Best Online Colleges in Maryland

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There is a real monetary value associated with attending a Maryland online university. Since courses are held virtually, the overall cost to attend classes is reduced. Tuition may be reduced for a Maryland online college and the university may accept credits that were earned from free massive online open courses. Also, associated costs and fees are less since the student will not have to pay commuting costs or room and board.

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Attending a Maryland online college makes higher education possible for non-traditional students. Many individuals have work and family commitments that make getting to in-person courses difficult. Classwork for a Maryland online university can be done at convenient times that still allow working adults to earn an income at their current jobs. Approximately 44 percent of online students are able to continue working full-time while finishing degree requirements.

Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Maryland

At Value Colleges, we strive to provide and rank the best of the best when it comes to colleges. The Value Colleges ranking of the best online colleges in Maryland highlights schools that offer the best value in online education. Each school offers degrees that students can obtain entirely online or mostly online. Each one is up to Value College’s standards of ROI and complete, reputable accreditation.

1. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus has over 39 online bachelor’s degree programs, including Accounting to Software Development and Security. These programs are designed to offer flexibility and convenience in high-demand areas. Students will be required to complete 41 General Education credits as part of the bachelor’s degree requirements. These credits include Research and Computing literacy; Communication; Math; Arts & Humanities; Behavioral & Social Sciences; Biological & Physical Sciences. Students will gain valuable information and insight at one of the best online colleges in Maryland.

With over 70 years of providing quality education to working adults and servicemembers, this online state university has no-cost digital course materials and student support services. The school was recognized as one of the Best Online Colleges Offering Bachelor’s in Human Resources by the SR Education Group in 2020.

Number of Online Programs: 39

2. Stevenson University

Stevenson University Online has nine undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs, including Business Administration; Business Communication; Computer Information; criminal justice; Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics; Interdisciplinary Studies; Legal Studies; Professional Studies; and RN to BSN. These career-focused programs are designed to meet the needs of working adults with accomplished faculty to offer extensive, real-world experience.

Stevenson University was established in 1947 to offer an educational experience that supports career planning through science, liberal arts, and technology. Flexible and focused, faculty and staff work with students to balance work, life, and school. The university is accredited by the American Bar Association; Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities; Council for Standards in Human Service Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Maryland State Department of Education; National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Number of Online Programs: 9

3. Towson University

Towson University has six tracks in their undergraduate program that are entirely online: Administration/management, Advanced Respiratory, Family Studies, and more. Designed to assist students who are currently in the field or looking to change careers, the university allows up to 64 credits to be transferred from a regionally accredited community college. 

Students who wish to apply should have a completed A.A. S. degree from an accredited college in one of these specific disciplines: cardiovascular technologist; clinical laboratory technician; dental hygienist; diagnostic medical technologist; dietetic technician; emergency medical technician; health information technician; massage therapist; medical assistant; nuclear medicine technologist; occupational therapy assistant; physician assistant; physical therapist assistant; radiographer; radiation therapy technologist; respiratory therapist; surgical technologist and veterinary technologist.

Number of Online Programs: 6

4. Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University has six online bachelor’s degree programs: Cybersecurity; Construction Safety; Counterterrorism; Business Analytics & Data Science; Cybersecurity; Management of Cyber and Information Technology. Developed as a flexible, connected learning platform, students enjoy a seamless user experience with faculty from some of America’s most technologically sophisticated government agencies and private sector companies. These majors were designed to provide real-world insight and application into career choices that affect the global industry. Each program has certain requirements and credits to complete. All students will have mathematics, science, English, and social science as core subjects to master. These programs are designed to assist students who are considering careers in these industries or individuals already working within the industry who wish to enhance their knowledge and skillset to advance in their careers.

The curriculum is designed in-house, without the assistance of a third-party entity. Known as D.C.’s premier STEM university, Capitol Technology University is an accredited, private non-profit university.

Number of Online Programs: 5

5. Notre Dame of Maryland University

Notre Dame of Maryland has two online bachelor’s degree programs: Business and RN to BSN. Designed to provide flexibility for working students, the curriculum in each program focuses on the latest and best practices to provide real-world experience. Students must have official transcripts from all academic institutions they previously attended and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Coursework for the program varies, based on the specific concentration. Students pursuing the RN to BSN will have coursework that includes Health Informatics for the Registered Nurse; Nursing Leadership and Management for the Registered Nurse; Public Health Nursing Essentials for the Registered Nurse. Students will have hands-on experience through clinicals and real-world applications through guided study by faculty who are currently working in the industry as leaders and advisors.

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and was chosen as one of the Best Online Colleges in Maryland in 2017 by College Choice.

Number of Online Programs: 2

6. Frostburg State University

The Frostburg State University online RN to BSN program is designed to provide balance and flexibility for students who are already registered nurses as a way to advance their careers. This program works with the busy lives of nurses, providing hands-on learning through clinical hours. Students are adequately prepared to advance into leadership roles and work within public and community health areas. Sample courses include Health Assessment; Nursing Informatics; Leadership for Nursing Quality and Safety; and Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practices. The faculty has years of clinical experience.

This program has been recognized for its affordability by TopRNtoBSN.com and GetEducated.com.  Frostburg State University also has been named a Nursing College of Distinction in 2017. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, it is the only institution of USM west of the Baltimore-Washington corridor.

Number of Online Programs: 1

7. University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore has one online undergraduate degree program in Business Administration. Designed so students can participate anywhere with an internet connection, This school is the world’s largest business education alliance and accredited by AACSB International.

Students will go through 24 credits of lower-division business requirements that include Introduction to Financial Accounting, Introduction to Managerial Accounting; Business Law 1; Oral Communications; Economics; College Algebra; Introductory Statistics and Statistical Data Analysis. This is followed by 31 credits of upper-division business requirements and 15 credits of general business specialization requirements. Students must meet with an advisor prior to registering for any classes.

Number of Online Programs: 1

8. Coppin State University

Coppin State University’s Online Degree in Management is designed to provide convenience and flexibility for students who are always on the go. This degree features one-on-one, real-time interactions with seasoned faculty who can offer practical and real-world experience to enhance the student’s career path and provide a foundation for entrepreneurship. This program offers innovative education technologies to help students learn in collaborative online environments. Every professor is Sloan-C certified, with coursework Quality Matters approved. Students have 39 credits of college requirements which include Financial Accounting 1 and II; Business Statistics; Operations Management; Principles of Economics I; Principles of Business Finance; Business Communication; Principles of Management; Business Law; Seminar in Strategic Management or business Policy; Small Systems Software; Principles of Marketing; and International Business. Students will also be required to complete 24 credits of core courses and 40 General Education requirements.

An HBCU (Historically Black College and University), Coppin State University was founded in 1900 and is accredited by ACSBP.

Number of Online Programs: 1

9. University of Maryland Baltimore

The University of Maryland’s Baltimore RN to BSN program is their only online undergraduate program for nurses who want to strengthen their leadership competencies and critical thinking skills to advance to the next level of their careers. Faculty in the program are leaders in this field, with scientists who are on the cutting edge of nursing research and expert clinicians with decades of experience. Licensed RNs must have a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in nursing, as this program is designed specifically for registered nurses.

Prerequisites for the program include students completing a minimum of two science courses, and one other course. Students must complete at least 59 undergraduate credits in social and behavioral sciences, the natural and physical sciences and the arts and humanities. Credits are given to students with their valid nursing license. Coursework includes RN-to BSN Transition: Implications for Practice, Policy and the Profession; Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Care for the Registered Nurse; Pathophysiologic Implications to Patient Assessment; Health Informatics for the Registered Nurse; Nursing Leadership and Management for the Registered Nurse; Public Health Nursing Essentials for the Registered Nurse. There is a rolling admissions process. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Number of Online Programs: 1

What is the Value of Online Colleges in Maryland?

As tuition prices increase steadily rise, so does the demand for specialized professionals in fields such as medicine, business, science, technology, and so many more. At the same time, students from all walks of life and of all ages are busy juggling family, full or part-time work, and other commitments while attempting to earn a degree or further their education and careers. For these reasons, students today are turning to online learning as a viable and respected means for earning their degrees and as this demand increases, so does the number of fully online degrees offered by accredited universities across the nation. Students now can earn their degrees fully or partially online from the associate to doctorate levels, and most major colleges and universities across the nation offer these virtual learning programs.

Another benefit of a Maryland online university is students have more course options and majors to choose from.  Traditional classes may only be held at a few set times per week or may fill up quickly if it’s a popular course. With online classes, students can pursue degrees toward their associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. 

Why Should I Get an Online Degree in Maryland?

Maryland online degrees prepare students for full-time employment in the area. Maryland is home to numerous commuters who are able to secure jobs in Washington DC at one of the many federal agencies. Federal jobs provide long-term employment security, an attractive benefits package, numerous advancement opportunities, and competitive salaries. Commuting to Washington DC isn’t necessary since many federal agencies are located in Maryland too. Federal offices in Maryland include the National Institutes of Health, Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Security Agency. While working at any federal job, students may pursue online graduates programs in Maryland. Graduate degrees may qualify the federal worker for promotional opportunities such as assistant director or director of the department.   

Private sector companies also accept Maryland online degrees. Recruiters are more interested in where the applicant attended school and what type of courses were completed to earn the degree. Maryland online degrees should only come from accredited colleges that have a positive reputation. Many Maryland online degrees are earned from colleges that offer both traditional and online degree tracks. There is no difference between an online or traditional degree earned from a college like the University of Maryland.

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Maryland?

The costs of online degrees from Maryland colleges vary widely. Before choosing an online school, the student should compare credit costs at each college. Public colleges that are funded by the state will cost significantly less than private Maryland online colleges. Even if the student attends online courses, tuition costs are reduced as long as he or she resides in Maryland. Out-of-state online students may have to pay a higher per-credit cost, but the price may still be less than comparable private colleges.

Another way to save money is to look at Maryland community colleges online. Community colleges are an affordable option to not only earn an associate’s degree, but also gain credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Maryland community colleges online have very low tuition costs, especially for residents located within the same county as the college.     

Before attending online community colleges in Maryland, professionals should consult with their employers. The prospective online student may be able to benefit from his or her employer’s tuition reimbursement plan.

Most notably, online community colleges in Maryland and four-year universities are approved for federal student aid packages. Students can receive loans, grants, and scholarships to reduce the overall price to earn their degrees.

Are There Online Public Universities in Maryland? 

Public online universities are available for degree conferment in Maryland. Public universities offer decreased in-state tuition rates and have a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Some online colleges even have associate and certificate programs through their virtual campuses.

University of Maryland is one example of an online public university. Offerings include criminal justice, laboratory management, and forensics degree programs. Online students receive the same resources as traditional students including academic advisement, free mentoring, and technical assistance.

Towson University is one of the largest public colleges in Maryland. The Towson University online degree program includes over 100 degrees from 8 academic schools. By pursuing a Towson University online degree, students are given access to live online chats with advisors, on-demand job trainings, online health screenings, virtual writing support, and a web job board.

There are numerous other online public colleges in Maryland, but prospective students should check what types of degrees are offered first. As an example, the University of Baltimore is part of the state’s university system and has graduate-level online degree offerings.

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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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