Colleges & Trade Schools in Maryland
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Maryland's colleges and trade schools are focused on helping students develop job-ready skills for a variety of appealing career fields. They offer the kind of postsecondary training that can help you expand your potential and thrive in the state's growing labor market.
Maryland Trade Schools
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Lincoln Tech
- Columbia
- Automotive Technology
- Electrical/Electronics
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Medical Assistant
- Welding Technology
All-State Career School
- Baltimore
- Expanded Functions Dental Assisting
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Billing & Coding Administrator
- Pharmacy Technician
Fortis
- Landover
- Towson
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Office Administration
Education & Training in Maryland
Completing your postsecondary training in Maryland comes with some pretty cool advantages, which are influenced by the state's unique geographic, economic, historical and educational characteristics.
Key Benefits for College Students in Maryland
- • Proximity to Major Urban Centers and Government Agencies: Maryland's proximity to Washington D.C. opens doors for college students to internships and job opportunities with federal agencies and numerous non-governmental organizations. This proximity offers unparalleled access to potential employers in various sectors such as defense, aerospace, politics, and international relations.
- • Diverse and Robust Economy: Maryland's economy is varied, with strong sectors including life sciences, healthcare, information technology, and cybersecurity. This diversity allows students to pursue careers in various fields with many local employers, including Johns Hopkins Hospital, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and many biotech companies.
- • High-Quality Educational Institutions: Maryland is home to several highly ranked universities and colleges recognized for their research activities and academic excellence, such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. These institutions provide students with top-tier education, research opportunities, and resources.
- • Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Maryland's commitment to innovation is evident in its support for entrepreneurship, with several incubators, accelerators, and funding opportunities aimed at student startups. There's also the Maryland Innovation Initiative, which fosters the commercialization of research conducted in the state's universities.
- • Cultural and Historical Richness: Students in Maryland benefit from the state's rich historical legacy and cultural diversity. From the Chesapeake Bay to the historic sites of Annapolis and Baltimore, students can immerse themselves in a region that has played a vital role in American history, which can enhance educational experiences outside of the classroom.
Cost of Postsecondary Education in Maryland
Many different factors can impact the cost of your education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data from 2020-2021, Maryland's four-year institutions have average tuition and fees as follows:
- Public schools: $9,401 (in-state); $27,111 (out-of-state)
- Private schools: $47,902
Tuition and fees may be lower at two-year schools.
Trade School Accreditation
All postsecondary institutions in Maryland, including private career colleges, must receive approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to operate in the state. Once approved, they are free to seek voluntary accreditation from an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation serves as evidence that the school meets certain quality standards. Plus, students who attend accredited schools can qualify to receive federal or state financial aid.
In Maryland, regional accreditation is granted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). National accreditation can come from numerous agencies, including the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).
Admissions Requirements for Maryland Trade Schools
Typically, prospective students must have a high school diploma and participate in a personal interview. You may also have to complete a placement test.
A GED is an acceptable alternative to a high school diploma. To be eligible for the GED exams in Maryland, you must be a state resident and 18 or older. (A 16-or 17-year-old can qualify to take the tests in certain circumstances.)
Financial Aid for Maryland Students
The Maryland Higher Education Commission has information on several grants, scholarships, and tuition waivers that can help reduce the cost of students' postsecondary education.
For instance, the Community College Promise Scholarship covers up to $5,000 in tuition and fees each year after all federal and state financial aid is taken into account. It's available to Maryland community college students who enroll in certificate, associate degree, or apprenticeship programs and meet GPA and income requirements.
To apply for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Information from the FAFSA is used to assess your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Undocumented immigrants who don't qualify for federal aid but are eligible for in-state tuition rates should fill out the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) instead.
A Better Career Outlook Can Start Here
Trade schools in Maryland can help you capitalize on many of the diverse opportunities this state offers. Exploring the available options is the first step toward advancing your ambitions.