The largest four-year university in Maryland, and the greater Washington, D.C. area, is the University of Maryland (umd.edu) at College Park. This university has an enrollment of over 37,000 undergraduate and graduate students, as of March 2011. Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland features Georgian-style architecture and the McKeldin Mall, a grassy lawn on the campus.
Towson University (towson.edu) is the second-largest higher learning institution in Maryland, at approximately 17,000 students, as of March 2011. This university is in the greater Baltimore area. Towson was founded in 1866. Forbes magazine ranked Towson at 368th for best college in the United States.
Situated in Baltimore, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (umbc.edu) is a honors university. Princeton Review states UMBC is one of the top research universities, according to the Carnegie Foundation. This university specializes in studies for the natural sciences and engineering fields. Available undergraduate degrees include biological sciences and engineering management.
Located in Bowie, Maryland, Bowie State University (bowiestate.edu) is one of the oldest historically African-American universities in the United States. The university was founded in 1865; classes were originally held at the African Baptist Church in Bowie. Bowie State's departments include fine and performing arts, social work, management information systems and counseling.
Downtown Baltimore is home to Coppin State University (coppin.edu), a four-year institution founded in 1900. This school was formerly called Douglass High School, in honor of famed abolitionist, Frederick Douglass. Coppin State became a university in 1938, when it was granted the right to offer bachelor of science degrees. This school is currently a part of the University System of Maryland.
The largest historically African-American college in Maryland is Morgan State University (morgan.edu). Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is based in Baltimore and has over 7,000 students, as of March 2011. Graduate degree programs include African-American studies, educational administration, city and regional planning, and social work.
Situated in Takoma Park, Washington Adventist University (wau.edu) is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventists, a Christian denomination. This four-year university's religion and theology department provides degrees in theology, religion and philosophy. Minors include metropolitan ministry and religion.
Loyola University Maryland (loyola.edu) is a Catholic university in Baltimore. This four-year institution was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1852, making it one of the oldest Jesuit colleges in the United States. Some of Loyola's missions are to provide an understanding of the Catholic church's mission and to help students make a commitment to place faith into action.
Maryland Institute College of Art is in downtown Baltimore. This four-year institute was founded in 1826, making it one of the oldest art colleges in the United States. According to U.S. News, MICA has one of the nation's best fine-arts programs. Undergraduate programs include graphic design, ceramics and environmental design.
Stevenson University is a small private school in the Greenspring Valley region of Maryland. This university was founded in 1947; its main campus is in Stevenson, and Owing Mills has a satellite campus. Graduate programs include forensic science, nursing, and business and technology management.
One of the most prestigious universities in the United States is Johns Hopkins University (jhu.edu). This private, four-year university was ranked 13th among all U.S. schools, according to U.S. News and World Report. Johns Hopkins is based in Baltimore, Maryland, and reputed for their school of education, Peabody Institute for music and dance, and Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Based in Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland, the U.S. Naval Academy (usna.edu) was founded in 1845. All school candidates must apply to the school and receive a nomination for entrance; the nomination usually must come from a state or U.S. congressman. Naval Academy students must pass physical education and classroom requirements in order to graduate.