Maryland university campus representing machine learning education
Updated December 2025

Best Machine Learning Programs in Maryland: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 13 top accredited machine learning programs in Maryland. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville.

Programs Ranked13
Median Salary$122,420
Cost of Living109.4%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Maryland 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MDPublic

873 machine learning graduates annually, 84% graduation rate

$10K
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad Rate
88.0
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MDPublic

151 machine learning graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$9K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
61.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Towson University

Towson, MDPublic

176 machine learning graduates annually, 91% graduation rate

$7K
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
61.7
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Maryland offers 13+ accredited machine learning programs across public and private universities
  • 2.University of Maryland-College Park leads with 84% graduation rate
  • 3.Maryland software developers earn median $122,420 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
  • 5.Cost of living index: 109.4% of US average (above average)

Machine Learning Education in Maryland: Overview

Maryland offers 13 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 1,374 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville, with major employers including NSA, Lockheed Martin, Johns Hopkins APL.

With a median software developer salary of $122,420 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 109.4% compared to the US average, Maryland offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.

The top machine learning programs in the state are led by University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Towson University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Machine Learning degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Maryland-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Maryland Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MDPublic$9,88984%88
2University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MDPublic$9,23890%61.9
3Towson UniversityTowson, MDPublic$7,38291%61.7
4United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis, MDPublic$0โ€”55
5Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MDPrivate$62,840โ€”54.3
6Loyola University MarylandBaltimore, MDPrivate$55,48092%50.5
7Hood CollegeFrederick, MDPrivate$45,12084%47.5
8Coppin State UniversityBaltimore, MDPublic$4,933โ€”43
9Washington Adventist UniversityTakoma Park, MDPrivate$23,400โ€”41.5
10Washington CollegeChestertown, MDPrivate$52,146โ€”39
11Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg, MDPublic$7,110โ€”37.3
12Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MDPublic$5,58752%37.2
13Women's Institute of Torah Seminary and CollegeBaltimore, MDPrivate$9,0002%21

Top 5 Machine Learning Programs in Maryland: Side-by-Side

SchoolUMD College ParkUMBCTowsonUnited States Naval AcademyJohns Hopkins
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$9,889
$9,238
$7,382
$0
$62,840
Graduation Rate
84%
90%
91%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
873
151
176
40
31
Acceptance Rate
45%
74%
83%
9%
8%
Type
Public
Public
Public
Public
Private
Score
88.0/100
61.9/100
61.7/100
55.0/100
54.3/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Maryland

Maryland offers 11 bachelor's-level machine learning programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Towson University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,694 in the Maryland market.

A bachelor's in machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in Maryland

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 UMD College Park
$9,889
84%
873
88.0
#2 UMBC
$9,238
90%
330
69.2
#3 Towson
$7,382
91%
176
61.7

Top Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Maryland

For graduate study, Maryland offers 7 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include University of Maryland-College Park, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Johns Hopkins University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Maryland reaching $159,146 or more.

Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Maryland

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 UMD College Park
$9,889
84%
117
83.6
#2 UMBC
$9,238
90%
151
61.9
#3 Johns Hopkins
$62,840
N/A%
31
54.3

Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Maryland

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning programs in Maryland are at Coppin State University ($4,933/year), Morgan State University ($5,587/year), Frostburg State University ($7,110/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Maryland's competitive tech salaries.

At Coppin State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $19,732 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,694, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs in Maryland (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Coppin State
$4,933
$19,732
0.4 years
Public
#2 Morgan State
$5,587
$22,348
0.4 years
Public
#3 Frostburg State
$7,110
$28,440
0.6 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Machine Learning Schools in Maryland

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning programs in Maryland, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,889 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 873 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 88.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 84% graduation rate
  • 873 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 88.0 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (873 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (45% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The Machine Learning specialization requires comprehensive foundational coursework including linear algebra and provides advanced courses in AI, computer vision, natural language processing, and deep learning. Students must complete requirements from at least 3 different computer science areas, ensuring broad technical competency.

Available Scholarships
$Scholarships available
Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขMATH140 (Calculus I)
  • โ€ขMATH141 (Calculus II)
  • โ€ขCMSC131 (Object-Oriented Programming I)
  • โ€ขCMSC132 (Object-Oriented Programming II)
  • โ€ขCMSC216 (Introduction to Computer Systems)
  • โ€ขCMSC250 (Discrete Structures)
  • โ€ขCMSC330 (Organization of Programming Languages)
  • โ€ขCMSC351 (Algorithms)
  • โ€ขSTAT4XX with MATH141 prerequisite
  • โ€ขMATH240 (Linear Algebra)
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 2.0
  • Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
  • Job Placement: 75%
Available Specializations / Concentrations
General TrackCybersecurityData ScienceMachine Learning
#2

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $9,238 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 151 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 61.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 151 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 61.9 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (151 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

UMBC offers graduate programs in electrical and computer engineering with faculty experts connected to industry and government agencies in the Washington, DC area. The location between Washington D.C. and Baltimore provides unique opportunities for real-world experience in key industries like healthcare, biotechnology, and professional services.

Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.5
Available Specializations / Concentrations
CybersecurityData ScienceMachine LearningQuantum Information
#31 Designation

Towson University

Towson, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,382 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 176 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 61.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • 176 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 61.7 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (176 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Towson University's computer programs offer extensive research opportunities across cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data mining, supported by over 20 computing labs and 40+ full-time faculty. The department provides multiple specialization tracks and maintains ABET accreditation for its computer science programs.

Program Accreditations & Designations
ABET
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 2.0
  • Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cyber Operations TrackSoftware Engineering TrackData AnalyticsBusinessInterface DesignSystemsNetwork SecurityData Management and Analytics
#4

United States Naval Academy

Annapolis, MD โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 40 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 55.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 40 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 55.0 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

USNA's Computer Science Department is nationally recognized with full scholarship funding and offers cutting-edge research opportunities including AI, machine learning, and high performance computing with direct contributions to Naval operations. Students work on real-world projects that have saved the Navy millions in contracting fees while preparing for guaranteed officer positions.

Available Scholarships
$$0 4 Year Tuition Cost - Navy pays 100% of tuition
$room and board
$medical and dental care costs
Career Outcomes
  • Job Placement: 100% Post Graduation Employment
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Computer Science Elective Tracks
#5

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $62,840 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 31 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 54.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 31 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 54.3 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,420), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Johns Hopkins offers one of the nation's first online artificial intelligence master's programs, developed with expertise from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. The program combines theoretical concepts with practical knowledge and is taught by top-level researchers, scientists, and engineers.

Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขSingle variable and multivariable calculus
  • โ€ขOne semester/term of linear algebra
  • โ€ขOne semester/term of probability and statistics
  • โ€ขOne semester/term of Python
Program Details
  • Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Computer roboticsNatural language processingImage processingExpert systemsRobotics
$85,694
Starting Salary
$122,420
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
7,870
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$137,014

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$120,137

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$146,183

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$136,740
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Maryland with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$140,965

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Maryland if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Baltimore, Bethesda, Rockville
  • You're seeking competitive salaries ($122,420 median)
  • You want to work at companies like NSA or Lockheed Martin
  • You prefer Maryland's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Maryland's 13)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

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Machine Learning Programs in Other States

Machine Learning in Maryland FAQ

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Maryland salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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