The Mid-Atlantic state of Maryland has a tradition of higher education that dates back to the earliest days of American settlement. It is now home to some of the most distinguished institutions of higher learning in the country.
The University of Maryland University College, one of the largest universities in the world, tops our list of Best Online Colleges in Maryland, offering a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs online, with associate’s degrees available for military servicemen. Three other universities also lead the state in online education opportunities.
If you live in Maryland, and your life requires the flexibility that an online college can offer, one of these exceptional universities may be the perfect choice for you.
Four reasons to find an online college in your state:
- Guaranteed in-state tuition saves you money
- Be a part of a university or college you know and love
- Get a degree from a school employers know and trust
- Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking guidelines for the best online colleges in Maryland:
We selected the online colleges and universities here based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Note: In ranking the best online colleges in Maryland, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in Maryland may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that school to rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who’s leading the way in delivering quality online degree programs in Maryland.
- See who ranks as the best college and university in Maryland today.
- Johns Hopkins University and The University of Maryland rank among The 100 Best Universities in the World.
The Best Online Colleges in Maryland
1University of Maryland University College
(Adelphi, MD)
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’s degrees available for military servicemen. Associate’s 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.
The University of Maryland University College is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE).
2Towson University
(Towson, MD)
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 8 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.
Towson University is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE).
3University of Baltimore
(Baltimore, MD)
The University of Baltimore, established in 1925, has over 6,000 students in attendance and contains 4 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 a number of 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.
The University of Baltimore is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE).
4Stevenson University
(Stevenson, MD)
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.
Stevenson University is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE).