10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Maryland 2025

Students in Maryland can find affordable online degree programs that offer in-state tuition and flexible scheduling. Learners can select from different schools to find the best degree pathway.

Earning a college degree is an investment that can lead to career advancement and higher than national average salaries. Several of the cheapest colleges in Maryland allow learners to complete their higher education, with programs ranging from associate degrees up to doctoral degree programs available, through distance education.

Affordable online colleges can help students on a budget. In addition to the generally lower costs of online programs, Maryland residents can often qualify for in-state tuition rates and state-provided scholarships. Financial aid programs combined with lower tuition help students move along their career paths without the costs and time commitments of on-campus learning.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Maryland

There are high-quality online education programs across Maryland that provide accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs without sacrificing affordability. These inexpensive online colleges provide flexible alternatives to in-person coursework.

Online learners should review the degree programs available at each school to make sure that they find the best distance-learning programs for their career goals.

1. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is a top-ranking online school with over 135 degree and certificate programs available. Students can earn a two-year degree in general studies, or a four-year degree in various in-demand subjects such as business administration, data science, computer science, and more.

In-state students pay $324 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $534 for graduate programs. UMGC has regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) for all of its online courses. Beyond its low tuition rates, UMGC offers multiple scholarship opportunities to Maryland residents and out-of-state students, including the completion scholarship for graduates of Maryland community colleges.

2. Coppin State University

Coppin State University is a member of the University System of Maryland and offers online learning opportunities to residents across the state from its Baltimore campus. CSU offers four online bachelor's degree programs, including Bachelor of Science degrees in management information systems and early childhood human development.

Most of the programs at Coppin State are accredited by the MSHE, but the school also has more specialized accreditations from groups like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

CSU's tuition rates for undergraduate degrees are based on enrollment status. Part-time students pay $348 per credit hour while full-time students pay $295 after fees.

3. Morgan State University

Morgan Online is the MSHE-accredited distance learning department of Morgan State University. Full-time in-state students pay approximately $242 per credit hour, while part-time in-state students pay $265.

The online programs at Morgan State are primarily master's degrees. Students can choose from two bachelor of science programs, in addition to six master's programs and one doctoral program. Regional accreditation comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, but the school also has 19 specialized accreditations for its online and on-campus degrees.

4. Towson University

Learners at Towson University can enroll in 12 different online master's degrees and three doctoral programs, as well as 15 graduate certificates. The primary subject available relates to education, with online college students able to choose degrees such as a Master of Arts in teaching, and Master of Education degrees in special education, instructional technology, and elementary education.

In-state students pay $702 per credit hour for graduate programs, but Towson offers multiple financial aid programs for students to reduce these costs, including department and school-wide scholarship programs.

5. University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore offers four undergraduate and six graduate degrees. Students can pursue accounting, criminal justice, international relations, and more. The MSCHE accredits all programs at the University of Baltimore.

In-state online students pay $357 per credit hour for full-time enrollment and $385 for part-time enrollment in an undergraduate program. Graduate students have varying tuition rates based on factors like field of study, enrollment status, and residency.

6. Notre Dame of Maryland University

Notre Dame of Maryland University is an MSCHE-accredited university located in Baltimore. The school's main online offering is graduate degrees, but students can enroll in a few nursing and business-related undergraduate programs. The school has an undergraduate tuition rate of $1,743 after tuition, fees, and other expenses, and variable graduate rates based on the field of study.

NDMU has many financial aid packages available to students including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs which can drastically reduce the costs associated with education.

7. Strayer University

Strayer University has over 50 campuses in 17 states, including four in Maryland. Students can enroll in associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees from this Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredited college. Individual programs at Strayer receive special accreditation from industry-relevant organizations like SHRM, the NSA, and the ACBSP.

Strayer's undergraduate programs cost $1525 per course (roughly $508 on a traditional 3-credit model) while graduate programs cost anywhere from $1680 to $4000 per course depending on the program.

8. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) that was founded in 1886 ?it now offers five online bachelor's degrees and four master's degree programs. UMES is a member of the University System of Maryland and has Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation.

Off-site education programs at UMES cost $239 per credit hour for full-time, in-state undergraduates and $353 for in-state graduate students. UMES students can participate in federal and state financial programs, but there are also school-offered programs that can help students receive money to pay for their schooling.

9. Stevenson University

Stevenson University has 11 online bachelor's programs and 14 master's programs, as well as the option to combine undergraduate and graduate degrees into a single accelerated plan. Online degree options at SU include cybersecurity and digital forensics, legal studies, and computer information systems.

Most online undergraduate programs at Stevenson have a tuition rate of $460, other than a few nursing bridge programs; graduate degrees range from $505 to $705 per credit hour. Stevenson University has Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation with specialty accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), and the American Bar Association (ABA).

10. Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University is an MSCHE-accredited member institution within the University System of Maryland. The school has a limited online catalog, with three undergraduate and five graduate degrees available. Students can earn degrees in nursing, education, computer science, and more. In addition to these degree programs, individual courses are offered year-round.

Maryland residents pay $7,254 for full-time enrollment or $304 per credit hour for part-time enrollment. Prospective and returning students have access to many financial aid opportunities, including departmental and institutional scholarships.

Our Selection Criteria

We used a strict methodology while selecting the most affordable online colleges based in Maryland. These programs all met our criteria before being added to this list.

Affordability: We chose programs with tuition rates under $500 per credit hour or those with financial aid programs that can reduce tuition below this threshold.
Accreditation: We only chose schools with regional or national accreditation. Nearly every school that we selected has MSCHE accreditation, with additional program-based recognition.
Fully online programs: All of these schools offer multiple fully online degrees instead of hybrid programs or single courses.

How Much Does a Cheap College in Maryland Cost?

Total tuition costs will vary between private and public schools, with public schools having lower average tuition costs. The average cost of an undergraduate college education is approximately $34,000 over four years, or about $8,500 per semester.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable in Maryland?

Making an online degree affordable requires diligent research and planning. Prospective students should consider applying for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Many schools also offer payment plans, allowing students to spread their tuition payments over several months.

Additionally, some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs as a part of their benefits package, so it's worthwhile to check with your employer about potential educational assistance.

Don't overlook community colleges and public universities, as they often provide quality education at a lower cost compared to private institutions.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

FAQs About the Cheapest Colleges in Maryland

Students in Maryland have access to multiple affordable online universities. Many learners have questions about these schools, what costs to expect, and more.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Maryland?

The University of Maryland Global Campus has some of the lowest tuition rates in the state and country. In addition to these low tuition rates, UMGC offers multiple financial aid packages and accepts FAFSA results and federal aid.

Are Cheap Online Colleges in Maryland Accredited?

Yes, all colleges highlighted in this list have regional and degree-specific accreditations. Even though these degrees are affordable, they will still qualify you for career advancement or to pursue graduate degrees.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get into in Maryland?

The University of Maryland Global Campus has an open admissions process. You will be accepted to an undergraduate program if you have graduated from high school or have a GED. As long as you have an accredited bachelor's degree, you will be accepted to your chosen graduate program.

Do You Have To Live In Maryland To Attend Online College in Maryland?

No, you don't have to be a Maryland resident to attend online programs in the state. If you live outside the state, you will probably pay higher tuition or be subjected to additional fees at most colleges.

Find Accredited Online Degree Programs

Whether you are looking for an online Maryland college or a program in another state, our school profiles have all the information you need to find the best program for your goals. Read about online colleges, their degree offerings, and admission requirements. Once you've picked the best schools for you, use our resources to reach out to colleges and start your application process today.