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In 2026, pursuing an English major offers exciting career prospects, intellectual growth, and the opportunity to engage with some of history’s most influential thinkers. As the job market continues to evolve, it’s crucial to choose a program that will maximize your potential in this dynamic field.
So, which universities in Maryland provide the best opportunities for aspiring English majors? We at Zippia analyzed data from 101 higher education institutions across the state to identify the programs that stand out for career success.
After careful evaluation, here are the top colleges for English majors in Maryland:
- University Of Maryland-College Park
- Johns Hopkins University
- University Of Baltimore
- University Of Maryland-Baltimore County
- Towson University
- St Mary’s College Of Maryland
- Bowie State University
- Salisbury University
- Notre Dame Of Maryland University
- Loyola University Maryland
If you’re attending one of these institutions, you’re likely familiar with the excellent resources and opportunities available to you. For those considering their options, let’s explore why these schools are recognized for their outstanding English programs.
How We Determined The Best English Schools In Maryland
At its essence, English is about the exploration of language and theory. To identify the best English programs, we took an analytical approach, using data to compare the performance of various schools.
This data-driven strategy helps optimize your decision-making process.
We utilized information from the NCES (National Center For Education Statistics) and College Scorecard data from ED.gov to assess which English departments provide the most promising career opportunities:
- Career Results
- Mean Earnings After 6 Years
- Mean Earnings After 10 Years
- Employment-to-Nonemployment Ratio After 10 Years
- English Emphasis
- Percentage of Graduating Class That Are English Majors (Higher is better)
- School Performance
- Admissions Rate (More selective is better)
- Graduation Rate
- Average Cost Of Attendance (Lower is better)
- Average Amount of Debt
Choosing a selective school that boasts a reputable English program and strong earning potential is a wise investment in your future.
After analyzing the data across 101 institutions in Maryland, we ranked each school based on the criteria above, assigning a rank of 1 to the best in each category.
We then calculated an “English Quality Index” for each school, with the University of Maryland-College Park receiving the highest score, thus earning the title of ‘Best College For English’ in Maryland.
1. University Of Maryland-College Park
Enrollment: 37,610
As Maryland’s flagship university, College Park boasts an impressive English department. It ranks as the 3rd most selective English program, showcasing its academic excellence. Graduates enjoy the 3rd highest salaries among English majors in the state, along with a high graduation rate. The large student body fosters a vibrant community for English enthusiasts to network and collaborate.
2. Johns Hopkins University
Enrollment: 12,262
Just behind College Park, Johns Hopkins is known for its rigorous admissions standards and exceptional graduation rate. English majors from this prestigious institution command the highest salaries in Maryland, reflecting the strong value of their degree.
3. University Of Baltimore
Enrollment: 3,485
The University of Baltimore offers a more intimate academic experience with lower student debt and impressive salary outcomes for English graduates six years post-graduation. Additionally, it ranks 5th in the state for English majors still working in their field a decade later.
4. University Of Maryland-Baltimore County
Enrollment: 11,379
UMBC is known for its accessible English program, with below-average student debt levels and competitive salaries for graduates. Its comprehensive curriculum prepares students for a variety of career paths.
5. Towson University
Enrollment: 22,284
Towson University may not be widely known outside Maryland, but it offers a stellar English program with the second-lowest student debt load among its graduates, who go on to secure strong salaries even years after graduation.
6. St Mary’s College Of Maryland
Enrollment: 1,688
St. Mary’s College offers a close-knit academic environment, featuring a robust English department with high graduation rates. It is also significant that English is the largest department on campus, emphasizing its importance to the school.
7. Bowie State University
Enrollment: 5,561
Bowie State offers an affordable education with a competitive English program, ranking as the 4th most selective English department in Maryland. This balance of quality and cost makes it a wise choice for many students.
8. Salisbury University
Enrollment: 8,657
Students at Salisbury University benefit from strong graduation rates and low costs, while also enjoying one of the more selective English programs in the state, making it an attractive option.
9. Notre Dame Of Maryland University
Enrollment: 2,982
Graduates of Notre Dame Of Maryland University see great success, earning the 5th highest salaries among English majors in the state, making this program highly competitive.
10. Loyola University Maryland
Enrollment: 4,084
Loyola University Maryland boasts the second-highest graduation rate among English departments in the state, with graduates earning the 2nd highest salaries, reflecting the strong value of their degree.
Detailed List Of The Best Schools For English Majors In Maryland
| City | Rank |
|---|---|
| University Of Maryland-College Park | 1 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 |
| University Of Baltimore | 3 |
| University Of Maryland-Baltimore County | 4 |
| Towson University | 5 |
| St Mary’S College Of Maryland | 6 |
| Bowie State University | 7 |
| Salisbury University | 8 |
| Notre Dame Of Maryland University | 9 |
| Loyola University Maryland | 10 |
| Coppin State University | 11 |
| Washington Adventist University | 12 |
| Mount St Mary’S University | 13 |
| Frostburg State University | 14 |
| University Of Maryland Eastern Shore | 15 |
| Stevenson University | 16 |
| Washington College | 17 |
| Hood College | 18 |
| Mcdaniel College | 19 |
| Morgan State University | 20 |
| Goucher College | 21 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
