Nursing in Maryland

Most nursing schools in Maryland are found near Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. suburbs.  Rural areas, including parts of Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore, have fewer local programs, which can limit options for learners living there. However, several schools offer online or hybrid formats to help bridge these gaps.

Maryland’s NCLEX pass rates show steady improvement, now averaging 86.5%. There is a clear divide in performance: programs tied to university hospitals and public institutions usually report pass rates above 90%, while some for-profit and smaller schools report rates closer to 80%. When choosing a program, reviewing these pass rates is essential because they reflect the quality of education and preparation.

In 2023, Maryland became part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows registered nurses licensed in Maryland to practice in other compact states like Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware without obtaining a new license. However, Pennsylvania is not part of this compact, so nurses in the metro region will need additional licensure to work there.

Employment opportunities in Maryland vary by geography. Large health systems, including Johns Hopkins Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical System, dominate job openings near Baltimore. The growing Washington, D.C. area also offers solid nursing demand. Rural parts of the state face continuing shortages, making those regions better for nurses looking for less competition and potentially more stable employment. Maryland’s cost of living is fairly high, especially for housing in urban centers. Salaries reflect this: registered nurses earn an average of $92,000 annually, but rates fluctuate by location and experience. Licensed practical nurses make about $66,000. Advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners and CRNAs, earn significantly more.

Tuition for nursing programs depends on the type of credential and the institution. LPN programs usually cost between $8,000 and $12,000, while associate degree nursing at community colleges ranges from $10,000 to $18,000. Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees at public universities typically fall between $20,000 and $30,000, but private schools can charge up to $45,000 or more. Community colleges offer more affordable pathways but may not have as many options for advanced degrees or specialty training.

This page will help you explore nursing programs by type across Maryland, provide NCLEX pass rate charts to compare schools, and highlight scholarships available to Maryland nursing students. Understanding these facts about location, cost, quality, and career outlook can help guide your decision about nursing education in Maryland.