The Best Online Colleges in Maryland

1. University of Maryland – University College

Adelphi, Maryland

The University of Maryland University College, established in 1947, teaches more than 90,000 students from around the world and offers over 120 academic programs, making it one of the world’s largest universities.

The University of Maryland University College offers a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs online, with associate degrees available for military servicemen. Associate degrees include criminal justice. Baccalaureate degrees include laboratory management. Master’s degree options include digital forensics. Doctoral degree offerings include community college administration. Certifications available include computer networking.

Resources for online students include academic advising, disability accommodations, career services, writing center, free tutoring and mentoring, veterans’ services, live technical support and online library services.

2. Towson University

Towson, Maryland

Towson University was the first teacher training institution opened in Maryland, back in 1866. Today, it is among the largest public universities in Maryland and continues to produce much of the state’s teachers. The university has over 20,000 students and offers over 100 degree programs spanning eight academic colleges.

Towson University offers several online baccalaureate, master’s and certificate programs. Online bachelor’s degrees include allied health, online master’s degrees include business and human resource development and certificates available online include security assessment management and interactive media design.

Online students have access to many resources, including live chat with an academic advisor, a career mentor database, on–demand job interview training, an online job board, anonymous online mental health screenings, online writing support and an online library with librarian live chat.

3. Stevenson University

Stevenson, Maryland

Stevenson University, a private university, established in 1947 as Villa Julie College, began as an all–female training school for medical secretaries, a policy which no longer exists as of 1972. It became an accredited two–year college in 1962 and began awarding bachelor’s degrees in 1984. This career–oriented university has more than 4,000 students enrolled and offers 40 degree programs in a variety of subjects.

Stevenson University offers several baccalaureate and master’s degrees online through the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Online bachelor’s degree programs include communication and criminal justice, while master’s degree programs include teaching and nursing.

Resources for online students include an online library with librarians available via live chat, text message, email, and over the phone.

4. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland

The University of Baltimore, established in 1925, has over 6,000 students in attendance and contains four academic colleges. During the 1970s, the university acquired the Mount Vernon School of Law, Eastern College and the Baltimore College of Commerce. The university gained full accreditation in 1971. The state purchased the school in 1975. Until 2006, the university only offered upper–division classes and did not award undergraduate degrees.

The University of Baltimore offers several master’s degrees online. Programs of study include business administration and public administration.

Students have access to online resources including technical support over the phone, online career management tools, an online job board, a database containing information on industries and occupations and an online library with 24/7 librarian live chat.

5. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Johns Hopkins, one of the most prestigious online colleges in Maryland, offers an assortment of online degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The school has programs in business, public health, international studies, medicine, and education. Unique online programs include global health planning and management, government analytics, molecular microbiology, regulatory science, and space systems engineering.

Johns Hopkins is well known for its medical programs, many of which the school offers entirely online, such as nursing education and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Most programs are completed entirely online, while others use a hybrid format, which mixes campus and distance education courses. Online classes frequently mix synchronous and asynchronous content, with live virtual classroom sessions and independent work that students complete on their own schedules.

6. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, Maryland

Capitol, located in Laurel, is one of the top online schools in MD for technical and IT education. The college mainly offers graduate degrees online, with nine programs to choose from, including business administration, computer science, cyber analytics, and electrical engineering. Several of the school’s doctoral programs use a hybrid format that includes primarily online courses, with options including business analytics and decision sciences, cybersecurity, technology, and unmanned systems applications.

While Capitol offers no fully online bachelor’s programs, undergraduates can select from several programs that feature online components, such as business administration and information security. These degrees enable students to complete the final two years of the curriculum completely online, with blended course options available for the first two years. The school offers online courses in either an eight–week accelerated format or a slower–paced 16–week format.

7. University of Maryland – Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland

Founded in 1807, UMB is one of the top online colleges in Maryland for professional education. UMB’s School of Nursing and School of Pharmacy offer several fully online programs at the graduate level, including regulatory science, health services leadership and management, nursing informatics, and health science. For undergraduate nursing students, the school also offers an RN–to–BSN and an RN–to–MSN pathway.

While all these programs use a primarily online format, nursing and pharmacy students must visit campus for some clinical learning simulations, which helps build practical experience. UMB maintains clinical facilities at its main Baltimore campus and at the Universities in Shady Grove, making it easier for students to choose a location near their home. Courses typically use a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous delivery, with some live class meetings required.

8. Frostburg State University

Frostburg, Maryland

FSU, based in the city of Frostburg, began its distance education program in 2003 with just a few online courses, eventually growing into one of the top online colleges in Maryland. Online programs include a bachelor’s in nursing and master’s programs in business administration, recreation and parks management, and nursing. Students can also pursue blended master’s programs in computer science and special education, which feature primarily online coursework, but include some campus sessions.

FSU offers the Summer Online Freshman Initiative (SOFI), a unique program that allows newly admitted students to complete introductory credits online before beginning full–time courses in the fall. SOFI enables new students to complete their degree faster and gradually transition into higher education.

9. Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, Maryland

Based in Baltimore, NDMU is a private Catholic college that ranks among the top Christian online schools in Maryland. This school offers seven online degrees, which includes undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Undergraduates can pursue degrees in business, liberal arts, and nursing, while graduate options include contemporary communication, gifted and talented education, and analytics.

NDMU also offers a doctorate in higher education leadership for changing populations, an innovative degree that focuses on education policy and demographic analysis. All programs use a fully online format, with no campus visits or residency sessions required. NDMU provides a variety of support services for online learners, including personal success coaches, who work with students to identify academic goals and strategies to achieve them. The school also provides technical support, tutoring services, access to a strong alumni network, and resources for online learning success.

10. Washington Adventist University

Takoma Park, Maryland

WAU, a private liberal arts college in Takoma Park, is one of the top Christian online colleges in Maryland. The school offers two fully online master’s programs: a master of business administration and a master of arts in public administration. Both programs feature a primarily asynchronous format that requires only a few scheduled class sessions, allowing students to complete weekly assignments on their own schedule.

The MBA program builds broad skills in the major areas of business, including accounting, management communication, corporate finance, and ethical leadership. While all courses occur online, WAU’s proximity to the District of Columbia leads to an assortment of internship opportunities and other experiential learning activities for business students. The public administration program trains students in public advocacy and public policy, preparing graduates to work with for–profit and nonprofit organizations. All degree candidates perform a professional practicum experience as part of the curriculum.

11. McDaniel College

Westminster, Maryland

Located about 30 miles northwest of Baltimore in Westminster, McDaniel ranks among the top online colleges in Maryland for graduate students. The school offers four online master’s programs, which includes curriculum and instruction, gerontology, school librarianship, and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).

The curriculum and instruction degree prepares graduates to serve as educators in schools and colleges or in staff development positions with businesses and other organizations. The school librarianship degree trains students to become information specialists and instructional leaders, leading to library media specialist certification through the Maryland State Department of Education. The TESOL program trains candidates in language education and cross–cultural communication, meeting standards set by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The interdisciplinary gerontology degree explores the aging process and strategies for improving quality of life for aging populations.

1. Frostburg State University

Frostburg, Maryland

Located in Frostburg, Maryland, FSU offers one undergraduate degree and three graduate degrees entirely online. Established in 1898, the school today serves 5,400 students. Distance learners can choose from the following fully online programs:

• Bachelor of science in nursing
• Master of business administration
• Master of science in recreation and parks management
• Master of science in nursing

FSU uses the Canvas learning system and offers programs with asynchronous formats that allow distance learners to complete online coursework at their own paces. Each online class includes an introductory section to help students understand course design, assignment expectations, calendar, and essential learning materials.

FSU offers a fully online bachelor of science in nursing program. Distance pupils in the program complete clinical learning experiences at convenient facilities close to their homes. This flexible program helps professionals already working in the field advance their careers, develop specialty areas, and gain a deeper understanding of their craft.

The school also delivers hybrid classes for bachelor’s students. Hybrid classes best serve learners who can commute to the FSU campus in Frostburg for in–person meetings. These meetings usually take place once a week. Bachelor’s students usually finish their programs in four years or less.

Prospective undergraduate students must submit an application containing their high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Candidates may also submit optional letters of recommendation and personal essays to supplement their applications.

2. Towson University

Towson, Maryland

Located in Towson, Maryland, TU is a public institution with 22,300 students. The school boasts more than 60 academic majors in liberal arts, education, fine arts, health professions, business, and science. TU offers an undergraduate degree, 10 post–baccalaureate certificates, and five master’s degrees completely online, including:

• Bachelor of science in allied health
• Master of science in integrated homeland security management
• Master of science in applied information technology
• Post–baccalaureate certificate in interactive media design
• Post–baccalaureate certificate in nursing education

TU features an entirely online bachelor of technical and professional studies in allied health.

The Allied Health program at TU helps learners develop the essential skills to work independently and collaboratively with dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Distance students choose from two online tracks: administration/management and advanced respiratory.

The administration/management track provides training in business–oriented areas, such as healthcare management, marketing, finance, and accounting. Learners in this track can also add an optional minor in healthcare management. Comparatively, the advanced respiratory track best serves students interested in careers as respiratory care practitioners. Each track requires 120 units for graduation.

The post–baccalaureate certificates typically comprise 12–15 credits and help professionals gain the necessary skills and qualifications to expand their career opportunities. The master’s programs typically comprise 33–36 credits and allow working professionals to access and complete coursework at their own convenience.

Prospective undergraduate and graduate students for this affordable online college in Maryland must submit an online application, transcripts, and relevant exam scores for their selected programs. Applications must also include a personal essay and resume. Applicants who wish to supplement their materials can also send in letters of recommendation and additional information through the ZeeMee service. Incoming students may transfer up to 64 credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

See some of Towson University’s top rankings on TBS

• The 29 Best Online Master’s in Sports Medicine Programs
• The 30 Best Online Master’s in Accounting Programs
• The 50 Best Online Master’s of Information Technology (IT) Degree Programs

3. University of Maryland – University College

Adelphi, Maryland

UMUC is a public university established in 1947. Located in Adelphi, Maryland, the school boasts 90,000 students worldwide. The university offers 30 bachelor’s degrees online. Remote learners can choose from undergraduate programs such as:

• History
• Legal studies
• Marketing
• Psychology
• Accounting
• Criminal justice

Bachelor’s degrees require at least 120 credits for graduation. Depending on the major, approximately 36 credits come from major–specific courses, and general education coursework comprises roughly 41 credits. Students may take classes like reading and computing literacy, mathematics, communications, the arts and humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences. This affordable online college in Maryland offers programs with 43 flexible elective credits, so students can tailor degrees to fit their educational needs.

UMUC subscribes to an open admissions policy and does not require SAT or ACT scores. Instead, applicants must provide proof of a high school diploma or GED to receive admission. Prospective students with at least 24 transferable college credits do not need to submit their official high school transcripts or GED scores.

Remote students at UMUC enjoy a variety of learning resources, such as online tutoring, writing support, full–text library access, and career coaching. Additionally, military service members, veterans, or immediate relatives of military personnel receive reduced tuition rates and tuition assistance. In some cases, learners can receive up to 100% of their tuition cost.

See some of University of Maryland – University College’s top rankings on TBS

• The 4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Design Programs
• The Best Online Bachelor’s in Crime Scene Investigation Programs
• The 5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Forensic Science Programs
• The 7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing Programs
• The 19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Programs

4. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, Maryland

Capitol is a private institution located in Laurel, Maryland. Founded in 1927, today the school boasts 1,000 students. The university provides a variety of online courses for undergraduate students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in:

• Business administration
• Cyber and information security
• Management of cyber and information technology

Undergraduate students at Capitol pursuing these degrees may complete their last two years online with no additional on–campus obligations. Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree at this affordable online college in Maryland need 120 credits to graduate.

Incoming pupils need a 2.2 GPA or higher. Additionally, applicants need at least an 800 on the SAT or 17 on the ACT. Their official transcripts should reflect least three years of math, including Algebra II and geometry, and two years of science and social science.

All hybrid learners in these three majors pay the same tuition fees regardless of their location or residency. Military personnel receive a tuition discount. Scholars can also take advantage of various career services offered through Capitol, including training in resume writing, social media management, interviewing skills, salary negotiation, and career exploration. Hybrid students can also gain practical experience in the school’s state–of–the–art cyberlab, digital forensic lab, fusion lab, and computer science lab.

Capitol also helps students and alumni locate cooperative learning experiences.

See some of Capitol Technology University’s top rankings on TBS

• The 25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Network Security Programs

1. Baltimore City Community College

Baltimore, Maryland

Established in 1947, BCCC is a community college in Baltimore, Maryland. The school offers many opportunities for busy professionals seeking degrees online with no on–campus obligations. Using the Canvas learning system, distance students complete asynchronous classes at their own pace and communicate with instructors remotely. Some degrees offer a hybrid format in which students complete 20% of their required coursework in person.

BCCC boasts more than 25 associate degrees for remote learners. Available associate degree offerings at this affordable online college in Maryland include:

• Accounting
• Business
• Early childhood education
• Law enforcement and correctional administration
• Health information technology

Associate degrees at BCCC typically require 60 credits for graduation. Depending on the major, online students must complete a varying number of credits, a final project, or a research component to meet the requirements of their department.

Motivated students stay on track with the help of academic advisors and online resources available through the student success center. Regardless of the learner’s location, they formulate plans with an advisor to help them meet academic and personal goals. The school’s career development and employment services, which includes career workshops and personal coaching, help ready students for life beyond BCCC.

BCCC has an open admissions policy and accepts all students who meet its basic requirements. Interested students with a high school diploma or GED certificate may apply. Nontraditional students without a diploma or GED may apply after they complete 15 college–level credits.

2. Harford Community College

Bel Air, Maryland

Located in Bel Air, Maryland and established in 1957, HCC serves approximately 11,000 students per year. Remote learners can take advantage of its convenient hybrid and online programs.

Distance learners can use the Blackboard learning system to access synchronous or asynchronous classes, depending on the course. Students in hybrid or online programs may need to complete various requirements in their local communities, like field placements, internships, orientations, or proctored exams. Online students can choose from a dozen associate degrees at HCC, including:

• Accounting
• Business administration
• Cybersecurity
• General studies
• Medical billing
• History
• Psychology

Student support services at this online community college in Maryland include student enrollment support; advising, career, and transfer services; LGBTQ student support; and technology services. Remote students enjoy full–text library access, including research databases, live chats with librarians, and librarian research assistance programs. Remote students may also contact the technology help desk during regular business hours for assistance with Blackboard, printing services, and other online features.

Incoming students can transfer eligible credits toward an associate degree at HCC. The school’s transcript evaluator determines which classes count toward a degree on a case–by–case basis. Eligible classes require a "C" grade or higher. Alternatively, incoming online students may earn up to 45 credits through exams, military training experience, or professional training from a program accredited by the American Council on Education.

HCC follows an open door admissions policy and grants admission to students regardless of citizenship status. Applications must include financial aid information and official high school or GED transcripts. The school also offers a dual enrollment program for high school students who wish to earn college credit before graduating.

3. Hagerstown Community College

Hagerstown, Maryland

Located in Hagerstown, Maryland, HCC offers more than 240 online and hybrid classes in various academic subjects. Fully remote students complete asynchronous courses at their own paces. The hybrid format allows students to blend face–to–face instruction with online classes. Both fully online and hybrid formats use the Moodle learning management system.

Associate degrees through HCC typically require 60 credits. In most cases, learners complete their degrees in two years or less. Depending on the program, distance learners may need to complete additional requirements, including final projects, internships, and field placements. Fully online associate degrees at this affordable online college in Maryland include:

• Cybersecurity
• Business administration
• General studies
• Management
• Psychology
• Commercial transportation administration

Remote and hybrid learners take advantage of various student services, including career advising, library access, and student activities. The career center helps students develop strategic pathways toward careers, participate in specialized student groups, and locate available positions and internships. Popular student groups for distance students include the middle college pathway group, which supports students in STEM programs, and the veterans and military student group.

Prospective students must submit an online application along with high school or GED transcripts. Accepted learners take a skills assessment test in writing, reading, and math through the academic testing center. Incoming students with above–average SAT or ACT scores or at least one degree from a regionally accredited university do not need to take the skills assessment.

See some of Hagerstown Community College’s top rankings on TBS

• The 10 Best Online Associate in Elementary Education Programs
• The 14 Best Online Associate in Education Programs
• The 15 Best Online Certificate in Marketing Programs
• The 16 Best Online Associate in Management Programs
• The 25 Best Online Associate in Human Services Degree Programs

4. Frederick Community College

Frederick, Maryland

Located in Frederick, Maryland, FCC features more than 70 academic programs and serves approximately 6,200 students. In addition to associate degrees, the community college offers professional development classes, personal enrichment courses, and workforce training opportunities. FCC delivers remote courses approved by the Quality Matters instruction company to ensure its online courses meet the same quality as on–campus classes.

The school offers flexible online courses for a variety of majors. Distance students can also pursue three associate degrees in a hybrid format:

• Business administration
• Psychology
• Sociology

Associate degrees at this affordable online college in Maryland require 60 credits for graduation. Learners complete degree requirements in two years or less.

FCC follows an open admissions policy. Interested students must submit an online application with their ACT or SAT scores, financial aid information, and official transcripts. Incoming students must also schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to review their academic goals and degree options. All incoming pupils take a placement exam unless they want FCC to use their standardized test scores.

Student services available to remote students include community resources, referrals, and networking opportunities. Additionally, FCC offers student support services for veteran and military students and learners with disabilities. Students also enjoy academic counseling and advising, online tutoring and writing assistance, and full–text library access.

5. College of Southern Maryland

La Plata, Maryland

CSM in La Plata, Maryland, is a public institution established in 1958. The school provides more than 120 academic programs, including associate of arts, science, and applied science degrees.

Using the Blackboard learning system, students engage with online, hybrid, and web–enhanced courses and complete their associate programs in approximately two years. Distance students follow a predetermined, synchronous schedule and complete assignments alongside their colleagues. Depending on the class, students may need to take proctored exams or on–campus assessments at approved testing centers.

Remote learners at CSM can choose from five associate degrees in:

• Business administration
• Business administration: technical management
• Business management
• Information services technology
• Sport management

Associate degrees typically require 60 credits for graduation. Incoming students may transfer credits toward their associate degrees to save time and money. CSM offers more than 60 transfer agreements with over 40 partnering accredited institutions. The registrar considers courses for transfer on a case–by–case basis.

Online students take advantage of academic advising, career services, and transfer student support at CSM. The school also offers virtual and library support services.

Prospective students with a high school diploma or GED may enroll as for–credit students. Incoming learners submit an application with their financial aid information and transcripts for consideration. Additionally, new students must take a placement test or submit their SAT or ACT standardized test scores.

6. Montgomery College

Rockville, Maryland

Located in Rockville, Maryland, MC is a public community college with an extensive continuing education division. Established in 1946, today the school serves approximately 60,000 students. Distance students can choose from five associate degrees online at MC. These two–year programs best serve students planning to transfer to a four–year college and major in a related field. Fully online programs include:

• Business
• Computer science and technologies
• Criminal justice
• General studies
• Early childhood education technology

Associate degrees at this affordable online college in Maryland require at least 60 credits for graduation. Full–time students typically follow a synchronous sequence over the course of four semesters. Incoming students may transfer credits toward the associate degree to save time and money. Each major follows its own transfer credit stipulations and accepts prior coursework on a case–by–case basis.

MC students take advantage of online advising, personal counseling, academic tutorials, and full–text library access. The school delivers tutoring services through the Smarthinking program and offers 24–hour technical support for distance students.

Both current students and alumni take advantage of the school’s career services resources, including opportunities to develop advanced application materials and receive job search assistance. All interested distance learners receive a career coach and access to the school’s workforce development enrichment programs, cooperative education and internship programs, and student–led organizations.

MC is open to prospective students who are over 16 years old with a high school diploma or GED. For consideration, candidates must submit an online application with their high school transcripts and financial aid information. The school does not require the SAT or ACT.

See some of Montgomery College’s top rankings on TBS

• The 30 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Programs

7. Anne Arundel Community College

Arnold, Maryland

AACC is a public community college located in Arnold, Maryland. Established in 1961, the school boasts 54,000 students. In 2000, the National Business Alliance named AACC the "Community College of the Year." The school offers 14 associate degrees through its flexible virtual classroom for distance learners. Available two–year online degrees at AACC include:

• Business administration
• Business management with concentrations in financial accounting, health professionals, human resources, leadership, social enterprise, and supply chain management
• Gender and sexuality studies
• Psychology
• Information systems
• Transfer studies

Online classes at this affordable online college in Maryland are not self–paced and feature set start and end dates. Students must keep up with regular deadlines for assignments and exams. In addition to fully online formats, many learners can also choose a hybrid format if they wish to incorporate a face–to–face learning component.

Interested students may apply online. All incoming students must submit financial aid information and take the ACCUPLACER placement exam. AACC advisors help distance students develop a plan and register for courses each term throughout the program.

Online learners participate in virtual advising appointments with university counselors using the Canvas system. Additionally, remote learners can access online tutoring opportunities, transfer student services, and library access. The school’s career and employment services help students locate open positions and internships.

See some of Anne Arundel Community College’s top rankings on TBS

• The 30 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Programs
• The 50 Best Online Associate in Psychology Programs
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Coppin State University

Baltimore, Maryland

Salisbury University

Salisbury, Maryland