Best MBA Programs in Maryland

University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business

Overview

The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland is one of the most prestigious business schools in the country, known for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and data analytics. Located in College Park, just outside Washington, D.C., the Smith School offers a comprehensive MBA program that combines academic rigor with real-world experience. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations, including finance, marketing, supply chain management, and business analytics. The Smith MBA program is also known for its strong emphasis on leadership development, global experiences, and its close ties to industries such as technology and government.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #25
  • Number of Students: ~300 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 35%
  • Average GMAT Score: 680
  • Top Hiring Companies: Amazon, Deloitte, McKinsey & Co., Microsoft, PwC, Capital One
  • Average Starting Salary: $120,000

Notable Alumni

  • Kevin Plank: Founder and Executive Chairman of Under Armour
  • Edward C. “Ned” Kelly: Former Vice Chairman of Citigroup
  • Carl T. Berquist: Former CFO of Marriott International
  • Megan Hughes: President of Rhodes College

Johns Hopkins University – Carey Business School

Overview

The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School offers an MBA program that is designed to develop innovative and socially responsible business leaders. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the Carey MBA is known for its focus on healthcare, biotechnology, and the intersection of business with social impact. Given the school’s close affiliation with the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University and its medical institutions, the MBA program is particularly strong in healthcare management and related fields. The program offers a flexible curriculum with options for full-time, part-time, and online study, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals and lifestyle.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #37
  • Number of Students: ~220 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Average GMAT Score: 650
  • Top Hiring Companies: Johns Hopkins Health System, Deloitte, KPMG, Medtronic, McKinsey & Co., Amazon
  • Average Starting Salary: $115,000

Notable Alumni

  • Ronald Daniels: President of Johns Hopkins University
  • Scott Serota: Former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
  • Jeffrey Immelt: Former CEO of General Electric (taught leadership courses at Carey)
  • Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel: President, Abdul Latif Jameel Group

Loyola University Maryland – Sellinger School of Business and Management

Overview

Loyola University Maryland’s Sellinger School of Business and Management offers a flexible MBA program with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and social responsibility. Located in Baltimore, the Sellinger MBA is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers while balancing other responsibilities. The program offers part-time, full-time, and executive MBA tracks, with the flexibility to complete courses in the evening or online. Loyola’s MBA program focuses on developing leaders who can make a positive impact on society through principled decision-making and strategic leadership. Graduates from the program often go on to leadership roles in industries such as finance, healthcare, and education.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #94
  • Number of Students: ~150 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waiver available for experienced professionals)
  • Top Hiring Companies: T. Rowe Price, Legg Mason, Under Armour, Constellation Energy, Bank of America
  • Average Starting Salary: $90,000

Notable Alumni

  • Edward Hanway: Former CEO of Cigna
  • Chris McDonough: Chief Marketing Officer at Under Armour
  • Timothy J. Regan: President and CEO of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
  • Bill Stromberg: CEO of T. Rowe Price

University of Baltimore – Merrick School of Business

Overview

The University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business offers a highly affordable and flexible MBA program that is designed for working professionals. Located in the heart of Baltimore, the Merrick MBA provides students with a curriculum focused on practical business skills, leadership development, and hands-on learning. The program offers concentrations in areas such as finance, international business, public sector management, and entrepreneurship. The school has strong ties to local businesses, allowing students to engage in internships, consulting projects, and networking opportunities with leading organizations in the region. The flexible format includes part-time, full-time, and online options, making it an attractive choice for students balancing their education with other commitments.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~100 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Average GMAT Score: 580 (GMAT waivers available based on work experience)
  • Top Hiring Companies: T. Rowe Price, Legg Mason, Northrop Grumman, McCormick & Company, Wells Fargo
  • Average Starting Salary: $85,000

Notable Alumni

  • Kurt Schmoke: Former Mayor of Baltimore and President of the University of Baltimore
  • Freeman A. Hrabowski III: President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  • Greg Barnhill: Senior VP of Northrop Grumman
  • John L. Colmers: Former Maryland Secretary of Health

Salisbury University – Perdue School of Business

Overview

Salisbury University’s Perdue School of Business offers a small but impactful MBA program that is particularly strong in areas like entrepreneurship, finance, and international business. Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Perdue MBA is known for its close-knit academic community and personalized approach to business education. The program offers both full-time and part-time options, with courses that focus on real-world business challenges and practical solutions. Salisbury’s Perdue School of Business is AACSB-accredited, and its MBA program prepares students for leadership roles in a variety of industries, with a particular focus on the mid-Atlantic region. The school’s strong connections to regional businesses provide students with valuable networking and internship opportunities.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Average GMAT Score: 570
  • Top Hiring Companies: Perdue Farms, Merrill Lynch, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, T. Rowe Price, Bank of America
  • Average Starting Salary: $75,000

Notable Alumni

  • Jim Perdue: Chairman and CEO of Perdue Farms
  • Frank Perdue: Former CEO of Perdue Farms
  • John Phillips: VP of Global Supply Chain at PepsiCo
  • Lynne Talbott: CFO of Sentrillion Corporation

Mount St. Mary’s University – Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business

Overview

Mount St. Mary’s University, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, offers a flexible MBA program through its Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business. The program is designed to accommodate working professionals, with evening, weekend, and online classes available. The Mount MBA emphasizes leadership, ethical decision-making, and global business strategies, with students gaining practical experience through internships and consulting projects. The program offers concentrations in areas like management, finance, and marketing. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention and mentorship from faculty, helping them develop the skills needed to advance in their careers.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~30 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
  • Top Hiring Companies: T. Rowe Price, Under Armour, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Bank of America
  • Average Starting Salary: $75,000

Notable Alumni

  • John McCarthy: Former President of Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Timothy Peters: VP at Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Michele Thornton: Senior VP at BET Networks
  • Mark Scudder: Founder of Scudder Publishing Group