Best Online Colleges in Maryland
Updated October 18, 2023
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Maryland offers many acclaimed higher education choices for students, including a variety of online programs.
Earning a bachelor's degree helps professionals expand their job opportunities and increase their earning potential. Many of the best colleges in Maryland offer online programs that appeal to both busy students and working professionals.
Online schools in Maryland work together to improve the quality of distance learning. MarylandOnline, an organization founded in 1999, counts 20 Maryland colleges among its members. The organization connects future and current online learners with resources to improve their online learning experiences.
Maryland's online schools also offer tuition discounts. At the University of Maryland Global Campus, for example, out-of-state residents receive a significant tuition reduction compared to out-of-state tuition at Maryland public universities.
Our ranking lists the best online colleges in Maryland to help prospective students find the right fit for their academic and professional goals.
The Best Online Colleges in Maryland
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Colleges in Maryland
Stevenson University
Stevenson, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stevenson University is one of the best options available to online degree-seekers. The private institution makes 15 of its degrees available online, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners often choose to study at this school because of its experience with online education and reputation for academic quality.
All learners, including those online, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Stevenson, Maryland, campus. Academic advisors and virtual job fairs help set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Internship programs give students the opportunity to develop tangible, real-world skills in their area of interest. The degree that graduates are awarded reflects the school's full accreditation.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs is available by contacting the school.
Stevenson University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,982
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Online Master's Programs: 10
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 36%
Admission Rate: 81%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#2 Best Online Colleges in Maryland
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD - 4 years
- Online
The online degrees at University of Maryland Global Campus rank highly among similar programs. Students who wish to study remotely at this public school can choose from 84 online programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Many distance learners enroll here because the school has a strong academic reputation and experience in online education.
The school hosts academic and career service specialists at its Adelphi, Maryland, campus, which online learners can also take advantage of. Degree-seekers can participate in career-planning events like virtual job fairs by connecting with these academic advisors. Students can also take advantage of internship programs to gain hands-on experience. The program grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
School representatives can provide additional information about application and program specifics.
University of Maryland Global Campus at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 52,298
Online Bachelor's Programs: 31
Online Master's Programs: 17
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 100%
Admission Rate: Data not available
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Online Colleges in Maryland Ranking Guidelines
We selected the online schools in Maryland based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Featured Online Schools
Employment in Maryland
Maryland's major industries include the biohealth and life sciences fields, information technology and cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Financial services, aerospace, and the energy sector also rank as top industries in Maryland. Thanks to its close connection with Washington, D.C., Maryland's workforce also includes many federal employees. Online colleges in Maryland also prepare graduates for careers in other growing fields, including business, healthcare, and education.
Maryland has continued to show economic strength compared with other states. Maryland's unemployment rate in June 2020 reached 8.0% — below the national average of 11.1%. The cost of living in Maryland remains slightly above the national average, but Maryland workers earn a mean annual wage of more than $60,000 per year, which outpaces the national wage of $53,490.
The following data on the highest-paying and fastest-growing careers can help prospective and current students plan for entering the workforce.
| Highest-Paying Career | Mean Salary | Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeons | $278,720 | 11.6% |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $211,430 | 13.2% |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $203,270 | 22.3% |
| Chief Executives | $196,700 | -4.4% |
| Psychiatrists | $195,260 | 28.6% |
| Fastest Growing Careers | Mean Salary | Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Photovoltaic Installer | $47,180 | 56.3% |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $63,810 | 52.4% |
| Home Health Aides | $27,460 | 43.9% |
| Physician Assistants | $109,620 | 41.7% |
| Personal Care Aides | $27,420 | 41.7% |
Associate and Graduate Degrees
In addition to bachelor's programs, online schools in Maryland offer associate and graduate degrees. Since the switch to mostly online-only education during the pandemic, Maryland's colleges have expanded their options for students seeking a distance learning format.
Students can earn associate degrees in business, which can be used to enter the workforce or transfer into bachelor's programs.
Earning an associate degree through a community college offers additional savings. Maryland's public community colleges charge around $4,000 per year in tuition and fees, while public four-year institutions cost over $9,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools charge nearly $42,000 per year on average in Maryland.
Learners can also pursue graduate degrees in high-demand fields like business, education, nursing, and engineering. For example, the University of Maryland offers an online MBA program and online nursing graduate programs.
While online programs may offer the same coursework as on-campus programs, distance students complete any in-person requirements in their local area. For example, business enrollees pursue internships with local businesses, while nursing students meet clinical requirements at healthcare facilities in their cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online College Cheaper in Maryland?
Many online colleges in Maryland offer tuition discounts for in-state students or fully online learners. By researching affordable schools and pursuing online degrees, students can save money.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Maryland?
Earning an online bachelor's degree typically takes four years for full-time students. Many of the best online colleges in Maryland offer asynchronous, accelerated, or part-time options for online learners.
What Is the Most Popular Degree in Maryland?
The most popular degrees in Maryland include business, biology, computer science, and psychology. Students in Maryland also frequently earn degrees in education, healthcare, the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences.
Does an Online Degree Have the Same Value as an On-Campus Degree?
An online degree from an accredited institution meets the same high academic standards as an on-campus degree. Many online schools in Maryland grant identical diplomas for online and in-person graduates.
Is Maryland a Good State For Higher Education?
Yes. Maryland ranks in the top 10 for its four-year graduation rate and the number of adult residents who have college degrees.
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