Baltimore may not be as famous as neighboring Washington, New York, and Philadelphia; however, it provides many benefits for international students looking to study in the US. If you avoid certain expensive areas, you'll experience a lower cost of living than other large cities. Baltimore sits right on the water, and you'll have easy access to the beautiful rivers and inlets that make up Chesapeake Bay.
Universities and programs for international students in Baltimore
On its own, Maryland hosts around thirty universities, including Johns Hopkins University, which is probably the most prestigious in Baltimore. In fact, Johns Hopkins University is one of the world's best universities. You could also opt for the University of Maryland, which boasts international students from over 150 countries.
Johns Hopkins University
Established in 1876, Johns Hopkins University has a deserved reputation as one of the pioneering research institutions in the United States. Over the years, it has maintained its position as a leading force in scientific research, earning the distinguished rank of the 3rd best US research university. With a diverse array of options, undergraduate students can choose from over 50 different programs, providing them with a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Johns Hopkins University is globally recognized for its academic prowess, securing the 28th spot in the latest QS World University Rankings. The university's School of Medicine is world-famous, rivaling esteemed institutions like Harvard and Stanford. With an admission rate of 7.5%, Johns Hopkins is highly selective in choosing its students, and its campus is home to over 5,500 international students, creating a vibrant and culturally diverse community. Many successful individuals have emerged from Johns Hopkins, including Woodrow Wilson, who became the 28th president of the United States, and Dr. Ben Carson, the renowned neurosurgeon, author, and politician.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public university founded in 1966. While it's not as famous as Hopkins, UMBC is the 87th best US university according to QS World University Rankings 2022. Since UMBC is a public university, tuition fees are more affordable than most private universities. It's, therefore, an excellent choice for students on a limited budget. UMBC is developing a reputation for STEM excellence, fostering cutting-edge research and innovation across various disciplines. The university prides itself on its inclusive and diverse community, with the famous Meyerhoff Scholars Program well-known for its success in supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields.
Other Baltimore universities
- Morgan State University is a historically black university renowned for its strong emphasis on education, research, and community engagement.
- The University of Baltimore is known for its focus on professional education and applied learning. It offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in business, law, public affairs, and the arts.
- Loyola University Maryland is a Jesuit Catholic institution known for its strong liberal arts education and commitment to social justice. The university emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community service.
Enrolment fees and scholarships in Baltimore
While the US can boast about having some of the world's most prestigious universities, the higher education system is quite costly compared to many European countries. For example, you should expect to pay at least $60,000 per year in tuition fees at John Hopkins University. Public universities, however, are generally more affordable. State universities generally have two fee tiers: lower fees for local residents and more costly for those from out-of-state. At UMBC, for example, you will need an average of USD 28,000 for out-of-state tuition.
There are scholarships available that can help with tuition costs. Students are eligible for scholarships regardless of their background – with scholarships largely based on academic records. High-performing students who do not have the means to finance their studies can apply for social scholarships, while students with the best grades are eligible for merit scholarships regardless of their family revenue. Note that these scholarships are subject to a quota that usually varies from one university to another. If you intend to apply for scholarships, check that the university you have chosen provides them and that international students are eligible for them.
Johns Hopkins University provides scholarships to international students on both a needs and merit basis. At UMBC, international students cannot apply for needs-based scholarships; however, other scholarships are available. International students can also pay their tuition fees via the Monthly Payment Plan, so they don't have to pay the total amount at once for the whole semester.
Academic calendar and courses in Baltimore
Courses are quite similar to those in most US and European universities and are either taught in small groups in a classroom or in an amphitheater with dozens of students. You can also participate in seminars where students participate more in discussion and share their views and opinions. Exams can take the form of classwork or homework.
However, the academic calendar can take two different forms. The quarterly model goes from September to June and divides a school year into four semesters with an average of ten weeks each. The semester model divides a year into two parts, each with fourteen to twenty weeks, and is more common in the USA. At Hopkins, for example, the first semester starts on August 31st. However, dates can vary from one university or department to another.
Types of diplomas in US universities
The US rating system might appear complex initially, especially for those accustomed to the systems used in many European countries. In the US, teachers assign grades in percentage form, which are then converted to letters ranging from A to F. The Grade Point Average (GPA) serves as the official rating system in the US. Your homework and academic performance will be evaluated on a scale from A to F, where A represents the highest achievement with 4.33 points, and F indicates the lowest performance with 0 points.
Higher education in the US is structured into three levels: undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies. The undergraduate level leads to a Bachelor's degree, typically requiring four years of study. Following that, graduate studies lead to a Master's Degree, which generally involves six years of academic pursuit. Lastly, postgraduate studies lead to a Doctorate or PhD.
If you are considering pursuing education in the US, make sure to verify whether your home country has established agreements with the US regarding the recognition and equivalence of diplomas and degrees. This can help ensure that your academic achievements are properly acknowledged and valued in both countries.
Student visas and admission criteria in Baltimore
Information regarding student visas for the USA will be available on the website of the US Embassy in your home country. If you are not a US citizen, you will definitely need a visa if you're looking to study in Baltimore. Most students apply for the F1 visa, which is delivered to full-time undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. Those opting for technical or vocational studies, including hotels and hospitality, automotive, information and communication technology, and gastronomy, can apply for an M1 visa. However, this visa is only valid for one year and is renewable three times. The J1 visa is issued to international students participating in an exchange program and can be applied for when there is an agreement between a home-country university and a US university.
While enrollment criteria vary from one university or department to another, some procedures remain compulsory for international students. First of all, you must have been accepted by the chosen university to be eligible for a visa. You must also prove your language proficiency via a TOEFL or IELTS test. International students also have to pass the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Testing, like American students, before getting enrolled. These tests are conducted in English to test your level in general subjects (mainly mathematics, writing, and text analysis). Find more information on how to prepare for the SAT and take part in the official exam on the College Board website. Graduate programs may also require you to have sat the GRE.
US universities also require applicants to describe themselves and their motivations through a personal essay, which has to be submitted at the same time as the application. If this is an unfamiliar concept, there are lots of how-to guides online about how to write and format these essays.
How to enroll in a university in Baltimore?
Contact the chosen university's International Office to learn more about legal administrative procedures regarding enrolment. Universities like Johns Hopkins and UMBC provide an exclusive portal to international students. Note, however, that admission fees are your responsibility. As an international student, you will also need an average of US$300 in visa fees.
It's compulsory for all students to have subscribed to health insurance before enrolment since the US health system is quite costly. Universities also offer their insurance scheme to students, but it remains expensive even though it's cheaper than private health insurance. Some universities accept international insurance and private US insurance, while others don't. At UMBC, for example, all students must subscribe to the university insurance scheme.
Study and work in Baltimore
Many students choose to work part-time during their studies in the USA. As an international student, however, you must comply with specific conditions depending on your visa. F1 and J1 visa holders, for example, are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week and a maximum of 40 hours a week during vacation.
Students having an F1 visa are allowed to work off-campus from their second year under specific conditions. In all cases, your university has to provide you with an authorization letter, with which you can obtain a social security number. Note that the social security number is compulsory for working in the US, even if you have a student visa.
M1 visa holders are not allowed to work on or off campus. However, they can do a one-month internship, provided they have completed four consecutive months of studies. Students holding an M1 visa can do six non-successive months of internship provided they have the authorization of the US government.
Student cost of living in Baltimore
The cost of living in Baltimore is slightly lower compared to other major cities on the East Coast. Accommodation will probably be one of your most significant expenses. According to RentCafe, the average rent for a Baltimore apartment is $1,264 — naturally, it varies, depending on what neighborhood you want to live in and how much space you need.
Fell's Point and Butcher's Hill are the most expensive neighborhoods regarding rent. However, flat-sharing is quite common as it's quite easy to find two-bedroom apartments. Also, remember that restaurant and coffee shop bills do not include tips. As a result, you must leave an additional 15% to 20% of the bill as a tip. Moreover, shop and supermarket prices do not include taxes, so be careful when doing your shopping. You might have to pay a few dollars more than expected.
Transportation won't be a significant expense for students in Baltimore as the city has an extensive transportation network, so you might not even need a car. In any case, it is not recommended to walk around the city's outskirts. Since Baltimore counts a single subway line, most people prefer the Charm City Circulator, which connects the different neighborhoods to one another with its five lines, free of charge.
Cultural institutions, including cinemas, museums, and art galleries, offer reduced rates to students holding student cards. The same applies to some shops and restaurants. Find a comprehensive list of student benefits and preferential rates in Baltimore on the StudentRate website.
Where to live when studying in Baltimore
As an international student in Baltimore, there are several options for accommodation. Many universities and colleges in Baltimore offer on-campus housing, providing a convenient and immersive living experience within close proximity to your classes and campus facilities. When applying as an international student, you will usually have an adviser or international student center who can assist you with registering for university-based accommodation or offer suggestions about off-campus options.
Off-campus options include boarding, apartments, or shared housing. Areas like Charles Village, Mount Vernon, and Federal Hill are popular among students. Student areas can be competitive because of their easy commute to campus and student-friendly dining options, shops, and other amenities.
Living like a local in Baltimore
Baltimore is a lively city just a quick forty-minute ride from America's political hub, Washington. Baltimore has always been a city close to the action, and America's history and politics are entwined with Balimore's identity. If you're a history buff, check out the Civil War Museum and Fort McHenry, a historical site dating back to the Anglo-American War of 1812. There are also excellent art galleries, museums, restaurants, and other cultural offerings – if you're hungry for more, then Washington's museums and monuments are less than an hour away.
Baltimore is also picturesque. Nestled right in the heart of the magnificent Chesapeake Bay, it boasts the title of the largest estuary in the US. You can stroll along the shoreline, breathe in the fresh air, and savor the local specialty – crab cakes!
Just a few hours away by train or car, you can explore the smaller cities of Annapolis, St. Michaels, and Bethesda – each with its own unique appeal. And the best part? You're within a stone's throw from major US metropolises like Washington, Philadelphia, and New York. So, trust us, boredom won't find a place in your life while you're in Baltimore.
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