Best community colleges in Maryland

Long gone are the days when education levels weren't inherently tied to income levels. Twenty-first-century teens as young as high school freshmen consider what colleges are available to them sooner rather than later to make a decent living in the long run.

Be it grades or money, many young adults choose the more convenient option of community college to begin their undergraduate education: 41% of all undergrads are in a two-year school, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. When it comes down to education and numbers, a community college's annual tuition and fees are significantly less than four-year schools no matter which way the data is sliced. Stacker compiled a list of the best community colleges in Maryland using rankings from Niche. These community colleges offer a great reason to consider a two-year education before moving on to a four-year school. If considering a continued education, these community colleges are a perfect place to start.

#8. Chesapeake College (Wye Mills)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $5,540

#7. Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $8,118

#6. Frederick Community College (Frederick)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $6,239

#5. Harford Community College (Bel Air)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $7,359

#4. Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $13,174

#3. Carroll Community College (Westminster)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $3,976

#2. Montgomery College (Rockville)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $9,661

#1. Howard Community College (Columbia)
- Niche grade: B
- Net price: $9,364