Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2025

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 35,000 students earned their bachelor's degrees in Maryland in the 2021-22 school year. Having a bachelor's degree can help you land jobs and further your career path.

For students who can't make it to campus to study, there are online college programs. Accredited online degrees give students the freedom to take care of their other responsibilities, like work and family, while still earning their degree.

The best online colleges allow students this flexibility while still providing a high-quality education. Keep reading to discover the top online colleges in Maryland.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Maryland

There are several colleges and universities in Maryland that offer online college programs. Below, we've highlighted the best online universities in Maryland.

1. Stevenson University

Stevenson University is a private institution in Stevenson, MD. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and nursing through its online campus.

The university features a distinctive, career-focused, and personalized environment for adult learners. In addition to accepting transfer credits, Stevenson also offers several options to earn credit through prior learning.

Tuition for undergraduate online programs is $505 per credit hour, and 100% of students receive financial aid, including grants and scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $39,708

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,460

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Capitol Technology University

At Capitol Technology University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online in STEM fields. Areas of study include counterterrorism, cybersecurity, information technology, and military technology management.

The private school, based in South Laurel, MD, uses interactive coursework, discussion boards, and peer-to-peer activities to ensure students stay connected. Faculty come from America's most technologically sophisticated government agencies and private-sector supply chains.

About 98% of students receive financial aid, especially institutional grants and scholarships. Tuition for most online bachelor's degree programs is $455 per credit hour.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $27,318

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $11,340

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Coppin State University

Coppin State University offers online bachelor's degrees in early childhood development, health information management, management, and management information systems. It also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree online.

In-state tuition for Maryland students is $213 per credit hour for undergraduate programs, while the DNP is $766 per credit for online Maryland residents. Roughly 94% of students receive financial aid to help them pay for their tuition costs, with many receiving scholarships and grants.

Coppin State University is a public HBCU located in Baltimore. Its online learning programs are designed for busy students who need to balance work, life, and their education.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $7,001

Out-of-State: $13,789

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,786

Out-of-State: $12,474

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 50%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public HBCU

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Morgan State University

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through Morgan State University. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, healthcare, and liberal studies.

Morgan State, a research HBCU, is based in Baltimore. It offers a pathway to flexibility and convenience while still offering the excellence and opportunity for achievement found in traditional on-campus courses.

In-state and out-of-state students pay the same rate for online courses—$260 per credit hour. Financial aid is widely available to students, with 99% of students at the school receiving some type of student aid award.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,118

Out-of-State: $18,800

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,352

Out-of-State: $16,416

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public research HBCU

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is the online branch of the public University System of Maryland. The university system is headquartered in College Park, MD.

The Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and servicemembers. Online programs at UMGC are available from the associate degree through the doctoral level in fields like business administration, cybersecurity, healthcare, and liberal arts.

The university offers several scholarship opportunities, leading to 62% of students using financial aid to cover the costs of their online programs. In-state students pay $324 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $499.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $7,992

Out-of-State: $12,336

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,432

Out-of-State: $11,862

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 53%

Institution Type: Public online

Accreditation: MSCHE

Other Featured Online Schools

While there are a few schools with online degrees in Maryland, there are even more across the country. We've highlighted a few additional options below.

National University

Students at National University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, education, information technology, and social sciences.

The university is regionally accredited through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It accepts as many transfer credits as possible and charges $370 per credit for most online programs.

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is the online branch of the public Pennsylvania State University System. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online.

Like the schools in Maryland, Penn State World Campus is accredited by the MSCHE. The tuition rate starts at $632 per credit hour for undergraduate programs.

Southern New Hampshire University

Online undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through Southern New Hampshire University. The private school, based in Manchester, NH, is known for its online and distance learning programs. It's accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Over 150 online education programs are available through SNHU in fields like biology, English, history, and technology. Tuition for online students is $330 per credit for bachelor's degrees, and the university accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

How We Rank Schools

We used the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources to find schools that matched the following criteria:

• Location: Our initial list included only Maryland colleges and universities.
• Accreditation: All programs hold regional accreditation.
• Type: We focused specifically on four-year public and nonprofit private colleges. We didn't include community colleges or for-profit schools.
• Online opportunities: We looked for Maryland colleges that offer online programs in a variety of fields, especially at the bachelor's level, and also offer support services for online learners.

Pros and Cons of Online Programs in Maryland

There are both upsides and downsides to choosing online college programs. We've highlighted a few pros and cons below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexible scheduling: Online programs allow you to complete your coursework on your own time, without set meeting times like in-person programs have.
• Location freedom: Learning online means you have the freedom to study from wherever you are, whether that be at home, at work, or on the go.
• More options: Because online programs aren't location-specific, you have a greater variety of programs to choose from, allowing you to choose one that perfectly aligns with your chosen career path.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Different learning style: Online degrees rely heavily on videos, reading, and discussion posts, which is very different from lectures. This can be hard for some students to adjust to.
• Requires more self-discipline: Because of the flexible scheduling, students need to have the self-discipline to get their work done on their own.
• Harder to connect: Some students have a harder time connecting with their professors and peers when learning virtually.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Maryland

With so many schools in Maryland and across the U.S. offering online programs, it can be hard to determine which is best for you. Consider things like:

• Accreditation: No matter what school you choose, it needs to be accredited. Regional accreditation is preferred over national.
• Area of study: Look for schools that offer your preferred major online.
• Admissions requirements: Some schools only require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others have stricter requirements.
• Schedule: Schools may run their online programs on full-time, part-time, or accelerated schedules.
• Cost: Tuition rates can vary quite a bit between schools. Public schools are often, but not always, less expensive for in-state students.
• Financial aid: Many colleges in Maryland offer financial aid options to both on-campus and online students.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Maryland Cost?

Of the online degree programs mentioned above, public schools in Maryland tend to charge between $200 and $350 per credit hour to Maryland residents. Private schools range between $450 and $550 per credit. However, the final cost of your degree will depend on many factors, including the financial aid you qualify for.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Maryland More Affordable

The cost of earning a degree can feel completely overwhelming. However, there are a few things you can do to make your degree program more affordable.

Start by choosing an affordable online college in Maryland. There are a few, especially public schools, that offer really reasonable tuition rates.

Additionally, all online students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for federal and state aid programs can can have a massive impact on the affordability of your program.

We've listed some resources below that can help you find an affordable online degree:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Maryland Scholarships & Grants

Scholarships and grants are a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. There are a few different programs available to Maryland students. Below, we've listed a few of these financial aid options.

Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant

The Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant is a need-based grant that provides financial assistance to eligible Maryland residents. Students must be under the age of 26 and meet the income threshold.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition costs

Deadline: June 1, 2025

Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant

Like the GA Grant, the Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance provides financial assistance to eligible Maryland residents. While this grant doesn't offer as much aid, it's open to a wider pool of students.

Award Amount: Up to $3,000 per year

Deadline: June 1, 2025

State Delegate Scholarship

The Maryland Delegate Scholarship is offered to Maryland residents who plan to pursue a postsecondary credential at a Maryland college or university. Students should contact their local delegates for instructions on how to apply.

Award Amount: Up to the full cost of tuition

Deadline: FAFSA must be completed by March 1, 2025

Top Majors for Maryland Graduates

According to the NCES, the top fields of study for Maryland graduates are:

• Computer and information sciences and support services: Degrees in computer science and information technology can lead to careers like network administrator, software engineer, web developer, and more.
• Business: A degree in business can open the door to jobs in fields like finance, human resources, management, and marketing.
• Social sciences and history: A degree in social sciences can lead to roles in social welfare, politics, research, or academia. A history degree may lead to careers like museum curator or archeologist.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: With a degree in the natural sciences or mathematics, you may be able to work in academia, research, or directly in the field.
• Healthcare: At the bachelor's level, common healthcare majors include healthcare administration, health sciences, or nursing. To work as a physician or nurse practitioner, you need a graduate degree.

FAQs About the Best Online Universities and Colleges in Maryland

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about the best online schools in Maryland.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Maryland?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, there are several schools that offer accelerated online degrees in Maryland that allow students to complete their degrees more quickly.

Is Online College Right for Me?

Only you can determine if online college is right for you. However, if you can't make it to campus due to work, school, a disability, or another reason, an online degree may be the perfect option for you.

Are There Online Master's Programs in Maryland?

There are many online master's programs in Maryland. Almost all of the schools listed above offer online master's degrees, and many others, such as Johns Hopkins University, only offer graduate degrees online.

Does the University of Maryland Have Online Degrees?

The flagship University of Maryland school, in College Park, offers online bachelor's and master's degrees. However, the University of Maryland Global Campus offers a wide variety of online programs.

Discover Online Degrees in Maryland

Find the perfect online college in Maryland by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.