Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Maryland offers a selection of prestigious colleges near the nation's capital. And with an online program, you can attend from anywhere. Explore the best online colleges in Maryland.
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Updated October 18, 2023

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Maryland is nestled between the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital and the calming shores of the Atlantic Ocean. As a Maryland resident, you can take advantage of the diverse opportunities of the Free State.

Whether you're a Maryland resident or not, you can still attend one of the best online colleges in Maryland. Attending college online can provide flexibility — not only in where you live but also in how and when you go to class.

Online students are typically able to continue working while they pursue their education. We've found some of the top online colleges in Maryland to help your search.

AffordableCollegesOnline.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.

Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Online Colleges in Maryland 2022

Read About Our Methodology

#1 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Capitol Technology University

  • Laurel, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$25,830
Out-of-state
$25,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,390
Out-of-state
$11,390
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
754
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland

  • College Park, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
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
51%
Students Enrolled
40,709
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Towson University

  • Towson, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
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
85%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
21,917
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Coppin State University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,648
Out-of-state
$11,045
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,192
Out-of-state
$11,394
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
40%
Students Enrolled
2,348
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Morgan State University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,477
Out-of-state
$18,100
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,190
Out-of-state
$16,092
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
7,634
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#6 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

University of Baltimore

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,014
Out-of-state
$19,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,824
Out-of-state
$20,034
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
4,169
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#7 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Washington Adventist University

  • Takoma Park, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$23,400
Out-of-state
$23,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,250
Out-of-state
$11,250
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
968
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
85% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#8 Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Frostburg State University

  • Frostburg, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,700
Out-of-state
$20,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,866
Out-of-state
$10,080
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
4,857
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Price Check

In-state tuition in Maryland cost an average of $9,401 in 2021, just above the national average.

Cost of Living in Maryland

The cost of living in Maryland is 22% higher than the national average. However, the cost of living depends on where in Maryland you live. Some cities are more affordable and closer to the national average. The cost of living in Baltimore City, for example, is only 7% higher than the national average.

Housing is the most expensive cost of living category. Many students opt for roommates, making housing and utilities less expensive. Students in Maryland also have access to lower healthcare prices and transportation discounts.

Cost of Living in Maryland vs. National Average
Cost of Living Category Compared to the National Average
Housing (Buy and Rent) 54% higher
Utilities (Monthly) 8% higher
Food 12% higher
Healthcare 10% lower
Transportation 2% higher
Goods & Services 9% higher
Source: RentCafe

Maryland Scholarships

Online students often qualify for the same scholarships as on-campus students. Scholarships are financial awards that you apply for and do not have to pay back. If you're looking for assistance with Maryland's cost of living, you can look for scholarships that award funds you can use toward living expenses.

The state of Maryland offers various scholarship opportunities for Maryland residents. We've found five scholarships you can apply for.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Maryland

Most of the fastest-growing jobs in Maryland are in education, healthcare, or mathematics — and they all require a degree.

Preschool teachers, information security analysts, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapy assistants top this list and are projected to grow between 34% and 41% in the next ten years.

Earning a college degree online can help you meet the requirements to pursue one of these high-demand jobs. Completing your degree online could also allow you to begin working in these fields while attending school.

Fast-Growing Careers in Maryland 2020-2030
Job Projected Growth
Preschool Teachers 41%
Information Security Analysts 37%
Nurse Practitioners 36%
Occupational Therapy Assistants 34%
Epidemiologists 33%
Physical Therapist Assistants 32%
Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations 31%
Preschool and Childcare Center/Program Education Administrators 30%
Medical and Health Services Managers 27%
Financial Examiners 27%
Source: Maryland Department of Labor

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Maryland


What is the cheapest online college in Maryland?

According to the NCES, the cheapest online college in Maryland is Coppin State University, with an in-state tuition price of $6,904. Keep in mind that online programs sometimes charge different tuition rates, especially for out-of-state students.

The net cost of college depends on many factors, including financial award packages, so you may have more affordable options than the cheapest online college in Maryland.

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

Salisbury University admits 91% of applicants, making it one of the easiest colleges to get into in Maryland. Although this does not guarantee your admittance, you do have the best chance of being accepted into Salisbury University.

How much does online college cost in Maryland?

The average cost of in-state tuition in Maryland was $9,401 for the 2020-2021 academic year. This amount is before any financial aid or scholarship awards.

Tuition prices for online students are usually the same as attending on campus. Some colleges may offer a discounted tuition rate, and many offer a set online rate. Fees for online students vary and may be cheaper compared to in-person campus fees.

Is online college free in Maryland?

Earning an online degree at a Maryland college is not free. You can also apply for scholarships that will help lower the cost of completing a degree online.

Maryland does have a few colleges, like John Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, that offer free online courses through platforms like Coursera.

Do I need to be a resident of Maryland to attend an online college in Maryland?

You do not need to be a resident of Maryland to attend an online college in Maryland. An online education often costs the same regardless of your residency status. However, some universities charge out-of-state tuition for online students who do not live in Maryland.

Depending on your program, you may have to meet additional or different requirements to pursue a profession in your state. For example, if you complete an education degree at a Maryland school but live and plan to teach in Utah, you will need to make sure you meet Utah's teaching standards.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.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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