Explore College Towns in Maryland: Everything Students Need to Know
Housing Designed for Students
Table of Content
- Top College Towns in Maryland
- 1. College Park
- University of Maryland
- 2. Baltimore
- Johns Hopkins University
- 3. Towson
- Towson University
- 4. Salisbury
- Salisbury University
- 5. Frostburg
- Frostburg State University
- 6. Princess Anne
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Nightlife in Maryland College Towns
- Why Students Prefer Living in Maryland?
Maryland is known for its historic landmarks in the United States. Home to renowned institutions such as the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Towson University, the state attracts students from across the United States and around the world. College towns such as College Park, Baltimore, Towson, Salisbury, and Frostburg provide a welcoming student environment, diverse housing options, and strong career opportunities. The college towns in Maryland offer students a unique blend of academic excellence, an engaging college community, and convenient access to major East Coast cities.
Whether students are searching for top universities, lively campus experiences, or affordable student housing in Maryland, this guide explores some of the best college towns the state has to offer. The state features a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Students and residents also benefit from convenient domestic and international travel through major airports. The average cost of living in Maryland ranges from $1,800 to $3,000 per month, depending on one's accommodation, lifestyle, and personal expenses. Maryland's college towns offer a variety of nightlife experiences and have lively entertainment districts.
Students searching for a better living experience and affordable housing with various options can rely on amber. Amber makes the transition to student life in Maryland easier by helping students find secure, comfortable, and affordable housing near their universities in specific towns.
Top College Towns in Maryland
Maryland offers a strong higher education system with renowned public and private universities. Students benefit from various programs and courses at the universities in Maryland.
| College Towns | University | Total Population (approx.) | Student Population (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Park | University of Maryland | 35,400 | 22,000–25,000 |
| Baltimore | Johns Hopkins University | 565,700 | 25,000–30,000 |
| Towson | Towson University | 59,600 | 15,000–18,000 |
| Salisbury | Salisbury University | 33,100 | 6,000–7,000 |
| Frostburg | Frostburg State University | 8,700 | 3,000–3,500 |
| Princess Anne | University of Maryland Eastern Shore | 3,100 | 1,500–2,000 |
1. College Park
- Safety score: 55/100
- Walkability score: 72/100
- Average rent for students: $900–$1,600
- Average cost of living (excluding rent): $900–$1,300
College Park is one of Maryland's most prominent college towns, home to the University of Maryland. Students benefit from convenient access to shopping destinations such as Target, Trader Joe's, Lidl, and Whole Foods Market. The University Health Center and other medical facilities around the town are available for students and residents living here. College Park also has a public transportation system, which is excellent, with access to the Washington Metro, Metrobus, MARC trains, and university shuttle services. Beyond academics, students can explore attractions such as Lake Artemisia and the College Park Aviation Museum for their weekend or holiday escapes. Students benefit from the College Park City-University Partnership Police Department, the University of Maryland Police Department, and 24/7 emergency response services.
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland and is recognized for its strong research output and innovation ecosystem. It provides students with valuable internships, networking, and career opportunities with different international organizations.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1856 |
| Student Enrollments | 25000+ |
| International Enrollments | 5,000+ |
| Tuition Fees | $41,000–$43,000 |
| Subjects Offered | Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Journalism, Public Policy, Arts, Sciences |
| Scholarships offered | President's Scholarship, Dean's Scholarships, Merit Awards, Graduate Fellowships |
| Libraries in the University | McKeldin Library, STEM Library, Architecture Library, Performing Arts Library |
| Cultural Events | Maryland Day, Homecoming, International Education Week, Diwali, Lunar New Year |
2. Baltimore
- Safety score: 46/100
- Walkability score: 66/100
- Average rent for students: $900–$1,800
- Average cost of living (excluding rent): $1,000–$1,400
Baltimore combines the energy of a major city with a thriving student community anchored by Johns Hopkins University. Students have access to a wide range of shopping options, including Walmart, Safeway, Whole Foods Market, and local markets. Students are provided with a public transport system for easy mobility within Baltimore and nearby areas. The services include MTA buses, Light RailLink, Metro SubwayLink, and university shuttle services. Popular attractions include the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Camden Yards, museums, music venues, and annual cultural festivals. Students are supported by the Baltimore Police Department, university police and campus security teams, and 24/7 emergency response services.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is widely regarded as one of the world's leading research institutions. According to the latest National Science Foundation data, Johns Hopkins spent more than $3 billion annually on research and development programs.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1876 |
| Student Enrollments | 32,000+ |
| International Enrollments | 8,000+ |
| Tuition Fees | $65,000–$67,000 |
| Subjects Offered | Medicine, Public Health, Engineering, Business, International Studies, Computer Science |
| Scholarships offered | Hopkins Scholarships, Need-Based Aid, Merit Awards, Fellowships |
| Libraries in the University | Milton S. Eisenhower Library, Welch Medical Library, George Peabody Library |
| Cultural Events | Spring Fair, Homecoming, International Student Festival, Cultural Heritage Events |
3. Towson
- Safety score: 68/100
- Walkability score: 70/100
- Average rent for students: $850–$1,500
- Average cost of living (excluding rent): $900–$1,250
Towson offers a student-friendly atmosphere with a blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience. The town is famous for its glamorous dining scenes, community events, and easy access to Baltimore’s culture and heritage, promising students a social community. For daily essentials and groceries, students have access to nearby service shops, shopping centers, supermarkets, and entertainment venues, including Target, Trader Joe's, and Towson Town Center. The proximity of medical availability is a common factor in this town; the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and nearby hospitals provide all the required help. Students can also take public transportation, including MTA bus routes and university shuttle services for moving around.
Towson University
Towson University is known for its career-focused education and strong connections with employers throughout the Baltimore-Washington region. The university offers over 110 undergraduate programs, 47 master's degrees, and 7 doctoral programs. Students benefit from a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 24 students.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1866 |
| Student Enrollments | 21,500+ |
| International Enrollments | 1,000+ |
| Tuition Fees | $26,000–$28,000 |
| Subjects Offered | Business, Health Sciences, Education, Computer Science, Arts, Psychology |
| Scholarships offered | Merit Scholarships, International Scholarships, Departmental Awards |
| Libraries in the University | Albert S. Cook Library |
| Cultural Events | International Festival, Homecoming, Cultural Showcases, Diversity Programs |
4. Salisbury
- Safety score: 63/100
- Walkability score: 58/100
- Average rent for students: $700–$1,300
- Average cost of living (excluding rent): $800–$1,150
Salisbury provides a welcoming and affordable environment for students. Salisbury University is located in this town, and students benefit from the nearby services for their day-to-day survival. The town features convenient shopping options such as Walmart, Aldi, Food Lion, and local retail centers. Students have access to quality healthcare through TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital. Public transportation is available through Shore Transit and university transportation services. Salisbury is known for its lively downtown area, local arts scene, seasonal festivals, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community.
Salisbury University
Salisbury University is recognized for its student-centered learning environment and commitment to undergraduate education. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, internships, study-abroad programs, and hands-on projects across disciplines. Allowing them to learn from scratch might benefit them while selecting their careers.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1925 |
| Student Enrollments | 7,300+ |
| International Enrollments | 300+ |
| Tuition Fees | $20,000–$24,000 |
| Subjects Offered | Business, Nursing, Health Sciences, Education, Social Sciences |
| Scholarships offered | Academic Scholarships, Merit Awards, International Student Scholarships |
| Libraries in the University | Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons |
| Cultural Events | Sea Gull Century, Homecoming, International Education Events, Cultural Celebrations |
5. Frostburg
- Safety score: 78/100
- Walkability score: 61/100
- Average rent for students: $500–$1,000
- Average cost of living (excluding rent): $700–$1,000
Frostburg is a scenic mountain town that offers students a close-knit academic environment and a lower cost of living. Shopping needs are served by Walmart, Weis Markets, Aldi, and local businesses. Healthcare facilities include UPMC Western Maryland and regional clinics. The affordable and most convenient transportation system helps students to move around, which includes Allegany County Transit and campus shuttle services. A unique feature of Frostburg is its location in the Allegheny Mountains, giving it a true mountain-town atmosphere uncommon among U.S. college towns. Students enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing, as well as community events such as the Appalachian Festival and local arts celebrations.
Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University offers a close-knit campus environment surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. About 75% of students participate in internships, research projects, field experiences, service-learning, or co-op programs before graduation.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1898 |
| Student Enrollments | 3,800+ |
| International Enrollments | 300+ |
| Tuition Fees | $18,000–$22,000 |
| Subjects Offered | Business, Education, Engineering, Computer Science, Arts, Health Sciences |
| Scholarships offered | Merit Scholarships, International Student Awards, Foundation Scholarships |
| Libraries in the University | Ort Library |
| Cultural Events | Appalachian Festival, Homecoming, International Week, Cultural Programs |
6. Princess Anne
- Safety score: 72/100
- Walkability score: 45/100
- Average rent for students: $550–$1,050
- Average cost of living (excluding rent): $700–$950
Princess Anne offers a peaceful college-town experience centered around the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Princess Anne, Maryland, was named after Princess Anne of Great Britain, the daughter of King George II. Healthcare services are available through regional medical facilities and community health centers. Public transportation is provided by Shore Transit and university-operated transportation services. Princess Anne's most distinctive feature is its exceptionally well-preserved historic district. The town has retained much of its 18th- and 19th-century character, and specific historical features like the Historic county seat of Somerset County.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a historically Black university that plays an important role in advancing educational access. Students can participate in hands-on research projects, internships, and federally funded programs, including associations with agencies such as NASA and NOAA.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1886 |
| Student Enrollments | 2,600+ |
| International Enrollments | 150+ |
| Tuition Fees | $18,000–$23,000 |
| Subjects Offered | Agriculture, Aviation, Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Sciences |
| Scholarships offered | Merit Scholarships, International Scholarships, Academic Awards |
| Libraries in the University | Frederick Douglass Library |
| Cultural Events | Founders Week, Homecoming, Cultural Heritage Events, International Student Programs |
Nightlife in Maryland College Towns
Maryland's college towns offer plenty of ways for students to relax and socialize after class. In College Park, students often visit local bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues such as Cornerstone Grill & Loft, The Hall CP, and Looney's Pub.
Frostburg has a laid-back nightlife scene centered around downtown cafés, restaurants, and local pubs. Students also enjoy community events and live music performances throughout the year.
Towson offers a mix of live music, sports watch parties, bowling alleys, escape rooms, and student events organized by the university.
In Salisbury, popular student hangouts like the Market Street Inn and Roadie Joe's Bar & Grill draw students for a chill evening on weekends and holidays.
For those near Baltimore, the town provides a wider range of entertainment options, including concerts, sporting events, theaters, nightlife districts, and waterfront attractions.
Why Students Prefer Living in Maryland?
Students choose Maryland for its well-known universities, strong job and internship opportunities, and convenient location near major cities such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The state's college towns offer a student-friendly atmosphere with restaurants, shops, libraries, recreational facilities, and cultural events close to campus.
Another benefit is the range of affordable student housing options available throughout the state. Students can choose from university residences, shared apartments, private rentals, and purpose-built student housing. And can also look into the basic amenities available near these college towns and universities. In college towns such as Salisbury, Frostburg, and Princess Anne, living costs are often lower than in larger cities.
Students planning to study in Maryland can rely on amber to discover affordable, fully equipped student housing in famous college towns such as College Park, Baltimore, Towson, Salisbury, and Frostburg. Students coming to live in Maryland are welcomed with good social communities, friendly neighborhoods, and good housing facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apart from academics, what recreational activities can students enjoy in Maryland?
There are various recreational activities in the towns of Maryland. Students can explore waterfront parks, hiking and biking trails, sporting events, and outdoor activities around the Chesapeake Bay and Appalachian region.
Do universities and college towns in Maryland provide internship opportunities to students?
Yes. Maryland offers strong internship and employment opportunities in healthcare, biotechnology, cybersecurity, government services, education, aerospace, and business, particularly due to its proximity to Washington, D.C.
What is the average student-to-faculty ratio at major universities in Maryland?
The average student-to-faculty ratio ranges from 8:1 to 16:1, allowing for meaningful interaction with faculty.
Do Maryland universities offer research opportunities for students?
Yes. Many universities, particularly the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, provide undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to participate in research projects across various disciplines.
What industries are prominent near Maryland college towns?
Major industries include healthcare, biotechnology, cybersecurity, aerospace, government services, education, finance, and technology.