Find Grad Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

353 Schools Ranked
$44,984 Average Earnings
$21,980 Avg Student Debt

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Grad Degree Search has created its Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. This report analyzed 353 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

11,298 Total Awards
$70,610 Average Earnings
$23,258 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Columbia University in the City of New York the most popular school in the Middle Atlantic Region for students working on their degree. Columbia is a private not-for-profit institution located in New York, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 11,298 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,258 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $567. Once they receive their degree, Columbia graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $70,610 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#2

New York University

New York, New York
10,727 Total Awards
$59,064 Average Earnings
$21,688 Avg Student Debt

The programs at New York University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Middle Atlantic Region . NYU is a large private not-for-profit school situated in New York, New York. It awarded 10,727 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,688 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $754. During the early years of their career, NYU graduates make an average of $59,064 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Read full report on New York University

#3

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland
8,639 Total Awards
$68,344 Average Earnings
$18,755 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Johns Hopkins University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Johns Hopkins is located in Baltimore, Maryland and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 8,639 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Johns Hopkins accumulate an average of $18,755 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $599, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Johns Hopkins graduates make an average of $68,344 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read full report on Johns Hopkins University

#4

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
6,347 Total Awards
$65,148 Average Earnings
$23,099 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend George Washington University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 6,347 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,099 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $532.After graduating from GWU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $65,148 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read More…

#5

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
6,189 Total Awards
$81,207 Average Earnings
$17,262 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of Pennsylvania helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Middle Atlantic Region . University of Pennsylvania is a large private not-for-profit school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 6,189 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UPenn accumulate an average of $17,262 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $547.After graduating from UPenn, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $81,207 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#6

Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia
4,994 Total Awards
$69,885 Average Earnings
$16,335 Avg Student Debt

Georgetown University ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Washington, District of Columbia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 4,994 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,335 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $769 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Georgetown graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $69,885 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Full Georgetown University Report

4,675 Total Awards
$59,246 Average Earnings
$25,870 Avg Student Debt

University of Maryland Global Campus ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. University of Maryland Global Campus is a large public school located in Adelphi, Maryland that handed out 4,675 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,870 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, UMGC graduates make an average of $59,246 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Read More…

#8

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

New Brunswick, New Jersey
4,534 Total Awards
$51,056 Average Earnings
$24,135 Avg Student Debt

Rutgers University - New Brunswick ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. New Brunswick, New Jersey is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 4,534 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,135 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $259 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rutgers New Brunswick, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,056 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Read full report on Rutgers University - New Brunswick

#9

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
3,647 Total Awards
$45,148 Average Earnings
$21,848 Avg Student Debt

University at Buffalo came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. University at Buffalo is a large public school located in Buffalo, New York that handed out 3,647 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,848 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $217, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from University at Buffalo, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,148 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read More…

#10

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York
3,665 Total Awards
$65,907 Average Earnings
$14,061 Avg Student Debt

Cornell University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Cornell is a private not-for-profit institution located in Ithaca, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 3,665 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,061 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $570, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Cornell graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $65,907 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Read More…

#11

University of Maryland - College Park

College Park, Maryland
3,523 Total Awards
$52,217 Average Earnings
$20,252 Avg Student Debt

University of Maryland - College Park ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in College Park, Maryland, the large public school handed out 3,523 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UMCP accumulate an average of $20,252 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $391, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMCP graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,217 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Full University of Maryland - College Park Report

#12

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, New York
3,493 Total Awards
$53,237 Average Earnings
$21,235 Avg Student Debt

Stony Brook University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #12 on the list. Located in Stony Brook, New York, the large public school handed out 3,493 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SUNY Stony Brook accumulate an average of $21,235 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $156 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, SUNY Stony Brook graduates make an average of $53,237 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Full Stony Brook University Report

#13

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3,428 Total Awards
$77,372 Average Earnings

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Carnegie Mellon University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that handed out 3,428 degrees in 2020-2021.

Once they receive their degree, Carnegie Mellon graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $77,372 during the early year of their career. Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Carnegie Mellon University

#14

Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York
3,430 Total Awards
$45,338 Average Earnings
$24,031 Avg Student Debt

Syracuse University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in Syracuse, New York, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 3,430 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,031 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $512 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Syracuse graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,338 during the early year of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Syracuse University Report

#15

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3,298 Total Awards
$49,696 Average Earnings
$23,994 Avg Student Debt

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Pitt is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,298 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,994 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $447. Once they receive their degree, Pitt graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,696 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

#16

Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3,363 Total Awards
$47,012 Average Earnings
$26,029 Avg Student Debt

Temple University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the large public school awarded 3,363 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,029 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $368 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Temple, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,012 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read More…

#17

Fordham University

Bronx, New York
3,222 Total Awards
$52,826 Average Earnings
$23,315 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Fordham University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Bronx, New York, and it awarded 3,222 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,315 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $702, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Fordham U graduates make an average of $52,826 annually. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#18

Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3,230 Total Awards
$60,176 Average Earnings
$27,800 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Drexel University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Drexel is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It awarded 3,230 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Drexel accumulate an average of $27,800 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $737. Once they receive their degree, Drexel graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $60,176 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#19

American University

Washington, District of Columbia
2,385 Total Awards
$50,575 Average Earnings
$22,484 Avg Student Debt

American University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. The American University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Washington, District of Columbia. It awarded 2,385 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from The American University accumulate an average of $22,484 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $692. During the early years of their career, The American University graduates make an average of $50,575 annually. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full American University Report

#20

Hunter College

New York, New York
2,373 Total Awards
$47,839 Average Earnings
$15,892 Avg Student Debt

Hunter College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Hunter College is a large public school located in New York, New York that handed out 2,373 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,892 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Hunter graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,839 during the early year of their career. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Hunter College

#21

University of Maryland - Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland
2,119 Total Awards
$78,304 Average Earnings
$25,927 Avg Student Debt

University of Maryland - Baltimore landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and it awarded 2,119 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,927 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $318 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMB graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $78,304 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

Read full report on University of Maryland - Baltimore

#22

Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, New Jersey
2,094 Total Awards
$78,765 Average Earnings

Stevens Institute of Technology landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Stevens is a private not-for-profit institution located in Hoboken, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,094 degrees in 2020-2021.

For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $696.After graduating from Stevens, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $78,765 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 30% were women.

Full Stevens Institute of Technology Report

#23

LIU Post

Brookville, New York
2,068 Total Awards
$53,354 Average Earnings
$25,012 Avg Student Debt

LIU Post did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #23 on the list. Brookville, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 2,068 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,012 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $493.After graduating from LIU Post, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,354 during the early years of their career. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on LIU Post

#24

The Graduate Center, CUNY

New York, New York
2,043 Total Awards
$61,344 Average Earnings
$20,379 Avg Student Debt

The Graduate Center, CUNY ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. The Graduate Center is located in New York, New York and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,043 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from The Graduate Center accumulate an average of $20,379 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from The Graduate Center, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,344 during the early years of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full The Graduate Center, CUNY Report

#25

University of Rochester

Rochester, New York
2,034 Total Awards
$54,478 Average Earnings
$21,495 Avg Student Debt

University of Rochester did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #25 on the list. University of Rochester is located in Rochester, New York and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,034 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $21,495 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $403 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from University of Rochester, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,478 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Read More…

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Touro College

New York, New York
#28

Pace University - New York

New York, New York
#29

Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware
#30

Villanova University

Villanova, Pennsylvania
#31

St John's University - New York

Queens, New York
#32

Hofstra University

Hempstead, New York
#33

Relay Graduate School of Education

New York, New York
#34

Montclair State University

Montclair, New Jersey
#35

Binghamton University

Vestal, New York
#36

Rutgers University - Newark

Newark, New Jersey
#37

Strayer University - Global Region

Washington, District of Columbia
#38

University at Albany

Albany, New York
#39

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#40

Baruch College

New York, New York
#41

Seton Hall University

South Orange, New Jersey
#42

The College of Saint Rose

Albany, New York
#43

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, New York
#44

University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware
#45

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, Pennsylvania
#46

Adelphi University

Garden City, New York
#47

Queens College

Queens, New York
#48

Towson University

Towson, Maryland
#49

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, New Jersey
#50

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 California University of Pennsylvania California, PA
52 Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NY
53 The New School New York, NY

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:

Rank School Location
54 The City College of New York New York, NY
55 University of Maryland - Baltimore County Baltimore, MD
56 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg, PA
56 Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA
58 Yeshiva University New York, NY
59 Widener University Chester, PA
60 Mercy College Dobbs Ferry, NY
61 Rowan University Glassboro, NJ
62 Lehman College Bronx, NY
63 Princeton University Princeton, NJ
64 Howard University Washington, DC
65 John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY
66 Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA
67 Catholic University of America Washington, DC
68 Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus Indiana, PA
69 New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NY
70 Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, MD
71 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Erie, PA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Graduate Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited graduate schools across the U.S.