[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maryland is home to many excellent universities, including Johns Hopkins University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. The state also offers many smaller private and public schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide outlines the best nursing programs in Maryland for registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), explores how to earn a Maryland nursing license, and provides information on nursing salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about becoming a nurse in Maryland, or go straight to our list of the best nursing schools in Maryland or our list of the best nurse practitioner programs in Maryland.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The right nursing program for you depends on your background, experience, and career goals. Because [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accreditation is vital[/hen-ui-link] to program quality and meeting your career goals, this guide only lists accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Maryland, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text] 
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Home to one of the top nursing schools in Maryland, Johns Hopkins University offers a full spectrum of nursing programs. Options include master's-level programs, post-master's certificates, and doctoral degrees.
Specializations include organizational leadership, psychiatric mental health, nurse practice, nurse anesthesia, and nursing education. Johns Hopkins students can choose to earn a concurrent MBA.
- Programs: MSN, DNP, Ph.D. in nursing, and post-master's certificates
- Campus: Baltimore, Maryland
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $52,300-$65,000 per year full-time MSN, $39,900-$50,760 doctorate, $21,480-$29,755 post-master's certificate
- Admission Requirements: All applicants need prerequisite degree/coursework (depending on program) completed at a regionally accredited institution. MSN entry-into-nursing track applicants need a B- or higher. MSN specialties or doctorate applicants need a B or higher.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Programs offered on-campus and online
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,359 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
88%
Online Enrollment
$57,010
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
97%
Retention Rate
$57,010
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 11%
- Students Enrolled
- 28,890
- Institution Type
- Private
#2
Towson University
- Towson, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Towson University's options for nursing students include a traditional BSN and an RN-to-BSN bridge program.
TU also offers an associate-to-bachelor nursing track in partnership with community college nursing programs in Maryland. The school's second bachelor's degree and MSN options may appeal to career changers.
- Programs: Associate-to-bachelor nursing dual enrollment, BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN
- Campus: Towson, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $3,550 per term in-state, $11,076 out-of-state for full-time undergraduate; $460 per credit in-state, $952 out-of-state for graduate
- Admission Requirements:
- Associate-to-bachelor: A 3.0 cumulative GPA and prerequisites in general chemistry, nutrition, and microbiology with a 2.0
- BSN: 42 undergraduate credits, lab science and English composition prerequisites, and TEAS scores
- RN-to-BSN: An associate degree or diploma in nursing; RN license; 2.5 cumulative GPA; and prerequisites in general chemistry, nutrition, and microbiology with a 2.0
- MSN: A bachelor's degree, 3.0 cumulative GPA, and prerequisite statistics and science courses
- Minimum Time Commitment: 5 terms
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.8% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,984 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
100%
Online Enrollment
$ 7,902
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
85%
Retention Rate
$16,344
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,917
- Institution Type
- Public
#3
Salisbury University
- Salisbury, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
With one of the most diverse offerings of nursing programs in Maryland, Salisbury University's options span both undergraduate and graduate levels. Options include a traditional or second BSN, an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN, an MSN-nurse educator or MSN-healthcare leadership, and a DNP.
- Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, and DNP
- Campus: Salisbury, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition:
- On-campus: $10,396 per year in-state, $20,872 out-of-state for full-time undergraduate; $9,558 per year in-state, $15,678 out-of-state for full-time graduate
- Online: $420 per credit in-state, $760 out-of-state for MSN; $665 in-state, $840 out-of-state for DNP
- Admission Requirements: University admission; prerequisites or degree (depending on track); RN license for RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, and DNP; and a 3.0-3.5 GPA for MSN and DNP
- Minimum Time Commitment: 3 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.3% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,267 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
96%
Online Enrollment
$ 8,769
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
78%
Retention Rate
$13,599
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,124
- Institution Type
- Public
#4
Frederick Community College
- Frederick, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Frederick Community College's nursing programs include a practical nursing (PN) certificate and an ADN. FCC also partners with nursing schools in Maryland for RNs to earn their bachelor's.
FCC's transition-to-RN track provides students with military medical experience, paramedics, and licensed PNs an accelerated path to an ADN.
- Programs: PN certificate, ADN, transition-to-RN, and BSN university partnerships
- Campus: Frederick, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for ADN program
- Tuition: $129 per credit in-county, $282 in-state, $382 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: Applicants need college-level English and math or placement tests, CPR training, a background check, and TEAS exam scores. Prerequisite classes for clinical rotations include anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,516 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
65%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
61%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 5,756
- Institution Type
- Public
#5
Harford Community College
- Bel Air, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Harford Community College offers two nursing tracks: a traditional or accelerated ADN and an LPN-to-RN transition program. Both options prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
The curriculum includes clinical experiences and coursework in fundamentals of nursing, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, and leadership.
- Programs: LPN-to-RN and ADN
- Campus: Bel Air, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $133 per credit in-county, $226 in-state, $319 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: A minimum 58.7 TEAS score, 16 college credits with a 2.5 GPA and completed prerequisites, and a criminal background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 4 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.4% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,582 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
91%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
64%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 5,256
- Institution Type
- Public
#6
Carroll Community College
- Westminster, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Aspiring RNs can earn their ADN at Carroll Community College, one of many nursing schools in Maryland that prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Carroll also offers ADN tracks for licensed practical nurses, paramedics, and military medics. Other programs lead to a practical nursing (PN) certificate. Carroll partners with nursing programs in Maryland to offer an associate-to-bachelor nursing dual degree.
- Programs: PN certificate, ADN, and BSN university partnerships
- Campus: Westminster, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $136 per credit in-county, $225 in-state, $288 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: A high school diploma or GED certificate, 2.5-3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, and NLN-PAX exam scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 79.2% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,288 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
89%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
68%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,060
- Institution Type
- Public
#7
College of Southern Maryland
- La Plata, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The College of Southern Maryland's nursing programs include an ADN, practical nursing (PN) certificate, and two transition-to-ADN options. The transition programs tailored to LPNs and military medics/corpsmen help them earn their ADN faster.
ADN graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam for their RN license and PN certificate-holders can take the NCLEX-PN exams to become LPNs.
- Programs: PN certificate, ADN, and transition-to-ADN
- Campus: La Plata, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $134-$235 per credit in-state, $301 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: A high school diploma or GED certificate, 2.0 GPA, prerequisites or college placement tests, and a 59% TEAS exam score
- Minimum Time Commitment: 14 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.8% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,641 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
99%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
65%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 6,164
- Institution Type
- Public
#8
Anne Arundel Community College
- Arnold, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Anne Arundel Community College awards practical nursing (PN) certificates and ADNs. ADN pathways serve prelicensure students; transfer students; and LPNs, paramedics, and military veterans.
AACC prepares nurses to provide evidence-based, holistic, safe, and systematic care. The programs build on a foundation of cultural diversity, humanities, nursing theory, and sciences.
- Programs: PN certificate and ADN
- Campus: Arnold, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $120 per credit in-county, $253 in-state, $408 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: Prerequisite coursework, TEAS exam scores, a criminal background check, and CPR certification
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,756 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
96%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
65%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 11,948
- Institution Type
- Public
#9
Hood College
- Frederick, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Hood College's BSN program prepares graduates to become licensed as RNs. The curriculum blends a liberal arts foundation with nursing coursework. Classes emphasize communication, critical thinking, leadership, nursing theory, and research and evidence-based practice. The program director and nursing faculty arrange students' clinical placements.
- Program: BSN
- Campus: Frederick, Maryland
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $42,510 per year
- Admission Requirements: Applicants submit high school transcripts and an admission essay. Optional materials include test scores, an interview, recommendations, a resume, writing samples, or an online portfolio.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.3% first-time pass rate
55%
Online Enrollment
$8,820
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
75%
Retention Rate
$8,820
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 71%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,042
- Institution Type
- Private
#10
Hagerstown Community College
- Hagerstown, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Hagerstown Community College offers two routes to becoming an RN: a traditional ADN and transition programs for LPNs, paramedics, and military veterans.
Enrollees can complete their studies in three years or do the more rigorous two-year program. HCC also partners with two nursing schools in Maryland to offer an associate-to-bachelor track.
- Programs: ADN and BSN through university partnership
- Campus: Hagerstown, Maryland
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $123 per credit in-county, $192 in-state, $236 neighboring states, $252 other states
- Admission Requirements: SAT, AP, and TEAS exam scores; nursing program preview attendance; official transcripts; prerequisite science courses; 2.0 cumulative GPA; and 2.5 prerequisites GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.6% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,218 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
87%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
61%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,433
- Institution Type
- Public
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]earn your RN license[/hen-ui-link] in Maryland, you must graduate from an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] ADN or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) nursing program in Maryland or another state, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. You must also submit your fingerprints for a criminal background check and may not owe child support or outstanding taxes. The board of nursing’s website has the [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/olinits-index.aspx” target=”_blank”]full application forms and requirements[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an advanced practice registered nurse ([hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRN[/hen-ui-link]), you need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP) and have either a current RN license (either Maryland or NLC) or apply for one. If you did not graduate from [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Documents/approved-np-programs.pdf” target=”_blank”]an approved school[/hen-ui-link], you can ask your school to [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Documents/program_approval_form.pdf” target=”_blank”]apply for approval[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] requires a declaration of residence, sealed official transcripts, and proof of your board certification or eligibility to take the examination. Your transcript must show completed coursework in advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and physical assessment. The state board of nursing website includes [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Documents/np_application.pdf” target=”_blank”]full application information[/hen-ui-link] and forms.[/hen-ui-text]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Maryland[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Are nurses in demand in Maryland?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Maryland, the number of nursing jobs is [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected to grow 22.3%[/hen-ui-link] between 2018 and 2028. The BLS even [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]projects a surplus[/hen-ui-link] of 12,100 nurses from 2014-2030. However, nurses with diplomas from the top nursing programs in Maryland will continue to be in demand.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How do I become a nurse in Maryland?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must earn an ADN or a BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, submit your fingerprints for a criminal background check, and submit an application to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. You may not owe child support or have outstanding taxes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to get a Maryland RN license?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN takes two years to complete, and a BSN takes four years. While an ADN is faster and tuition is less expensive, a growing number of employers require or prefer a BSN for higher-level positions. There are excellent nursing schools in Maryland for both ADNs and BSNs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is the University of Maryland a good nursing school?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/education-nclex-stats.aspx” target=”_blank”]University of Maryland NCLEX-RN pass rate[/hen-ui-link] is above the state average, an indicator that it is one of the better nursing schools in Maryland. Choosing the right program for your needs also depends on tuition, the curriculum, program structure, and the ability to get clinical placement in your community.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]