Maryland’s higher education landscape is experiencing significant growth and recognition, with institutions making remarkable strides in academic excellence and innovation.
Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) has achieved a remarkable leap in national rankings, jumping 45 spots to tie at #18 on the U.S. News Best Colleges ranking for top performers in social mobility. This achievement positions NDMU as the top-ranked school in Maryland, highlighting the institution’s commitment to accessible and impactful education.
The University of Maryland’s Clark School of Engineering demonstrates another dimension of educational excellence. In 2024, the school expanded its research portfolio to address society’s grand challenges, from developing drones that increase access to medicine to creating electric power infrastructure for the future.
The Clark School’s approach goes beyond traditional academic boundaries. Under the leadership of Dean Samuel Graham, Jr., the institution has focused on translating research into practical solutions. This includes creating businesses based on Clark School research, such as Ion Storage Systems and InventWood, and developing healthcare solutions in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
A particularly inspiring initiative is the school’s commitment to community engagement. The Clark School has launched a partnership with The Village at Mondawmin in Baltimore, establishing a makerspace to inspire and engage kids in the community through engineering and innovation.
The university’s undergraduate programs are equally impressive. In May 2024, more than 500 undergraduates showcased prototypes addressing challenges in infrastructure, mobility, healthcare, and other critical areas at the Capstone Design Expo. This demonstrates the institution’s focus on experiential learning and practical problem-solving.
These achievements reflect Maryland’s broader commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and social mobility. From addressing chronic absenteeism to developing cutting-edge research and providing transformative learning experiences, Maryland’s educational institutions are proving to be dynamic engines of progress and opportunity.