Rankings / By State
Best Data Science Colleges in Maryland
- 31
- Schools
- $56,505
- Avg. Earnings
- 49%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,161
- Avg. Net Price
- $17,721
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $35,823 at the low end to $87,555 at the top. That 2.4× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Carroll Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $44,349 against $2,725 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Carroll Community College, at $2,725 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of its students, well above the 49% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Johns Hopkins University: graduates owe only 0.12× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Carroll Community College ($2,725/yr) and Loyola University Maryland ($30,574/yr) produce graduates earning $44,349 and $82,652 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $27,849 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Carroll Community College outperforms Johns Hopkins University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of its students versus 17% at Community College of Baltimore County. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Carroll Community College and Johns Hopkins University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $55K within a decade, and data scientist roles are projected to grow 36%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Johns Hopkins University #1 overall | $87,555 ▲ +55% vs avg | $18,809 | 94% | 88 |
| 2 University of Maryland-College Park #2 overall | $82,860 ▲ +47% vs avg | $15,678 | 89% | 81 |
| 3 University of Maryland-Baltimore County #3 overall | $69,960 ▲ +24% vs avg | $16,467 | 70% | 80 |
| $85,035 ▲ +50% vs avg | $22,102 | 44% | 76 | |
| $50,159 ▼ -11% vs avg | $8,027 | 30% | 75 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Data Science Colleges in Maryland
This analysis ranks 31 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $56,505 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 49% and an average net price of $15,161.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Carroll Community College — Net Price: $2,725 | Graduation Rate: 43%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Johns Hopkins University — 94% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Johns Hopkins University — Median alumni earnings: $87,555
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$53,780
Median earnings (10yr)
43%
Median graduation rate
$15,332
Median net price
1.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Technology hiring rewards ability over credentials more than any other field on this site. Toolchains turn over every few years, so computing and data-science programs compete on employer connections, project-based learning, and curriculum currency. The programs that teach fundamentals and learning agility produce the graduates who last.
Start with the medians across these 31 schools. Graduates earn a median of $53,780 ten years after enrollment, or about $5,780 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 43%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $15,332 a year with about $19,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 30% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.9%.
In tech, what you can do matters more than where you studied. Graduates on this list earn a median of $53,780 ten years after enrollment. Programs with industry partnerships, co-op placements, and current curricula keep delivering through a cyclical hiring market.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Johns Hopkins University lands at #1 with a 88/100 composite, led by academic quality (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (82/100). Graduates earn a median $87,555 a decade after enrolling, 55% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
College Park, MD · 45% accepted · $15,678 net
Why it ranks #2
University of Maryland-College Park lands at #2 with a 81/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $82,860 a decade after enrolling, 47% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,678 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Baltimore, MD · 72% accepted · $16,467 net
Why it ranks #3
University of Maryland-Baltimore County lands at #3 with a 80/100 composite, led by academic quality (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $69,960 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,467 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Capitol Technology University lands at #4 with a 76/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $85,035 a decade after enrolling, 50% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,102 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Montgomery College lands at #5 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,159 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,027 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Harford Community College lands at #6 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $44,608 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,234 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Loyola University Maryland lands at #7 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $82,652 a decade after enrolling, 46% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,574 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Mount St. Mary's University lands at #8 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $64,072 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,655 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Prince George's Community College lands at #9 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $47,548 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,672 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Anne Arundel Community College lands at #10 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $46,219 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,915 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Carroll Community College lands at #11 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,349 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,725 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Towson University lands at #12 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $64,390 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,413 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Frederick Community College lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $46,449 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,465 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Hagerstown Community College lands at #14 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $41,615 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,835 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Goucher College lands at #15 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $53,023 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,470 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Cecil College lands at #16 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $43,952 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,658 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Howard Community College lands at #17 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $49,020 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,133 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Stevenson University lands at #18 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $62,079 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,505 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Garrett College lands at #19 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $35,823 a decade after enrolling, 37% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,228 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Hood College lands at #20 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $57,089 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,873 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
St. Mary's College of Maryland lands at #21 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (62/100). Graduates earn a median $60,110 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,441 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Community College of Baltimore County lands at #22 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $43,729 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,844 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Maryland Global Campus lands at #23 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $65,287 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,063 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Salisbury University lands at #24 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $61,515 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,743 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Frostburg State University lands at #25 with a 62/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $55,493 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,715 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Bowie State University lands at #26 with a 62/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,537 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,298 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
University of Baltimore lands at #27 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $61,335 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,868 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Morgan State University lands at #28 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $50,698 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,985 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Princess Anne, MD · 96% accepted · $13,338 net
Why it ranks #29
University of Maryland Eastern Shore lands at #29 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,697 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,338 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
United States Naval Academy lands at #30 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (94/100) and pulled down by social mobility (67/100). Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Chesapeake College lands at #31 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (29/100). Graduates earn a median $36,301 a decade after enrolling, 36% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,106 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 30 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Data Scientists and related roles — a field with $108,020 median pay and 36% projected growth.
See the Data Scientist career guide →Maryland is home to a variety of colleges that excel in data science programs, attracting students eager to enter a growing field. With average earnings for graduates in this area reaching $56,125, the potential for a rewarding career is evident. As we compare these institutions, it's crucial to consider not just the programs they offer, but the outcomes they deliver.
What sets the top schools apart is their performance on key metrics like graduation rates, earnings, and student debt. For instance, Johns Hopkins University leads the pack with a graduation rate of 94% and impressive post-graduation earnings of $87,555. In contrast, the average graduation rate across all 31 institutions in this ranking is only 46%, highlighting the differences in student success among these programs.
Take the University of Maryland-College Park and Capitol Technology University, for example. While both are strong contenders, they show a stark contrast in outcomes. UM-College Park boasts an 89% graduation rate and $82,860 in earnings, compared to Capitol Technology's 44% graduation rate and $85,035 earnings. This difference illustrates how much variation exists within the same state, making it essential for prospective students to carefully weigh their options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 18 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Mount St. Mary's University leads the group at 6.4%, with Montgomery College (3%) and Hood College (2.8%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 9% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Mount St. Mary's University enrolls the most, at 21.2%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 23.6% across the list, peaking at 58.6% at Johns Hopkins University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.56, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Loyola University Maryland is highest at 1.86.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Across Maryland's data science programs, a notable trend emerges: schools with higher graduation rates tend to correlate with better earnings post-graduation. For instance, Johns Hopkins University not only has a striking 94% graduation rate but also the highest earnings at $87,555. In contrast, while Capitol Technology University has comparable earnings at $85,035, its graduation rate of just 44% raises questions about student support and program effectiveness.
As you explore these options, consider how the details align with your personal priorities. Are you looking for a strong support system that encourages graduation, or are you focused on potential earnings? Think about factors like campus culture, location, and financial aid opportunities. Weighing these elements against the data can help you find the right fit for your goals.
The stakes are high when choosing a college, especially in a field like data science where the job market continues to grow. A solid education can lead to financial stability, but the path is not uniform. Choosing the right program can make a significant difference in a family's future, shaping not just careers but lives.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Data Science Colleges in Maryland: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Data Science Colleges in Maryland ranking? +
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Data Science Colleges in Maryland ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $87,555 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 94% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Johns Hopkins University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $87,555 ten years after enrollment, well above the $56,505 average across the 30 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Carroll Community College leads: graduates earn a median $44,349 against net price of about $2,725 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Johns Hopkins University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 94%, compared with a 49% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,161 a year across the 30 ranked schools with cost data. Carroll Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,725. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Data Science Colleges in Maryland ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 31 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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