Best Nursing Programs in Maryland (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 172 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Maryland. The fastest listed completion time is 11 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $240,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 83.6% first-time pass rate. RNs in Maryland earn $84,060/year on average (BLS).
172
Programs
38
Schools
11 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
83.6%
Avg NCLEX (6)
93
Online / Hybrid
$84K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Maryland nursing programs at a glance
- 172 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Maryland (1 LPN, 2 ADN, 13 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Maryland students (7 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Maryland: $84,060 (BLS) · 6% projected job growth through 2032.
Maryland nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 172 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 13 BSN · 61 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology — 11 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $240,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 83.6% average across 6 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 86 online · 7 hybrid · 7 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $84,060/yr (BLS) · 6% projected growth through 2032 |
ADN Programs in Maryland
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Showing 100 of 172 programs from our directory for Maryland.
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How to choose a nursing program in Maryland
Maryland is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (172 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. Registered nurses in Maryland earn $84,060/year on average (BLS), close to the national benchmark. RN employment in Maryland is projected to grow 6% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Maryland means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Maryland directory, the fastest listed completion time is 11 months. We track 172 accredited nursing programs in Maryland — including 15 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Maryland is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia.
Key takeaways
- Screen Maryland programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Maryland.
- Maryland is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Maryland offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (15) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in Maryland spans $13,500 to $240,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Maryland students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $84,060 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Maryland
Programs by Degree Type
61
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
13
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Maryland
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 88.3% | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Lincoln College of Technology | 2 | ADNLPN | 70.9% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 6 | BSNDNPMSN | 79.8% | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| University of Maryland — Baltimore | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Maryland?
There are 172 accredited nursing programs available in Maryland across 38 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 13 BSN, 61 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Maryland?
Nursing program tuition in Maryland starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $240,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Maryland?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Maryland can be completed in 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Maryland?
Registered nurses in Maryland earn an average of $84,060 per year ($40/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Maryland is projected to grow 6% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Maryland?
Yes. There are 93 online and hybrid nursing programs (86 fully online, 7 hybrid) available to Maryland residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Maryland.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Maryland?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Western Governors University leads at 91.79% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)). Average across 6 programs with data: 83.6%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Maryland?
To practice nursing in Maryland, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Maryland Board of Nursing. Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in Maryland?
Yes. Like most states, Maryland is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 6% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Maryland?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Maryland vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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