College Costs in Baltimore, MD 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 22 colleges in Baltimore, Maryland. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,096
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$56,325
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,666
per month
Colleges & Universities
22
institutions
Baltimore Overview
Population
585,708
Student Population
30,415 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
130 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
71/100
Transit Score
49/100
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
College Cost Calculator for Baltimore
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$135,364
Total After Financial Aid
$135,364
Annual Cost
$33,841
Annual After Aid
$33,841
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $135,364 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,537 |
| Total Interest | $49,080 |
| Total Loan Cost | $184,444 |
Universities in Baltimore
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Private | $60,480 |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County | Public | $12,096 |
| Loyola University Maryland | Private | $52,170 |
| Baltimore City Community College | Community | $3,768 |
Baltimore has 22 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Baltimore vs. National Average
| Category | Baltimore | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,096 | $10,940 | +$1,156 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,666 | $1,050 | +$616 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 100 | +30 |
Baltimore's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Baltimore
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
30,415 students
Baltimore has a total population of 585,708, with approximately 30,415 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Baltimore offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Baltimore
$70,219
Starting Salary
6.3%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Baltimore earn a median starting salary of $70,219, which is $35,219 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $135,364 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,793 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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