Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Maryland 2025

There are many options for getting a cheap online associate degree in Maryland. Furthering your education online is a lower-cost, flexible way to open up new job opportunities or to start earning credits toward a bachelor's degree program. Cheap online associate degree programs are available in subjects like business, healthcare, computer science, education, and many others.

For Maryland residents, the cheapest schools are community colleges within your home county; there are different tuition rates for county residents, in-state students, and out-of-state students. Keep reading to discover where you can get an affordable associate degree online.

How Much Does an Associate Degree Cost in Maryland?

If you are interested in a cheap online associate degree in Maryland, then you don't want to look too far from your front door. The lowest tuition rate is reserved for county residents where the community college is located.

For example, our cheapest online program is at Prince George's Community College. Tuition is only $119 per credit hour for residents of Prince George's County, but it goes up to $214 per credit hour for residents of Baltimore County.

On average, those looking to complete an affordable associate degree online will pay $137.40 per credit hour. If you are focused, tech-savvy, and hardworking, then one of these affordable online colleges may be a great fit for you.

Cheapest Online Associate Degree Programs

If you aren't sure where to start your higher education journey, look at our list below for some high-quality Maryland colleges. In most cases, full-time students can finish their associate degree in just two years.

1. Prince George's Community College

Prince George's Community College (PGCC) offers the following Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs:

• accounting professional
• business management
• criminal justice
• paralegal/legal studies

Additionally, online learners can pursue an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in general studies, with a concentration in economics, criminal justice, or psychology. Online learners have the same education standards, teachers, and often similar coursework to on-campus students; however, digital learning allows you to access lessons 24 hours a day, whenever works best for your schedule. Accelerated courses are also available.

Average tuition for Prince George's County residents: $119 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $214 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $316 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months, with accelerated options

Financial aid: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), over 40 institutional scholarships, Maryland State Award grants, federal work-study programs

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Community College of Baltimore County

The Community College of Baltimore County (CBCC) offers more than 70 fully online associate degree and certificate programs � more than any other Maryland community college. Teaching is delivered either synchronously, meaning you log on for live classes, or asynchronously, meaning you can do the lessons and classwork any time of day.

Online learning courses are available in education, healthcare, science, and humanities. Complete your degree in computer science/information technology, accounting, general education, and many others.

Average tuition for Baltimore County residents: $122 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $244 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $245 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, free tuition for students aged 60 and over, free tuition for students who are retired due to a disability, Baltimore County and Maryland College Promise scholarships, various grants

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Hagerstown Community College

There are nine online associate degree programs currently offered at Hagerstown. Students can complete an Associate of Science (AS) degree in business administration, education, or arts and science with a human services concentration. Others are available in general studies, psychology, and sociology.

Hagerstown participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Out-of-state students seeking certification or licensure may take classes at Hagerstown if it satisfies their state's licensing requirements.

Average tuition for Washington County residents: $123 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $192 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $252 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, Maryland need-based aid programs, various scholarships, work-study programs

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Anne Arundel Community College

Anne Arundel County residents can complete one of several degree or certificate programs online. Associate degree programs are available in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, business management, liberal arts, and many others.

Distance education at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) gives working adults the flexibility they need. It also equips them with the skills and experience they need to pursue other goals, whether that involves getting straight into a career or attending a state university to pursue a bachelor's, master's, or even doctoral degree. Virtual academic advising can help you plan out your future, whatever you want that to be.

Average tuition for Anne Arundel County residents: $130 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $305 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $442 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, AACC Foundation scholarships, program-specific scholarships, federal and state grants

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Montgomery College

Online students at Montgomery College have access to many online resources, as well as physical resources available on campus. Courses are led by expert faculty who are certified in online quality assurance. Online education programs include:

• early childhood education
• graphic design
• math
• international studies
• business
• communication studies

Several other fully online courses are also available. If a course is marked as a Z-degree or certificate, then there is no cost for any textbooks or materials for that course. Some pathways allow college students to complete a degree without spending any money on textbooks. Currently, these Z-degree plans include: business, communications, criminal justice, early childhood education technology, and general studies.

Average tuition for Montgomery County residents: $134 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $273 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $380 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, military and veterans' benefits, D.C. tuition assistance grant for residents of Washington, D.C., institutional and state scholarships and grants, federal work-study programs

Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Allegany College of Maryland

There are dozens of online offerings for Allegany students, including business management, dental hygiene, engineering, human services, nursing, and others. Many of these are two-year degree plans that prepare students for an immediate career or for transferring to a four-year college or university to continue their education.

Enrollment is open for fall, spring, and summer semesters, with an additional four-week online-only winter session. Students in the honors program may be eligible for partial tuition reimbursement.

Average tuition for Allegany County residents: $136 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $288 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $392 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional and state grants, lower tuition is available for out-of-state nursing students, presidential scholarship for out-of-county and out-of-state students

Accreditation: MSCHE

7. College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) offers several different models for class instruction. Students can choose courses that are face-to-face, online synchronous, online asynchronous, hybrid, or flex-hybrid. Students new to online learning can take a short orientation class to learn more about course navigation, communication tools, and how to submit assignments.

CSM offers four fully online degree programs: business administration, business management, cloud and information technology, and general studies. All of these programs are also available at the La Plata campus.

Average tuition for Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's County residents: $140 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $245 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $335 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional and state scholarships and grants, Charles County Scholarship Fund, federal work-study program

Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Howard Community College

Online students at Howard can participate in FastTrack, where courses are condensed into seven, six, five, four, or fewer weeks. This allows you to accelerate your program and get your degree as fast as you are able. Additionally, online students will have access to many online resources, including career counseling, tutoring, advising, and others.

Currently, Howard only offers two fully-online degree programs: general studies and business administration. However, several classes are available online, allowing students to complete their degrees in a hybrid format.

Average tuition for Howard County residents: $144 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $278 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $388 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months, with accelerated options

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional and state scholarships and grants, free tuition for foster students and homeless youth

Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Harford Community College

Harford offers classes in-person, hybrid, and fully remote to allow working adults the most flexibility as they complete their degrees. Currently, they offer four fully online associate degrees:

• accounting
• business administration
• communications studies
• computer information systems

Online support services are designed to help all students succeed. They include academic support services, as well as wellness services and support for military members, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ students. Transfer scholarships are available for students who complete their associate degree at Harford and are ready to continue their education elsewhere.

Average tuition for Harford County residents: $144 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $250 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $355 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, state and institutional scholarships and grants, Alfred C. O'Connell Scholarship for graduating high school seniors, federal work-study programs

Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Carroll Community College

According to U.S. News and World Report, Carroll Community College has the highest graduation rate of all our listed schools. Students can complete their degree online in:

• arts and sciences
• business administration
• management
• general studies
• management information systems
• social work
• sociology

Hybrid degrees in education, computer information systems, cybersecurity, and exercise science are also available. Classes may be delivered asynchronously, or some may have set meeting times for live instruction. There are also financial aid options � Carroll students receive about $3 million in financial aid each year.

Average tuition for Carroll County residents: $182 per credit hour

Average in-state tuition: $308.25 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $423.25 per credit hour

Program length: 24 months

Financial aid: FAFSA, Maryland Community College Promise scholarship, various state and institutional scholarships and grants, students with a permanent disability may be eligible for a tuition waiver.

Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

Earning your college degree is a big step, and we want to make sure your education comes from a reputable school. Take a look at the criteria we use to rank schools.

• Accreditation: All of our schools are fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Many of these schools also have programs that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the Department of Education. These strict learning standards ensure you will get a high-quality education.
• Affordability: A lower tuition rate means less chance of incurring student loan debt after you graduate. The cheapest option for Maryland residents is to choose a school in your home county, but all of our schools have tuition rates close to or under $10,000 per year.
• Program reputation and quality: Classes are taught by qualified, knowledgeable faculty, and many of these schools offer online resources and support to help distance learners excel. A strong reputation means you can be confident in the education you are receiving.
• Online format: Online learning offers the most flexibility, which is why all of the schools on our list include at least two fully online degree programs. Many offer significantly more than two or hybrid degree programs.

FAQs About the Cheapest Associate Degrees in Maryland

If you still have questions about getting your associate degree online in Maryland, then take a look at our FAQs below to learn more about costs, timelines, and available programs.

Can I Get an Associate Degree Online in Maryland?

Yes, you can get an associate degree online in Maryland, and many schools offer several fully-online degree programs. If you are able to travel to campus occasionally, a hybrid schedule may offer even more program options, with fields ranging from healthcare to the arts.

What Is the Cheapest and Fastest Way To Get an Associate Degree in Maryland?

The fastest way to finish your degree is with an accelerated program. Prince George's Community College and Howard both offer accelerated programs.

The cheapest way to get an associate degree in Maryland is to attend a school in your home county. Schools offer the cheapest tuition rate to county residents, but bringing in transfer credits can also lower your overall costs. In Maryland, there are many affordable options for online colleges that accept financial aid.

Are There Any 6-Month Associate Degrees in Maryland?

At this time, Maryland does not offer any six-month associate degree programs. However, there are 6-month online associate degrees at other colleges across the nation.

What Are Some of the Fastest Associate Degrees You Can Get Online?

It depends on what sort of degree you are seeking. Those in healthcare or science programs that involve labs or clinical work are likely to take the longest. Howard Community College offers accelerated courses that let students complete certain classes in two months or less, allowing you to finish your degree as quickly as possible.

Earn Your Associate Degree Online

Maryland students looking to further their education have several great options, no matter what part of the state you call home. When you are ready to get started, reach out to one of the accredited schools featured on Learn.org to discuss your goals and whether distance education is right for you.