Maryland, aptly known as Little America, is home to 62 degree-granting higher education institutions. This number translates to 1.3% of the total postsecondary institutions in the United States based on the data by the Distance Education State Almanac 2017. A majority of these schools are public institutions. There are 13 public four-year institutions, 16 community colleges, and 13 state-aided independent institutions in the state. On the other hand, there are ten private institutions that offer higher education to all Marylanders.
During the Fall semester of 2017, total undergraduate and graduate students in Maryland reached 359,593. Out of the total number of students, 184,521 enrolled in public four-year institutions and 118,372 in community colleges. The State of Maryland 2015 General Assembly has passed a legislative act that permits MHEC to establish regulations that will enable the state to participate in the State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). With this, colleges and universities in Maryland are authorized to offer quality distance education courses and programs.
Online Higher Education in Maryland
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is the state’s coordination board that frontlines statewide policy-making in education. MHEC oversees the various public and private colleges and universities as well as for-profit career schools operating in the state. It is driven by its mission of ensuring access to high-quality postsecondary education. MHEC is hands-on in managing federal and state funds. Most importantly, the board administers and regulates state financial aid programs that affect a significant number of college-bound Marylanders.
Available data reveals that in Fall 2015, 368,456 students enrolled in various higher education institutions in Maryland. Of these, 298,263 sought a bachelor’s degree, and 70,193 enrolled in master’s and doctorate programs. The Distance Education State Almanac recorded that among the entire student body, 121,010 students or nearly a third of Maryland’s postsecondary student population enrolled in at least one online course. This makes up 32.8% of the enrolled student body, which is significantly higher than the national average of 29.7%. Moreover, it is estimated that roughly 70% of online students attended four-year institutions, ultimately being awarded a bachelor’s degree.
In the state of Maryland sits some of the best universities in the world. On top of the list are John Hopkins University, a member of the coveted Ivy League Schools, and a top medical school in the country. Also, it is home to the United States Naval Academy, Saint Johns College and their flagship institution, University of Maryland. All of these schools have joined the cause of bringing education closer to the students through online learning.
Online colleges and universities in Maryland cater to a diverse student population. They offer flexible, high-quality educational opportunities that help distance learners get an edge in the employment field. Flexibility is what drives more and more students to online education, and many Marylanders have come to see its benefits. As part of the State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreement, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has adopted measures to strengthen online education in the state. MSDE has drafted a pre-approved list of online credit-bearing courses to the local school system. This does not only ensure quality but also streamlines the entire credit system. Each of the student courses approved by the MSDE is thoroughly reviewed and assessed based on the student’s preference.
A unique feature of online education is the freedom and authority given to each school system to make curriculum decisions. Meaning, each online school can implement their policies in appropriating funding, selecting the content for each course, and what courses they are going to offer their students. Most importantly, the credit will not be awarded to students if the school system has not secured approval for the course enrollment. In 2016, there were a total of 182 online courses approved by the MSDE.
METHODOLOGY
What should a prospective online student look for when enrolling? In an aim to help students find the best educational facility for their academic pursuit, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has cataloged the 5 Top Online Schools in Maryland. This list consists of the leading online colleges and universities in the state based on these factors:
- An online learning platform that provides ease of access to the program coursework with technical support,
- Competent members of the faculty who showcase their expertise in their field of study,
- Rigorous online coursework and comprehensive curriculum for intensive student training,
- Full accreditation from reputable academic agencies.
For details about our ranking process, visit our Methodology Page.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is an Ivy League school which sits as one of the top-ranked higher education institutions in the United States. A private institution founded in 1876, the university is divided into nine schools which offer both undergraduate and graduate programs. Five of these schools are home to almost 24,000 full- and part-time students in the entire Hopkins education system. The highly regarded graduate programs in Johns Hopkins include the world-renowned Bloomberg School of Public Health. Leading alongside is the university’s School of Education, Whiting School of Engineering, and the Peabody Institute for Music and Dance. However, what Hopkins is most known for is their School of Medicine. Medical specialists study and train under the Johns Hopkins Hospital to become experts in their field.
The Homewood Campus in Baltimore is home to more than 6,000 Marylanders and out-of-state students. Additional campuses are strategically located in Washington, Italy, and China. But, you need not be on Johns Hopkins campus to experience the benefits of a Johns Hopkins education. The university offers extensive online courses and degree programs through its online partner Coursera. Students can choose to enroll and learn across 260 programs, including the humanities, social science, engineering education, business, and medicine.
In the Johns Hopkins University Online Studies, you can choose from 60 free online classes that are offered through Coursera. Coursera is the leading provider of MOOCs or the massive open online courses. These courses are open and free for anyone interested. You do not have to be enrolled at Hopkins to take advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, there are course materials that are freely and openly available online. Online education materials from the Bloomberg School of Public Health are accessible via OpenCourseWare. Continuing Hopkins’ commitment towards improving medicine and health services, the Office of Continuing Medical Education is offering online courses. These courses are designed to cater to doctors in maintaining, developing, and increasing their medical knowledge and skills. This way, they become better equipped to serve the public.
Admission to Johns Hopkins can be difficult. The requirements differ from one school to another. You need to prepare for the very competitive admission process. However, for undergraduate applicants, you need to have an impressive SAT or ACT score and GPA. Prepare your official transcript of records, and a supplemental essay before you begin your application.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Fully accomplished Application Form
- SAT Reasoning score or ACT score
- Secondary School Report
- Two Teacher Evaluations
- Mid-year report
- Supplemental essay
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Maryland Higher Education Commission
University of Maryland University College
The University of Maryland-University College (UMUC) is offering a comprehensive and meaningful education without the impositions of a traditional school. UMUC is a public state university that is proudly accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education. It is among the top colleges and universities within the University System of Maryland. This is a testament to the university’s reputation for excellence. The broad range of degrees and certificates offered through the University of Maryland Global Campus will help you gain skills and qualifications to help you excel in your professional life.
Earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or complete a certificate program or associate degree while enjoying flexibility. You can earn your degree and take advantage of the fully online courses or utilize the hybrid format. The latter combines both online and classroom instruction. Since there are more than 20 satellite locations in the country, you can conveniently take classes in the evening or during weekends. This set-up is best suited for busy professionals who cannot fully commit to the synchronous format.
Each online course at the University of Maryland-University College is designed through the unrivaled efforts of industry experts. And by adopting a fully collaborative virtual classroom, online students learn in a healthy learning environment. Currently, UMUC is offering 39 fully online bachelor’s degrees, 42 master’s degrees, and two doctorate degrees as well as 17 certificate degrees and 11 associate degrees. Choose from business and management, data analytics, healthcare and science to IT, cybersecurity, and biotechnology. All of these programs are within your reach. Plus, the university allows its students to earn a second major by taking 30 additional credits.
It is worth mentioning that distance learners enrolled at the Global Campus do not use hard copies of books. They complete their coursework and assignments online at a specific time. This is a cost-effective strategy as this cuts the cost of books. The University of Maryland-University College is committed to giving students the flexibility to achieve their academic goals while fulfilling their personal and professional obligations.
Location: Adelphi, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Official transcript of record
- Essay
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Notre Dame Maryland University (NDMU) has an impressive online College of Adult Undergraduate Studies especially designed as a part-time program. Majority of the students enrolled in the program are working full-time while still pursuing a degree. With NDMU’s flexible online and hybrid course offerings, adult online learners can commit to academic advancement. Their focus is on transforming students, so they become compassionate leaders who are capable of changing the lives of others.
Under the university’s College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, you can choose from undergraduate, graduate, and certificate degrees. Undergraduate programs offered in the college include a B.A. in Business and a B.A. in Liberal Arts, and an RN to BSN. Graduate programs include Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication, Master of Arts in Gifted and Talented Education, and Master of Science in Analytics. As a part of the extensive graduate program is an online doctorate in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations. Also, NDMU offers an online Certificate in Risk Assessment and Management.
The online RN to BSN program is what sets the NDMU Online apart from other schools in the state. Under the School of Nursing, you can transform your nursing career while earning an in-demand degree. Notre Dame of Maryland University’s RN to BSN program provides a unique opportunity for advancing a career in the healthcare industry. Students gain the skills and knowledge with the compassion to serve the public. The program requires students to complete a minimum of 120 credits, including 31 core nursing courses. To qualify in the program, you must maintain an active practice and licensure as a Registered Nurse. Failure to keep this qualification will result in dismissal. This program costs $360 per credit.
Notre Dame of Maryland University has set different application processes per college. Be sure to look into the requirements and application materials in your college of choice and based on your preferred format.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application
- Official high schools transcript or GED
- Official college transcript (when applicable)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Stevenson University
Stevenson University began its humble journey as a provider of high-quality education in the state of Maryland in 1947 as Villa Julie College. Because of the growing community of students, faculty, and staff, as well as distance learners, it adopted the name Stevenson University in 2008. Along with the increasing number of enrollees is the broadening scope of academic offerings. The mission to bring education to more Marylanders have grown stronger over the years as well. Stevenson is now serving more than 2,700 on-campus undergraduate students, and at least 900 online students.
The university is fully committed to providing exceptional learning experiences to all its students, whether traditional or online. So much so that Stevenson has designed unique online degrees that connect students to a career right after graduation. Since the school is centered on student success, all of its online programs are accessible and affordable for everyone.
Stevenson University Online promises personal attention to every online student while engaging in a supportive community. Online classes are handled by field experts and assisted by helpful staff who will assist you in every step of your online academic journey. You may choose to earn an online undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or a certificate award, in addition to, an associate to bachelors or bachelors to master’s degree option. Stevenson Online integrates a career-focused curriculum while ensuring flexibility by providing convenient sessions and formats. These are efforts to aid working students in finishing their degree.
There five academic divisions under Stevenson University Online: Nursing & Healthcare Management, Forensics, Law & Criminal Justice, Business Technology & Communication, Leadership & Strategic Management, and Teaching & Education. Students may select from the course offerings under each division. If you are especially partial to legal studies, the online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies is a perfect choice. This program is not just designed for professional adults, but it is also the only four-year program that the American Bar Association in Maryland has accredited.
Location: Pikesville, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application
- Official high school
- College transcript from your degree-granting institution
- GPA of 3.0 (cumulative)
- Personal statement
Accreditations:
- American Bar Association (for Legal Studies Program)
- Commission on Higher Education
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities
Frostburg State University
One of the top online colleges operating in the state, Frostburg State University (FSU) is a member of the University System of Maryland. It adopts a comprehensive learning style, dedicated to making quality education more accessible to Marylanders. FSU finds value in experiential learning and student collaboration. The university also emphasizes student individuality as an academic tool in achieving real-world success. Frostburg’s intensive academic programs are specifically outlined to provide students with technical knowledge and the skills needed to compete in the changing global society.
Online Learning at Frostburg State University is making every effort to adapt to the changing technological landscape of online learning. Frostburg’s distance learners can easily access the 24/7 help desk, the university’s library, academic advisers, and career services. For students who are experiencing difficulty in finishing a degree on campus, FSU’s online programs help them overcome the barriers to education. Frostburg is offering one online bachelor’s degree and five online graduate programs in business management. A large selection of online courses is available during the Fall and Spring semester.
FSU’s academic programs are delivered 100% online. The online RN to BSN program is a four-year degree offered in partnership with the Allegany College of Maryland. This is the perfect program for practicing nurses who want to further their education. Students are required to take the clinical nursing course after being accepted to the online program. The curriculum provides an option for students to join the Living Learning Community in Allen Hall. Graduates gain fundamental knowledge and expertise to take on leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
Location: Frostburg, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Application Form
- Official Transcript
- Application Fee ($45)
- General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- SAT or ACT score
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Maryland is home to many educated and skilled workforce. The government believes that educated professionals lead to successful businesses. Because of the state’s excellent school system, Maryland generates highly-skilled workers, with 40% of Marylanders holding an undergraduate degree or higher. With the increasing cost of education in the United States, students struggle with finding affordable academic opportunities. The state’s public school system offers practical opportunities for anyone to earn a degree. There are 16 community colleges in the state offer continuing education, both on-campus and online at a reasonable tuition rate.
There is no denying that Maryland is an expensive state. But there are affordable bachelors and graduate education opportunities through the University System Maryland. Also, there are several financial aid programs accessible to college-bound students.
METHODOLOGY
When it comes to affordability, there are a few online schools in Maryland that students can choose. Our list of the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Maryland showcases the online colleges and universities that are best known for their low-cost tuition and fees. The online schools give students the best value for their money with high-quality education and several opportunities for financial aid to qualified applicants.
Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology University (CTU) is committed to keeping higher education affordable to anyone who wishes to pursue an education. Capitol strives to find doable strategies to maintain the current tuition rate. Capitol offers tuition lock to students. This program assures students that they will pay the same tuition rate set during their first enrollment up to 10 semesters or five years. You do not have to worry about tuition increases or unnecessary expenses. All you have to do is to complete your chosen degree within five years. This is a condition that will allow new students to enroll in college.
The Capital Technology University has a nationally recognized Student Services and Technology and Student Engagement and Accreditation from the U.S. News. CTU is known for offering tech-based learning, especially in its remarkable IT Department. The department is offering 100% online Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security and Management of Cyber and Information Technology degree programs. Capitol also offers a variety of online doctorate classes, including a pioneering program in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. You can choose to concentrate on Cybersecurity (DSs), Business, and Decision Sciences (Ph.D.). These doctorate programs are primarily offered online, but there is a required one-year residency. However, Capitol Online also offers no-residency doctorate programs.
Full-time tuition in the college could cost up to $12,662 per semester, exclusive of fees. Active duty military rate is set at $250 per credit, plus fees. Discounts, scholarships, and financial aid programs shall apply. Full-time students who secure their student account pay tuition that will not increase by more than 1% throughout their four-year degree.
Location: Laurel, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Complete Application Form
- SAT or ACT scores
- Official Transcript of Records
- At least 2.8 GPA
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
University of Maryland
The flagship, land-grant university of Maryland, University of Maryland (UMD), is one of the country’s leading public research institutions. UMD is a global leader in generating innovation in the field of research and entrepreneurship. It is a humble home to more than 41,000 students, both on-campus and online. The faculty and staff are composed of 14,000 dedicated professionals who commit to a collaborative learning style. It is worth mentioning that the faculty includes Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners, which is a testament to the quality of UMD’s education. As the United States’ first-ever “Do Good” campus, the University of Maryland continues to uphold its responsibility towards social entrepreneurship. Annually, it receives an operating budget worth $1.8 billion from the government, as well as $500 million in external research every academic year. Recently, the university has secured $1 billion in fundraising to garner more finances for academic purposes.
The Office of Extended Studies or Online Learning @ UMD offers various distance learning formats. Pursue career and professional development by taking non-credit opportunities through the Open Catalog courses. UMD also offers Massive Open Online Courses. Through Coursera, the University of Maryland offers various online courses and specializations to thousands of online learners. Choose from corporate entrepreneurship, cybersecurity specialization, interviewing, and resume writing in English, survey data collection and analytics specialization, and mobile programming applications, among others. These courses are available for free, as part of the university’s Do Good Initiative.
Under the Summer and Winter Session, undergraduate online students can take credit courses towards earning a bachelor’s degree. Online instruction is available in asynchronous, synchronous, and blended formats. Enroll in Cybersecurity, American Studies, Anthropology, Business Management, Criminology, and Criminal Justice, or Women Studies. Tuition will depend on your status, but in-state resident students pay $367.00 per credit. Lastly, the Professional Graduate Programs are intensive masters and graduate certificate degrees.
Location: College Park, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Application Form
- At least 2.5 GPA
- At least 930 SAT score
- Official Transcript of Record
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Coppin State University
Coppin State University recognizes that not everyone has the time and the financial means to attend classes. CSU believes that the ability to afford an education is not up for debate. Through its online programs, the university allows financially challenged students the opportunity to earn a degree without worrying about the cost. At Coppin State University, online learners can afford a quality higher education on their terms.
Online Programs at Coppin are available entirely online. This gives students the potential to improve their academic status and secure a rewarding professional life. Currently, the university welcomes online students to its College of Business. As a global university with a positive outlook, CSU upholds its tradition of academic excellence through the various online degree offerings. You will learn under CSU’s world-class faculty who strive to cultivate passion, purpose, and community engagement within every student.
The College of Business at Coppin State University is offering an online degree in Management. Coppin launched this cutting-edge online business management program in 2012. The curriculum is designed as a career-advancing program targeted towards professionals in the field. It features one-on-one class instruction under the same expert, Sloan-C certified faculty who teach on-campus classes. The online Business Management major focuses on real-world applications that prepare students to compete in the business industry. On average, a semester at Copping State would cost at least $3,358, exclusive of insurance and other mandatory fees.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Non-refundable Application Fee
- Official High School transcript
- SAT or ACT scores
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Washington Adventist University
Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a private liberal arts college operating in Takoma Park, Maryland and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It ranked 29th on the recent graduate tuition and fees as released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for having the most affordable online MPA program. As part of the higher education system in Maryland, WAU is also one of the top Christian online schools in the state.
There are a total of 78-degree programs available at WAU. Out of the total number of course and degree offerings, two offers the distance learning opportunity. Under the Washington Adventist University Online – Courses and Degrees, two fully online Master’s programs are offered. You can choose between the Master of Business Administration and Master of Arts in Public Administration. Lectures and coursework are delivered asynchronously, providing more flexibility for adult learners to comply with the curriculum requirements. However, there are a few scheduled class sessions that require student’s attendance.
A Master’s in Public Administration (M.A.P.A.) degree from Washington Adventist is specifically designed to train highly-skilled professionals for leadership and management positions. Become equipped with the advanced skills necessary to move ahead in the business industry. In 2020, the average tuition and fees were estimated at $23,900.
Location: Takoma Park, Maryland.
Admission Requirements:
- Application form
- Official College Transcript of Records
- An undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.75 or higher (for transferees)
- Professional resume and two letters of recommendation
- Completed Fundamentals course
- A written statement and a possible interview
- Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL (for non-English speaking applicants)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
McDaniel College
A private liberal arts and sciences college with a highly selective admissions process, McDaniel College is known for its personalized undergraduate and graduate degree programs. All courses, both on-campus and online, are delivered by seasoned faculty members. By adopting a small class size, McDaniel ensures that all its students are engaged in the course instruction. More so, students are given a chance to study at McDaniel campuses in Europe in Budapest, Hungary.
McDaniel is among the top online colleges for graduate studies in the state. The college currently offers seven online master’s programs in business management and marketing, one online master’s in education, and six online certificate degrees. Among the top choices for the graduate program is the M.S. in Curriculum & Instructions, M.S. in Gerontology, M.S. in Educational Leadership, and M.S. in Public Administration and Policy.
The curriculum and instruction in the online degree programs prepare students to become highly-trained and leaders in education, leadership, and business management. McDaniel’s M.S. in School Librarianship program engages students in a comprehensive program that touches on the fundamentals of the profession. The curriculum covers information literacy, leadership, education, and administration. Graduate school tuition and fees are estimated at $9,150.
Location: Westminster, Maryland
Admission Requirements:
- Complete Online Application
- Official College Transcript
- Personal Statement
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
