Notre Dame of Maryland University

NDMU’s academic identity blends career-focused pragmatism with liberal arts depth. The most popular majors are nursing (with a 95% NCLEX pass rate), liberal arts/general studies, and education—particularly its elementary/early childhood/special education programs. The School of Pharmacy boasts an 84.2% on-time graduation rate for its accelerated program. Smaller signature programs like criminology & social deviance and leadership studies thrive thanks to faculty mentorship. The curriculum emphasizes writing-intensive courses across disciplines, and the university recently ranked #59 among Regional Universities North by U.S. News.

With 44% of students living on campus, NDMU fosters intimacy through traditions like the Women’s Leadership Institute and student-run Campus Activities Board (CAB) events. The Baltimore location provides internships and cultural outings, while the 58-acre wooded campus offers a quieter retreat. Division III athletics (especially basketball) draw crowds, but the vibe leans more toward community service and club life—think sustainability initiatives rather than Greek parties. The university emphasizes ‘mind, body, and spirit’ development, with wellness programs and spiritual retreats woven into campus culture.

NDMU graduates earn median salaries of $63,918 six years post-graduation (nursing alumni report $65,344 at the 10-year mark). The four-year graduation rate is 43%, rising to 60% for six-year completion—below national averages but improving with recent student success initiatives. Pharmacy graduates see strong placement, with 85-87% achieving licensure milestones. The university’s small size pays off in personalized career support; alumni networks are especially robust in Maryland’s healthcare and education sectors.

The average net price after aid is $22,552–$22,675/year, with most students receiving $24,972 in aid packages (grants, scholarships, work-study). NDMU meets 72% of demonstrated financial need on average. The university offers merit scholarships for high-achieving applicants and need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements., with a streamlined application process that includes no application fee. Pharmacy and nursing students often secure additional clinical placement stipends.

NDMU carves a niche as a relationship-driven university where students gain Baltimore’s professional opportunities without getting lost in a big-city crowd. Its nursing and pharmacy programs outperform larger institutions, while criminology and education majors benefit from D.C.-adjacent fieldwork. The Catholic identity manifests in social justice engagement rather than dogma—think service-learning courses, not chapel requirements. For Marylanders (and adventurous out-of-staters) seeking a small-school experience with urban access, NDMU delivers at a more affordable net price than many regional peers.