Online Schools and Colleges in Maryland

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.

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.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

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.

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.

Source: BLS

Source: BLS

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.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.