Best Accredited Online Colleges in Maryland
Maryland is a major state for online learning, with around 32% of all college students enrolled exclusively in online classes as of 2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The state has also made college education more accessible to first-generation and low-income students through programs like CollegeTracks and Collegiate Directions.
Plenty of online colleges in Maryland offer quality education, but you should always make sure a school holds proper accreditation before applying. Our guide to accreditation in Maryland highlights the importance of attending an accredited institution, along with tips for choosing the right college.
What Colleges Are Accredited in Maryland?
Accreditation shows that a college has met specific academic and administrative standards, ensuring students receive a quality education. In Maryland, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits most of the state’s public and private colleges. The following section outlines the major types of accreditation, including regional, national, and subject-specific.
Institutional Accreditation
The institutional accreditation process involves a thorough review of a school’s operations, programs, faculty, and student outcomes. For many years, institutional accreditation for nonprofit schools operated within regional boundaries.
In 2020, ED removed the borders and allowed schools to pursue accreditation from any approved institutional accrediting organization, regardless of location.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
Subject-specific accreditation evaluates individual programs within a university. This type of accreditation often applies to fields requiring professional licensure, such as nursing, teaching, or psychology. Attending a program with subject-specific accreditation ensures you’ll be qualified to enter your chosen field after graduation.
Some fields may hold multiple subject-specific accreditation agencies. For example, in nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing provide accreditation to nursing programs.
Top Accredited Online Colleges in Maryland
Towson University
Towson, MD- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online learning platform allows enrollees to complete group projects, attend virtual office hours, and develop a supportive academic network. Learners complete general education requirements and advanced classes to prepare for roles in their field. Students discuss their plans with academic advisors to select electives that match their goals and interests. To gain professional experience, enrollees can pursue internships with organizations in their field.
While program costs vary, applicants can contact the financial aid office for information about specific fees and expenses. Eligible students may receive institutional scholarships and awards from external organizations.
- In-State$6,962
- Out-of-state$21,098
- In-State$7,902
- Out-of-state$16,344
- 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
University of Maryland-College Park’s online degrees provide enrollees with a competitive education, preparing them for their future careers. Learners based in any location can earn their degree through one of the school's four online programs. The flexibility of online learning allows current professionals to complete assignments around their work schedule.
Enrollees can participate in asynchronous class discussions and email professors for individual assistance. Degree-seekers can contribute to their field and enhance their resume by completing original research during their studies. Institutional resources, including career services and academic advising, help students succeed in their online program. Learners find support and guidance as they near the end of their program and have the option to participate in career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Technology fees typically cover the cost of online learning platforms. Applicants should speak with an admissions counselor to determine exact costs. Enrollees can submit the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid.
- In-State$8,824
- Out-of-state$34,936
- In-State$13,158
- Out-of-state$29,250
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled40,743
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
McDaniel College
- Westminster, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Among McDaniel College's academic offerings are excellent online programs that allow students to earn their degree remotely. Located in Westminster, the private school's offerings include seven remote programs. While pursuing their online degree, distance learners benefit from a supportive online community and academic resources.
The online learning platform allows enrollees to complete group projects, attend virtual office hours, and develop a supportive academic network. Along with completing field-specific classes, learners take general education courses to gain broad, transferable knowledge. Academic advisors help students customize their program based on their goals, while ensuring they remain on track to graduate. Options for gaining professional experience while enrolled include internships and research projects.
In preparing for the costs of a degree, applicants can speak with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. Potential funding options for students include federal financial aid, institutional awards, and private scholarships.
- In-State$44,540
- Out-of-state$44,540
- In-State$9,180
- Out-of-state$9,180
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled2,851
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Johns Hopkins University offers top-ranked online degrees for learners seeking flexible study. Online students attending the Baltimore-based school can choose from 76 distance programs. The institution delivers its remote programming to 12,506 online enrollees.
The school offers a supportive community for online students. With virtual communication tools, such as videoconferencing and chat, participants can develop their network and connect with classmates. Many employers prefer candidates with professional experience, which students can gain by completing internships and research projects. Distance learners can communicate with academic advisors to select classes aligning with their goals. Career services such as mock interviews and resume assistance help enrollees prepare to secure a job after graduation.
The federal government provides funding to support students with financial need. The financial aid office can help learners identify funding options to pursue, such as grants and scholarships. To defray the cost of their education, 67% of enrollees receive financial aid of some type, according to the institution's statistics.
- In-State$55,350
- Out-of-state$55,350
- 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
An excellent choice for online students, University of Maryland-Baltimore County offers high-quality remote academic programs. Delivering eight online programs in various fields, the school educates 1,602 online enrollees, in addition to those studying on campus in Baltimore. The flexibility of online programs allow many learners to work full time while earning their degree.
Upon enrolling, online students connect with a supportive online learning community. Completing field-specific experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects, can help graduates impress prospective employers. The institution's career center provides enrollees with resources such as resume assistance and interest inventories. Career workshops provide opportunities for students to explore their job prospects before graduation.
Financial aid counselors provide insights for applicants exploring funding options and determining the best way to pay for school. Enrollees who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies may qualify for merit-based awards. With 90% of the student body receiving financial aid, the school's programs can be very affordable.
- In-State$8,704
- Out-of-state$24,338
- In-State$11,862
- Out-of-state$20,376
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled13,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
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.
The Impact of Accreditation When Transferring Credits
Accreditation can also affect how your credits transfer between online colleges in Maryland. If you attend an unaccredited institution, your credits won’t transfer to a regionally or nationally accredited institution. Similarly, credits from nationally accredited colleges often don’t transfer to regionally accredited colleges.
Accreditation Criteria for Licensing
Accreditation can also be important for obtaining professional licensure in engineering, healthcare, or education. If your desired career path requires licensure, you’ll likely need to attend a subject-specific accredited program at a regionally accredited college. If you attend a program that lacks proper accreditation, you won’t qualify for state or national licensing exams.
Choosing the Right Online College in Maryland
You have many online colleges in Maryland to consider, but finding the right school takes careful research and informed decision-making. Factors such as accreditation, program format, and financial aid might affect your choices. This list highlights several steps to follow when looking for your ideal school.
1. Check Accreditation Status
When you’re researching online colleges in Maryland, always check for accreditation status. You can usually find a school’s accreditation information in its “About” section. You can also search online for the school’s name along with the word “accreditation.”
2. Determine Program Format/Flexibility
Program formats and delivery methods vary among schools. Some online programs offer courses asynchronously, letting you complete your coursework at any time of day. Synchronous programs hold live virtual classes at specific times. Hybrid programs blend online and in-person learning. Always research the necessary time commitment before enrolling.
3. Explore Financial Aid Options
Colleges with similar academic programs may offer very different types of financial support, particularly if you’re choosing between public and private colleges. Always research a school’s financial aid offerings to find out how much you’ll be paying for an online degree.
4. Research Faculty Expertise
Faculty expertise can also help you decide between online colleges in Maryland. If you know you’re interested in a specific discipline or subject, seek out faculty whose interests seem similar or complementary to yours. Professors who share your professional or research interests can make a significant difference in your education.
5. Review Support Services
Outside of academics and financial aid, consider each school’s available student resources. When choosing between programs, also check into services like career counseling, professional development, and resources specifically available to online learners.
Online College Resources for Maryland Students
As an online student, you can still benefit from Maryland’s robust higher education services. This section highlights four useful resources for Maryland college students.
Maryland Higher Education Commission
MHEC regulates higher education in Maryland and provides financial aid for students. You can use their website to find scholarships, education resources, and information on online colleges in Maryland. MHEC connects Maryland students to more than $100 million in financial aid opportunities each year.CollegeTracks
CollegeTracks offers education resources for students in Montgomery County, which includes Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Germantown. The organization works to increase access for first-generation college attendees. CollegeTracks boasts a 99% college placement rate among participating students.Collegiate Directions
Collegiate Directions provides support for low-income, first-generation college students in Maryland. The organization serves both high school and college students and offers college counseling and career support services. It serves students throughout Montgomery County.NAMI Maryland
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Maryland chapter offers mental health resources specifically for college students. On NAMI’s website, you can find information on campus mental health, crisis counseling, and other community resources.
