Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Maryland is a great place to earn a college degree. Discover the top-ranked online colleges in Maryland.
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Updated on March 26, 2024
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Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Maryland is home to some of the best colleges in the country — and you don't have to leave home to enroll at top schools like the University of Maryland.

Online colleges in Maryland enroll thousands of students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields like business, tech, healthcare, and education. You can find a Maryland online college that fits your budget and educational goals.

Want to learn more? Check out our ranking of the best online colleges in Maryland.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Colleges in Maryland

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com 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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#1 Best Online Colleges in Maryland Best Value

University of Maryland, Baltimore

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $319-$873
Out-of-State | $1,309-$1,549

Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's) and 30-42 (master's)

Six professional schools and an interdisciplinary graduate school make up the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Instead of offering a wide variety of degree programs, the university is very focused and only offers programs in human services, healthcare, and law. Its professional schools include dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and medicine.

You can pursue an undergraduate RN-to-BSN program fully online or complete an RN-to-MSN program. The majority of UM's programs are offered at the graduate level. Online graduate programs include health services leadership and management, social entrepreneurship, and pharmacometrics. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,446
Out-of-state
$38,822
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,140
Out-of-state
$32,979
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,244
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Colleges in Maryland Best Value

Towson University

  • Towson, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $702
Out-of-State | $1,270

Credits to Graduate: 30+ (graduate degrees)

You can complete master's-level degrees and certificates, as well as doctoral degrees, entirely online at Towson University. Master's program options include education, liberal arts and humanities, and technology and security. 

Townson also offers 19 fully online graduate certificates and individual graduate-level courses that aim to help professionals boost their skills and increase their knowledge. At Townson, you'll experience small class sizes, averaging 24 students per class. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,100
Out-of-state
$22,152
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,280
Out-of-state
$17,136
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
20,856
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Stevenson University

  • Stevenson, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $405-$705
Out-of-State | $405-$705

Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's) and 30+ (master's)

Stevenson University is a small private college with about 900 online students and a 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. All student undergrads participate in a practicum, internship, or research experience as part of their program. 

The school offers 10 bachelor's and 21 master's programs online, as well as several online certificates. You can also explore Stevenson's dual degree programs, where you can graduate in five years with both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$35,504
Out-of-state
$35,504
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,340
Out-of-state
$8,340
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
3,454
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
67% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Notre Dame of Maryland University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $390-$435
Out-of-State | $390-$435

Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's) and 30+ (master's)

Founded in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic college with a small student population of around 1,700 students. 

NDMU has 20 online degree programs, most of which are master's programs. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions. You can complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in business through NDMU's five-year, fully online program. The school also hosts a BSN bridge program; this 15-month accelerated program is for students who hold a bachelor's degree in any field who want to earn a bachelor's in nursing.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$38,295
Out-of-state
$38,295
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,321
Out-of-state
$13,321
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
2,184
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Goucher College

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $570-$680
Out-of-State | $570-$680

Credits to Graduate: 30-36 (master's)

Goucher College is a private liberal arts college based in Baltimore. Although there are no online bachelor's programs at Goucher, you can enroll in master's-level degree and certificate programs.

There are six online master's programs at Goucher College. Degree options include a master's in education, a master's in environmental sustainability and management, and a master's in digital communication. These programs are designed for working professionals and emphasize flexibility.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$48,000
Out-of-state
$48,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,180
Out-of-state
$9,180
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Low

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Low
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
1,917
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Cost of College in Maryland

The cost of college in Maryland is very similar to the national average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Maryland residents pay around $10,000 per year in tuition and fees at public universities.

You can save on college costs by researching affordable online colleges in Maryland. Online colleges offer cost savings on tuition, living expenses, and transportation costs.

Cost of College in Maryland in 2021-2022
Institution Type Average Tuition & Required Fees
Public 4-year (In-State) $9,851
Public 4-year (Out-of-State) $27,111
Private 4-year $47,092
Public 2-year (In-State) $4,367
Public 2-year (Out-of-State) $10,631
Source: NCES

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Maryland

Some of the fastest-growing jobs in Maryland include physical therapist assistant, nurse practitioner, and medical and health services managers. These careers, along with many other in-demand roles, require a college degree.

Attending a Maryland online college can mean more job opportunities and a higher earning potential. Plus, you'll be able to connect to local employers in Maryland. These career paths tend to pay more than jobs that don't require a degree.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Maryland
Job Job Growth 2020-2030 Average Annual Wage 2022
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians 59% $58,860
Animal Trainers 56% $42,130
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers 54% $35,490
Restaurant Cooks 41% $35,120
Physical Therapist Assistants 39% $64,550
Massage Therapists 33% $67,820
Nurse Practitioners 32% $119,650
Audiologists 26% $79,280
Phlebotomists 23% $45,130
Medical and Health Services Managers 23% $148,650
Source: Maryland Department of Labor, BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Maryland

What is the #1 college in Maryland?

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The top-ranked college in Maryland is Johns Hopkins University, a private research university in Baltimore. Maryland's #1 public college is the University of Maryland, located in College Park. Maryland is home to many prestigious on-campus and online colleges.

Is online college free in Maryland?

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No, online college is not free in Maryland. However, many online colleges in Maryland offer affordable tuition rates and financial aid opportunities. You can also compare schools on affordability when searching.

Maryland does offer free community college to low- and middle-income students.

Does the University of Maryland offer online degrees?

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Yes, the University of Maryland offers more than 125 programs through its global campus. You can choose from more than 30 undergraduate programs or more than 55 graduate programs.

Along with being one of the top-ranked online colleges, the University of Maryland is also considered an affordable college.

How many online colleges are in Maryland?

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There are dozens of online colleges in Maryland, including 28 four-year institutions and 16 two-year institutions that offer online programs. You can also choose from public and private online colleges in the state. When researching Maryland online universities, make sure to choose an accredited institution.

What is the easiest online college to get into in Maryland?

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The easiest online college to get into in Maryland is the University of Maryland Global Campus. The public university uses an open admissions policy. That means that if you have a high school diploma or the equivalent, you can attend the school, regardless of your GPA or test scores.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 27, 2024.

BestColleges.com 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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