Education

Howard County has a stellar reputation as one of the most intellectually advanced and career-focused regions in the U.S., thanks to its esteemed universities and colleges. A preeminent higher education institution, Howard County Community College has secured its position among the best community colleges in Maryland and in the nation. UMBC Training Centers in Columbia is one of the top three universities in the U.S. for IT degrees according to the National Science Foundation (NSF), and offers customizable training programs for businesses in cybersecurity, data science, systems engineering and more. Additionally, Loyola University, renowned for its liberal arts education, ensures that over 70% of its students gain invaluable international experience before they graduate.

Students in Howard County start their lives with some of the best educational foundations available. In fact, the Howard County Public School System has garnered recognition as the top-ranked school district in the state based on the district’s diversity and commitment to academic excellence. HCPSS boasts 78 elementary, middle and high schools, accommodating a student population of nearly 57,000. Its innovative approach includes Career Academies that facilitate internships with local businesses and capstone and research projects that foster real-world experience. Beyond HCPSS, Howard County has a variety of independent, private and Montessori K-12 institutions, including Glenelg Country School and the Maryland International School — which emphasize smaller class sizes and curriculum that nurtures critical thinking skills.

Adult learners can quickly find career paths in Howard County through a variety of continuing education programs. Howard County Community College (HCC) offers courses in some of the county’s biggest industries such as healthcare, business services and Information Technology. Meanwhile, in collaboration with HCC, Live Green Howard supports the county’s strong ESG focus with its Legacy Leadership Environmental Institute (LLEI) — an eight-week program guided by experts from NASA, NOAA and other organizations that provides students with cutting-edge insights into sustainability, global climate change and regional ecology.