Online Schools and Colleges in Maryland

Get started with your search for top-ranked schools in Maryland. Discover which colleges offer programs that fit your needs.
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Updated September 26, 2023

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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.

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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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.

#1 Online Schools and Colleges in Maryland

Towson University

  • Towson, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Students interested in attending online classes can research remote offerings from Towson University. Along with in-person programs at the Towson campus, degree-seekers can pursue 18 online programs from the public school. The institution enrolls 5,202 learners in its online programs and delivers virtual resources to foster their academic success.

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,962
Out-of-state
$21,098
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,902
Out-of-state
$16,344
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
22,709
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Online Schools and Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland-College Park

  • College Park, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,824
Out-of-state
$34,936
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,158
Out-of-state
$29,250
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
40,743
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
19% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Online Schools and Colleges in Maryland

McDaniel College

  • Westminster, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$44,540
Out-of-state
$44,540
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,180
Out-of-state
$9,180
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
2,851
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
27% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Online Schools and Colleges in Maryland

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,350
Out-of-state
$55,350
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$55,350
Out-of-state
$55,350
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
27,079
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Online Schools and Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,704
Out-of-state
$24,338
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,862
Out-of-state
$20,376
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
13,602
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
12% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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.

College Grad Salary
Less Than a High School Diploma High School Diploma Associate Degree
$28,756 $37,960 $44,824

Source: BLS

Salary by Degree
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.

Tuition Comparison
In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition National Average
$9,289 $24,353 $9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State)

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Tuition Comparison
Tuition Out-of-State Tuition National Average
$41,859 N/A $30,731

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

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 CollegesUniversity 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.

Compiled by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, this pamphlet includes information for various types of college-bound students. The pamphlet covers financial aid sources, private career schools, and military programs. This website provides information for on-campus and online students, including details about financial scholarship and grant programs, financial aid application requirements, and the state's aid-processing system. The website features current information about the Maryland Prepaid College Trust and the Maryland College Investment Plan. These savings programs help parents and students pay for college. Students can search this collection of Maryland training programs to learn about in-demand occupations, schools and training centers, and program costs. The Enoch Pratt Free Library offers an online tool through which users can consult with librarians. This resource allows distance learners to access extensive library resources and individual assistance online.

Popular Resources

Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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