6 Exceptional Universities In Maryland And Delaware

Delaware and Maryland are known for historical, colonial-era sites, miles of beaches, and proximity to major metropolises such as Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. These are only a few reasons why young scholars might look to attend college in one of these two states. In no particular order, this list takes a look at some top-notch universities in the Diamond and Old Line States.

At #1, we have the University of Delaware. Founded in 1743 and chartered by the state in 1833, it is a research institution with many different colleges spanning various academic interests, such as agriculture, arts and sciences, education and human development, and public policy.

With its main campus in Newark, the school offers many sports, some of which are Division I such as baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and football. The athletic facilities include multiple stadiums, practice fields, a gym, and more. The University has a robust study abroad initiative, with over 40 programs to choose from; Costa Rica and Copenhagen are two options, the latter of which includes tours of the city.

Coming in at #2 is the University of Maryland, College Park, located just outside of Washington, DC. The school has many undergraduate majors across various academic colleges, including Art History and Archaeology, Immersive Media Design, Japanese, and Linguistics. There are several pre-professional programs for students who wish to study health, law, or veterinary sciences.

The University's Living and Learning initiatives are specialized residential programs where students can reside on-campus with others on the same academic tracks. The BioFIRE community connects scholars studying biological sciences and chemistry, while CIVICUS is for those who wish to become active and engaged citizens by focusing on community service learning, politics and activism, and leadership development.

The #3 entry is the University of Baltimore, located in the eponymous Maryland city. The school's Rosenberg Center for Student Involvement helps young scholars transition to college life by assisting them in selecting various activities to participate in, such as clubs and volunteer opportunities. Current students might enjoy an experiential learning initiative, which allows undergraduates to put their knowledge into practice through hands-on experiences such as community engagement, internships, and field education.

The University's Early College Initiatives help local high school students get a head start on post-secondary education through dual enrollment programs. At the Career and Internship Center, students can take workshops or get coaching for the post-university world of job searching and interviewing.

For #4, we present the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. It has been designated a Doctoral University with High Research Activity in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The school's key research themes focus on environmental sciences, data sciences and national security, and the public humanities.

UMBC has a robust athletics department, with sports such as lacrosse, basketball, golf, and soccer. Teams often participate in community service activities, lending their time to organizations such as The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, and Love the Hopeful Market, a center that provides homeless individuals of Baltimore with free healthy food options.

Next up, at #5, is Wilmington University in New Castle, Delaware. It offers many career-oriented undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs including Accounting, Behavioral Science, Digital Media, and Liberal Studies. The school has a range of online classes available; students use tools like Canvas and video conferencing to stay connected to their peers and faculty.

The Student Center is a place for those on campus to gather, socialize, and participate in various activities, such as club fairs. The school's Work-Integrated Learning program helps scholars connect their academic knowledge in a professional work environment while earning credits toward their degree.

Rounding out our list at #6 is Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore. Founded in 1895, it offers certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs for women and men, and also houses the state's only women’s college. The Bonner Leaders initiative is a four-year scholarship program that supports a team of students working to bring about positive community change through service, research, and action.

While a historically Catholic institution, Notre Dame of Maryland University has grown to include those of diverse faith backgrounds. All students and staff are invited to join the college for daily Mass and take advantage of the campus's sacred spaces. Through student groups and organized retreats, scholars can connect with others who share their beliefs.