part of nursing education, so assess the variety and quality of clinical sites available to students.
- Talk to Current Students and Alumni: Connect with current nursing students and program alumni to gain insights into their experiences. They can provide valuable perspectives on the program's strengths and weaknesses.
- Visit Campus: If feasible, visit the campuses of nursing schools you're interested in. This can give you a sense of the facilities, faculty, and overall atmosphere of the program.
- Review Admission Requirements: Ensure that you meet the admission requirements for your chosen nursing program. Different programs may have specific prerequisites, GPA requirements, and application deadlines.
- Seek Advice from Advisors and Mentors: Talk to academic advisors, nursing faculty, and practicing nurses for guidance. They can offer valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
- Consider Your Timeline: Think about your timeline for completing your nursing education. Some programs, such as accelerated BSN programs, may have shorter durations than traditional BSN programs or ADN programs.
- Evaluate Certification and Licensing: If you have a specific nursing specialty or role in mind (e.g., nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist), research the certification and licensing requirements associated with that role. Ensure that your chosen program aligns with these requirements.
Take your time to research, gather information, and make an informed decision that sets you on a path to a fulfilling and successful nursing career.
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