When choosing an online college in Maryland, you get the flexibility of virtual learning with the opportunity to use in-person resources when needed. Online programs close-to-home can also lead to local networking, state-specific scholarship eligibility, and the potential to take some on-campus classes, too.
This guide can help you find the best Maryland online program based on your educational and career goals. We also provide key information for earning a degree online and share our list of the best online programs in the state today.
Top Online Colleges in Maryland for 2024
Maryland has a number of online colleges for students to explore. But which has the tuition, accreditation, and student services you need to succeed? Using our proprietary ranking methodology, we’ve identified the best online colleges to help you meet your academic and professional goals. See which of Maryland’s online colleges stand out in 2024.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
College Park, MarylandPublic $$$
The University of Maryland offers several online learning options that provide students a flexible, convenient, and high-quality education at every level. For students looking to get ahead in their studies, there are accelerated summer and winter online course opportunities that last three to six weeks each. There are also formal undergraduate and graduate programs for students who want to earn their degree entirely online. For graduate students, there are degrees, certificates, and post-baccalaureate programs. For students who are interested in an online education, they have the option of learning either entirely online or through a blended format that combines online learning with in-person components.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Applied Economics
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $3,500/course
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master of Professional Studies in Product Management
- Credits: 30
- Length: 15 months
- Cost: $811.90/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master of Public Health in Physical Activity
- Credits: 45
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $957.34/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Salisbury, MarylandPublic $$
Salisbury University offers students the opportunity to learn in a variety of formats, which allows them to choose one that works best for their goals. Undergraduate and graduate students can access virtual instruction through hybrid, remote, and online courses via the MyClasses learning management system. Hybrid means some in-person instruction and some virtual instruction will take place. Remote courses are delivered through virtual instruction that takes place during set days and times, and students are expected to attend via video conferencing. Online courses are delivered via virtual instruction that takes place at any time, with assignments having specific due dates. Salisbury offers seven online degree programs which include a doctorate of nursing practice, a healthcare management post-baccalaureate certificate, a Master of Business Administration online, a Master of Science in nursing, a Master of Social Work, and a social work major. General admissions requirements include a complete application and fee, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Programs will have specific additional requirements.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration Online
- Credits: 42
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $420 per credit hour (Graduate Resident); $760 per credit hour (Graduate Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Management
- Credits: 34
- Length: 13 or 25 months
- Cost: $665 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master of Social Work Online
- Credits: 62
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $420 per credit hour (Graduate Resident); $760 per credit hour (Graduate Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Baltimore, MarylandPublic $$
Morgan State University offers students a variety of pathways to advance their careers and education. Students can choose from continuing education, earning a degree, or enrolling in workforce training and development. Morgan online programs are designed with flexibility and convenience in mind, while still offering the same opportunities found in traditional campus-based courses. Morgan State has 10 online degree programs which include a community college leadership doctorate, a master’s of advanced computing, a master’s of education in community college administration and instruction, a master’s of business administration, a master’s of project management, a master’s of public health, a post-baccalaureate certificate in sustainable urban communities, a master’s in social work, a B.S. in applied liberal studies, and a B.S. in cloud computing. Morgan State’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies offers more than 400 online non-credit and career training courses on a wide variety of topics. General admissions requirements include a completed application, a bachelor’s degree, and a 3.0 GPA. Program requirements include two or three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, official transcripts, and fulfillment of all additional graduate program requirements. Below, we’ve highlighted three of Morgan’s online programs.
Program Highlights:
M.S. in Advanced Computing
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 YEAR
- Cost: $536.50 per credit hour (Resident); $975.50 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master of Social Work
- Credits: 48
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $536.50 per credit hour (Resident); $975.50 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Graves MBA Program
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $536.50 per credit hour (Resident); $975.50 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Baltimore, MarylandPublic $$
The University of Baltimore’s online programs are designed with flexibility for students in mind. Courses provide the same content, rigor, and collaboration between faculty and students as found in face-to-face classes on campus, and students can participate from anywhere in the world. The school also offers the opportunity for students to take hybrid classes, which means part of the course is taught in person and some of it is taught online. The university offers seven online degree programs which include a bachelor’s in criminal justice, a bachelor’s in policy, politics, and international affairs, a master’s in global affairs and human security, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration, a master’s in interaction design and information architecture, and a master’s in negotiations and conflict management. General admission requirements include a complete application and transcripts along with the program-specific requirements.
Program Highlights:
M.A. in Global Affairs and Human Security
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $788 per credit hour (Resident); $1,156 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master of Public Administration Online
- Credits: 36-39
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $841 per credit hour (Resident); $1,162 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $788 per credit hour (Resident); $1,156 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Towson, MarylandPublic $$
Towson University is known for inclusive excellence, providing a welcoming community, and a commitment to advancing research and creating opportunities for the public good. Towson offers more than 30 graduate online degrees and post-baccalaureate programs. Some may be a combination of courses on Towson’s Baltimore campus and online. Programs are designed to help students advance or start a new career, with courses taught by world-renowned faculty. Admission requirements include online application and fee, and a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0. Individual programs will have specific requirements such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and essays.
Program Highlights:
M.S. in Integrated Homeland Security Management
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $642 per credit hour (Resident); $1,158 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
M.S. in Applied Information Technology
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $642 per credit hour (Resident); $1,158 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: On campus or online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
M.S. Transformational Educational Leadership
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $642 per credit hour (Resident); $1,158 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Baltimore, MarylandPublic $$
The University of Maryland Baltimore County offers seven online master’s degrees and post-baccalaureate programs including teaching English to speakers of other languages, emergency health services, information systems, learning and performance technology, eLearning, instructional systems development, and instructional technology. Online students at the university have 24-hour access to their classroom materials and information, so they can carve out time to do their schoolwork according to their own schedules. Online students will have a dedicated academic advisor, access to all campus resources, and the support of UMBC’s experienced and responsive faculty. Admission requirements include a complete application and fee, official transcripts, and any individual program requirements such as letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and additional training certificates. Below, we’ve highlighted three of the university’s online programs.
Program Highlights:
M.S. in Information Systems
- Credits: 30 or 34
- Length: 2.5 years (Part-time)
- Cost: $934/per credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master’s in Emergency Health Services
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $934 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master’s in Learning and Performance Technology
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $733 per credit hour (Resident); $1,235 per credit hour (Non-Resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Cumberland, MarylandPublic $$
Allegany College of Maryland is one of 16 colleges within the Maryland Association of Community Colleges and offers a range of affordable, flexible degrees. Over 80% of the students are first-generation college students, and most receive some form of financial aid. ACM has agreements with four-year universities, so students can transfer their coursework and pursue additional education. Through Saint Francis University, for example, you can enroll in a 3+1 opportunity where you complete three years of coursework at ACM and transfer to St. Francis to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with just 33 additional credits.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science, Biology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $129/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Associate of Applied Science, Human Services Associate
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $129/credit
- Mode: Varies
- Accreditation: Council for Standards in Human Service Education
Associate of Science, Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $129/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Wye Mills, MarylandPublic $
Chesapeake College is a two-year regional community college serving several counties on Maryland’s Upper Eastern Shore. The school’s online offerings expand its accessibility and affordability for its Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees. Online degrees include accounting, business administration, human services, and more. Other degree offerings are in the areas of law, education, health care, and more. Whether you want to take a few classes online or complete your degree entirely online, you have several options through Chesapeake.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts and Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $128/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Associate of Applied Science, Accounting
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $128/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Associate of Applied Science, Human Services
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $128/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
North East, MarylandPublic $$
Cecil College in Northeast Maryland offers numerous degrees and certificates. Courses prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university or pursue workforce entry, or they provide learning for personal enrichment. Cecil College has several articulation agreements with four-year institutions, including American Public University, Frostburg State University, and Southern New Hampshire University. Students who want to take online courses exclusively can earn degrees in cybersecurity, general studies, and transportation logistics and management as well as certificates in accounting, marketing, and more.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science, Cybersecurity
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $125/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Associate of Arts, General Studies Transfer
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $125/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Associate of Applied Science, Transportation Logistics and Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $125/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Baltimore, MarylandPublic $$
The Community College of Baltimore County has the region’s most expansive selection of degree, certificate, and workplace certification programs. Concentrations span a range of industries from business and health care to information technology, cyber technology, construction, and more. CCBC makes an effort to serve special populations, including youth, seniors, and students with disabilities and offers more life-enrichment courses than any other organization in the Baltimore region. Students from diverse backgrounds can find the resources they need to succeed. Common professions that follow CCBC degrees include law enforcement officers, truck drivers, engineers, teachers, and nurses.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science, Health Informatics and Information Technology
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $122/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation:Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Associate of Arts, Economics
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $122/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Associate of Applied Science, Criminal Justice Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $122/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Largo, MarylandPublic $
Prince George’s Community College’s main campus is in Washington, DC, and it has other sites at Joint Base Andres, Westphalia Training Center, and others. Its online offerings include eight associate degrees, three certificate programs, and over 300 credit and noncredit courses. Associate programs include those in accounting, criminal justice, general studies, paralegal/legal studies, and more. You can also choose from certificates in accounting, paralegal studies, and marketing management. PGCC also offers continuing education programs if you want to learn about a topic without pursuing a degree.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science, Accounting Professional
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $114/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Associate of Appplied Science, Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $114/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Associate of Applied Science, Paralegal/Legal Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $114/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Rockville, MarylandPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
La Plata, MarylandPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Frederick, MarylandPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Hagerstown, MarylandPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Bel Air, MarylandPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Online Learning Formats at Maryland Colleges
There are several ways to earn a degree at an online college in Maryland, and each one is designed for a different learning experience. Check out the pros and cons of various online learning modes to decide which is best for you.
Fully Online or Hybrid/Blended
Universities in Maryland offer fully online and hybrid/blended programs. Fully online programs are just what they sound like: programs that can be completed online without ever having to set foot on campus. These programs at online colleges in Maryland are great for professionals balancing school with a full-time job, students who don’t live near campus, and those with a busy schedule.
Defining a hybrid/blended program can be trickier since how much of these programs are online and in person varies widely. A common misconception is that hybrid and blended programs are the same. In reality, a hybrid program has online elements that either fully or partially replace in-person instruction while blended programs combine online and in-person instruction. The examples that follow introduce you to one of the best blended/hybrid programs and one of the best fully online programs available in Maryland.
Bachelor of Professional Writing at the University of Maryland College Park (Blended/Hybrid)
The professional writing degree program at the University of Maryland’s College Park campus is unlike any other in the country. All courses are set up in a blended learning format to reflect the changing nature of the workforce. In this format, students take some class lectures online and complete many activities asynchronously online, but other class sessions are in person. Students choose to spend either one or two days a week on campus while attending online for the rest of the week. The delivery format (asynchronous or synchronous) is decided by each professor. The degree can be completed in as little as three years if students have college credit from high school or are transferring from another institution.
Bachelor of Health Administration and Management at Towson University (Fully Online)
The allied health fields are in demand in Maryland. Those who want the job security and earning potential that these fields offer should consider the fully online health administration and management undergraduate program at Towson University. The curriculum covers general courses on healthcare in the United States and in Maryland specifically. After completing the general courses, students enroll in more advanced courses that cover all aspects of healthcare management, including finance, marketing, and management. To make the program accessible to as many students as possible, Towson offers the entire program online, meaning students can complete their degree without setting foot on campus.
Synchronous or Asynchronous
Even if two programs are both online, the delivery formats can be different. Some programs offer an asynchronous format in which all classes are prerecorded and students can watch them at any time. Other programs have synchronous online courses with set class times—for example, class every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 pm. Check out a quality example for each approach at some of the best online colleges in Maryland:
RN to BSN at Frostburg State University (Asynchronous)
Frostburg State University is a leader in online education, with many of its online degrees offered in an asynchronous format. The RN to BSN program is no exception; designed with the working nurse in mind, all courses in this program can be completed at any time that works for a student’s schedule. While the coursework is asynchronous, the degree requirements include 135 clinical hours that must be completed in person, though they can be completed at a student’s worksite or in their hometown and don’t need to be completed near Frostburg’s campus. Students also have flexibility in their course load, with the option to take more courses each semester and graduate in 15 months or to take fewer courses each semester and graduate in 60 months.
Criminal Justice at the University of Baltimore (Synchronous)
The bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Baltimore prepares students to understand and prevent crime. Though the core courses must be taken in person, students take higher-level courses online. These courses can be taken anywhere the student has access to Wi-Fi. All students and the professor log in for an online, synchronous class session two to three times a week. You’ll have the option to participate verbally in these class sessions or add comments in a live chat box. The program has the same rigor and participation level as an in-person class. The only difference is that students can take the courses from anywhere in the world instead of in a classroom.
Part-Time or Full-Time
For many students, college is a full-time job. While attending an online college in Maryland frees up your schedule a bit, full-time online programs still require a full course load and all the work that goes with it. Balancing a job—especially a full-time job—can be tricky. That’s why some online colleges in Maryland offer part-time options, which allow students to take a smaller course load. With this option, it’ll take you longer to graduate, but you’ll be better able to balance work and personal obligations with your coursework. Check out these part-time and full-time program examples:
Global Security Studies at Johns Hopkins University (Part-Time)
The master of global security studies from Johns Hopkins University is a flexible, hybrid program that prepares tomorrow’s leaders in global security. This online college program in Maryland is designed for working professionals; all classes are offered online and you can take courses on a part-time basis. As a bonus, you’ll have the option to take some classes in person at the DC campus. The program is designed for those who already have their bachelor’s degree and work full-time. Even with pursuing the degree part-time, students can graduate in 12 to 24 months. Online courses are synchronous but are offered in the evenings so they don’t interfere with work. By the end of the program, students are prepared to take on a variety of roles including intelligence officer, policy analyst, defense contractor, or cybersecurity analyst.
Data Science at the University of Maryland, Global Campus (Full-Time)
The bachelor’s degree in data science from the University of Maryland’s global campus offers a high-quality online program for those looking to enter the field. The curriculum consists of both foundational courses and electives that allow students to explore their interests in the field. The global campus is world-renowned for delivering high-quality online education featuring synchronous online classes. Most students in this program complete their coursework full-time in a cohort. As you progress, you’ll have the option to pursue in-person research opportunities or hybrid courses at other University of Maryland campuses.
Understanding Accreditation for Online College
When looking at online colleges in Maryland, you want to make sure you choose an accredited and state-approved program. Accreditation often determines if you’re eligible for federal and state financial aid, if you’ll qualify for certification/licensing requirements for your field, and if employers and other academic institutions will recognize your degree. The best type of accreditation is regional accreditation. While there are many regional accreditation boards, most regionally accredited online and in-person programs in Maryland will be accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. There are also national accreditors that accredit schools at the institutional level. National accreditation is especially important in certain fields, such as nursing, engineering, and social work.
Fields such as these also tend to have state licensing boards. When you attend a program with state approval, it’s easier to get your teaching license, social work license, or any other licenses required to work in certain fields after getting your degree from an accredited online college in Maryland.
Cost of an Online College Degree in Maryland
The cost of earning your degree can vary greatly from school to school. That said, the average cost of tuition for an in-state student in Maryland was $9,401 during the 2020-2021 academic year. If you’re an out-of-state student or attend a private school, most likely you’ll end up paying more, though this can also depend on the financial aid package you receive.
To give you a better idea of how much traditional and online colleges in Maryland may cost, we compared five universities with both online and in-person offerings for in-state and out-of-state students.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland, College Park | $9,695/year | $37,931/year | $9,695/year | $37,931/year |
| Towson University | $10,818/year | $26,820/year | $10,818/year | $26,820/year |
| University of Maryland, Global Campus | Not available | Not available | $7,488/year | $11,976/year |
| Johns Hopkins University | $60,480/year | $60,480/year | $60,480/year | $60,480/year |
| University of Baltimore | $9,506/year | $22,956/year | $10,490/year | $24,492/year |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Financial Aid for Maryland College Students
If you’re attending an online college in Maryland, several financial aid options are available to you. Maryland residents are eligible for both federal and state aid. Maryland’s state government awards a variety of need-based grants and scholarships based on criteria such as the degree you’re pursuing, if you’re enrolled part-time or full-time, and financial need. They also offer tuition waivers for underprivileged groups, such as homeless youth. To find out more, visit the state of Maryland’s webpage on financial aid.
Along with state-funded aid, students should fill out the FAFSA, which determines federal aid. To learn more about the FAFSA, check out our financial aid guide. There’s a wide variety of privately funded scholarships students can apply for, with our scholarship guide being a great place to start. Depending on where you go to school, you may also be eligible for scholarships from your online college in Maryland. The University of Maryland system is particularly well-known for generous scholarships.
Fast-Growing Careers in Maryland for College Grads
If you’re unsure which career field to pursue, in-demand industries are a great place to start. Check out the careers with the highest expected growth rate in Maryland over the next decade—and the average salaries for each field.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | 40.7% | $41,070 |
| Information Security Analysts | 36.7% | $126,110 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 36.3% | $115,700 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 33% | $66,580 |
| Epidemiologists | 32.3% | $98,280 |
| Physical Therapy Assistants | 31.6% | $59,360 |
| Data Scientists | 30.9% | $117,660 |
| Education Administrators, Preschool | 29.8% | $51,750 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 27.3% | $135,870 |
| Financial Examiners | 26.5% | $108,060 |
Support for Online College Students in Maryland
Maryland has in-state tuition agreements set up with nearby states. Check out which states you can attend a university in at the in-state tuition rate. This is particularly useful if your major or program of choice isn’t available in Maryland.
First Generation Student Guide
If you’re a first-generation college student in Maryland, navigating your degree can be challenging. That’s why the University of Maryland system developed this guide to college for first-gen students.
If you want to do more research on the accredited in-person and online colleges in Maryland, check out this robust search engine.
Maryland-Specific Financial Aid
Students who are concerned about paying for an in-person or online college in Maryland should check out this financial aid guide to learn about state-funded grants, scholarships, and more.
University of Maryland Student Success
Want to set yourself up for academic success? Check out the University of Maryland’s student success guide. While many resources are for students in the University of Maryland system, other resources are available to anyone.
