Best nursing schools in Maryland: Largest to smallest

Maryland’s thriving nursing industry has multiple levels of entry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state employs more than 26,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), 11,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 46,000 registered nurses (RNs). Regardless of nursing role, there are numerous employment opportunities at both private and public healthcare centers throughout the state.

To meet the robust demand for nurses in Maryland, more than 25 local schools offer accredited nursing programs. The broad range of offerings enables students with different career goals, time commitments, and financial ability to find a strong fit. Maryland’s nursing schools may be broadly divided into two categories: public and private institutions. Both have their advantages. Public schools charge lower tuition fees and have standardized, state-approved syllabi for their nursing programs. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and a prestigious name on the résumé.

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Whether public or private, Maryland’s nursing programs promise a significant return on investment. The state’s CNAs earn $24,000-32,000 per year upon completing only a brief certificate course. LPNs make about $50,000 annually after finishing their 1-1.5 years of study. The state’s RNs, who must hold an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, take home over $70,000 per year on average.

To learn more about Maryland’s accredited nursing schools, refer to our comprehensive list below. We’ve organized them by class size within each metro area, ordered from largest to smallest.