Online Schools and Colleges in Maryland
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Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Maryland Schools
Maryland may be small, but it has a lot to offer prospective college students. Maryland is home to over 50 colleges, 30 public and 23 private. Maryland’s state government has also been part of growing nationwide legislation aimed at providing no-cost college education to its residents. But while details and outcomes are still unclear, prospective Maryland college students are still responsible for researching which colleges provide the highest-quality, most affordable education online themselves.
We’ve outlined the details on the best online colleges in Maryland, and answered tough questions on tuition costs, financial aid and transfer credits for Maryland students below.
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Maryland?
Several accredited colleges and universities in Maryland offer online programs. Students can enroll in a single online course or earn their entire degree remotely. The state government maintains list of Maryland institutions, including private and public four-year schools, community colleges, and regional higher education centers. Students can review each school’s website to learn about online academic offerings.
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Best Online Colleges in Maryland
Maryland boasts more than 50 colleges and universities, with options for all types of learners. Many adult learners, veterans, and students attending college right after high school choose on-campus and online programs in the state. U.S. News & World Report ranks Maryland among the top 10 schools in the country with respect to four-year graduation rates and the educational attainment of residents 25 years and older.
This guide provides information about how Maryland’s educational programs and policies can help you reach your academic goals. The following sections explore online schools and colleges in Maryland, tuition rates and financial assistance, accreditation, and adult education.
Towson University
- Towson, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,962
- Out-of-state$21,098
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled22,709
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland-College Park
- College Park, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,824
- Out-of-state$34,936
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled40,743
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
McDaniel College
- Westminster, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,540
- Out-of-state$44,540
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled2,851
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,350
- Out-of-state$55,350
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled27,079
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland-Baltimore County
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,704
- Out-of-state$24,338
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled13,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
How Much More Do College Grads in Maryland Make?
The table below illustrates how educational attainment impacts annual salaries nationwide. Professionals with higher educational levels tend to earn higher salaries. Throughout the country and in Maryland, learners often recoup their college investment through increased income.
Less Than a High School Diploma | High School Diploma | Associate Degree |
---|---|---|
$28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
Source: BLS
Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Doctoral Degree |
---|---|---|
$62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Source: BLS
Paying for Online College in Maryland: Tuition and Financial Aid
The average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students attending four-year public schools in Maryland is slightly above the national average. However, out-of-state learners at public institutions in Maryland pay an average of more than $1,000 less than the national average.
Average tuition for private schools in Maryland is more than $10,000 higher than the national average. Regardless of the type of school they attend, most learners need financial assistance to fund their college education. The following sections explore funding options for learners attending school in the Old Line State.
In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
---|---|---|
$9,289 | $24,353 | $9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State) |
Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
---|---|---|
$41,859 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in Maryland
The figures above do not account for costs such as transportation and housing. Prospective students should factor in all education-related expenses when budgeting for college. Below are some cost considerations for learners attending online schools and colleges in Maryland.
Technology Fee
Many online schools and colleges in Maryland charge distance learners a per-semester or per-course technology fee.
Course Materials
In addition to technology fees, some schools charge a one-time fee to access digital books, lecture notes, and course materials for each class.
Laboratory
Students enrolled in lab courses often need to visit campus as frequently as once a week, which requires costs associated with transportation and taking time off work.
Exam Proctoring Fee
Students enrolled in lab courses often need to visit campus as frequently as once a week, which requires costs associated with transportation and taking time off work.
Graduation Fee
Institutions often encourage online students to attend the graduation ceremony to commemorate their achievement. In addition to transportation costs, learners who attend must typically pay a graduation fee.
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Maryland
Accreditation is a voluntary process through which institutions demonstrate academic quality. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Commission for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accrediting agencies in the United States. Attending an accredited school ensures that employers and other institutions will recognize your degree. The following sections examine various types of accreditation.
Regional and National Accreditation
Degree-granting nonprofit institutions typically receive regional accreditation, which is the most prestigious type of institutional accreditation. Private and public two- and four-year schools can earn regional accreditation. For-profit and vocational schools often seek national accreditation.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
Subject-specific accrediting agencies evaluate departments and programs within certain fields. For example, the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology accredits programs in applied and natural science, engineering, computing, and engineering technology. The ED and CHEA oversee both institutional and programmatic accrediting agencies.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
Accredited schools typically display their accreditation status on their official website. A lack of accreditation information may indicate that a school does not hold proper accreditation. Learners can search the CHEA directory to verify the accreditation status of a school or program.
Online College and Adult Education in Maryland
Adult learners in Maryland can pursue a variety of educational opportunities, including online options, literacy courses, and vocational programs. The sections below include statistics related to adult education in the state, along with resources for adult learners.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in Maryland
Adult students comprise approximately 70% of community college students in Maryland. Many of these learners are working professionals who study part time.
In 2014, the University of Maryland Global Campus enrolled more online students than any other four-year school in the country.
The Maryland i-Pathways program is an online, self-paced program designed for adult students, incarcerated learners, and deployed Maryland residents.
Source: Maryland Association of Community Colleges, University of Maryland Global Campus, i-Pathways
Adult Education Programs for Maryland Students
- Adult Education and Literacy Services: This program from the Workforce Development and Adult Learning Division delivers instruction in areas including workplace preparation, integrated education and training, and family literacy.
- Maryland Adult Education Online: This website contains information for adults seeking their GED. The program helps learners create individualized learning plans, which are typically 15 months long. The program is free for Maryland residents.
- Transition Programs: Maryland residents can access assistance transitioning from school to the workplace, securing employment, and changing careers. Participants develop plans to reach academic and professional goals.
Online College Resources for Maryland Students
Maryland learners attending college for the first time or returning to school to complete a degree can access resources to further their academic goals. Students can locate online information on topics including financial aid, transfer agreements, and career planning. Below are five resources for learners attending online schools and colleges in Maryland.
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