Fishing around the World Wide Web for affordable online colleges in Maryland? Then, let Affordable Schools help you reel in the perfect catch. We’ve located the 10 best cheap Maryland online colleges for diving into degrees anytime.
First chartered by King Charles I in 1632, Maryland is a historic, coastal Mid-Atlantic state that covers 12,407 square miles on the Chesapeake Bay outside of Washington DC. Maryland is America’s 42nd smallest yet 19th most populous state with 6.04 million residents. In July 2019, the Census Bureau reported a bachelor’s degree attainment rate of 39.6 percent here. Over 64 percent attend at least some college. The Maryland Higher Education Commission counted 289,879 total college students statewide. Four-year public institutions serve 138,398 learners alone. Marylanders pick from 36 public and 20 private universities. For instance, St. John’s College is the oldest tracing back to 1696 in Annapolis. Johns Hopkins University is the most selective with an 11 percent acceptance rate. The University of Maryland-College Park has the largest on-campus enrollment of 41,200 and a big $2.1 billion budget. From Baltimore to Salisbury, the “Old Line State” is packed full of diverse learning opportunities for everyone.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Maryland the 17th best state for higher education. Maryland is also named the #1 richest state with an $80,776 median household income. “Little America” has one of the 10 highest income inequality rates though. Many Maryland families simply can’t afford the rising tuition and fees for a degree. Maryland has above-average mean college costs of $11,757 in-state and $37,775 out-of-state. Median annual pricing is about $1,560 higher than other states. Maryland students are saddled with an average debt of $29,314 at graduation. Financial obstacles are even direr at certain private institutions. For example, Loyola University Maryland is charging $49,700 for 2020-21 tuition. Washington College in Chestertown has a total attendance cost of $62,806 annually. Money shouldn’t prevent ambitious students from achieving their goals. Neither should work and family commitments. Thus, the AS Staff has made a list of affordable online Maryland schools costing $46,000 or less.
Methodology
First, the Affordable Schools team went to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator website. Our mission was finding cheap online schools based in Maryland. We conducted an advanced search for four-year MD institutions with bachelor’s and graduate degrees. We hit the browse button and selected the distance education option. At least one program had to be 100 percent online for flexibility and convenience. Second, our staff used the U.S. Department of Education database to review accreditation status. We cut colleges that weren’t regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Third, we reviewed the average undergraduate tuition at each online school. We focused only on in-state prices for full-time students who take at least 15 credits per semester. Lastly, our researchers narrowed down to the 10 cheapest in-state rates. We placed our accredited affordable online colleges in Maryland in descending order from most to least expensive.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Maryland Colleges
10. Goucher College
Baltimore, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $45,250
Granted a 2008 NAFSA Simon Award for Campus Internationalization, Goucher College is a private, nonprofit Annapolis Group member led by President Kent Devereaux that’s endowed for $214.9 million to educate 1,338 undergrad and 719 post-grad Gophers from 66 countries. Thirty-one MSCHE-accredited departments teach with an average 10:1 student-faculty ratio online and on its 287-acre Baltimore campus near Towson for 96 percent career placement. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Goucher College the 111th top liberal arts school and 11th most innovative institution. Forbes placed Goucher 272nd for private education. The Princeton Review named Goucher the 42nd greenest university. Goucher College begins our top 10 affordable online Maryland schools with a $45,250 universal cost. On Canvas, the Welch Center for Graduate & Professional Studies schedules 50+ accelerated online courses each eight-week session. Online students can complete 13 master’s degrees and 10 certificates, such as the:
- Master of Arts in Digital Arts
- Master of Science in Higher Education Policy, Research & Administration
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Education in Athletic Program Leadership
- Master of Education in Montessori Studies
- Master of Education in Reading Instruction
- Master of Education in Teacher as Leader in Technology
- Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Master of Education in At-Risk & Diverse Learners
- Master of Education in Literacy Strategies for Content Learning
9. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $38,340
Presented The Arc Baltimore’s Volunteer Service Award in 2019, Notre Dame of Maryland University is a private, coed Catholic ACCU member that’s endowed for $36.1 million under President Marylou Yam to serve 783 undergrad and 1,494 post-grad Gators from 13 nations. Four NDMU schools are accessible online, on its 58-acre North Charles Street campus, and at five off-site centers with a 71.4 percent acceptance rate for a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Notre Dame the North’s 59th best college and 70th top value. Washington Monthly crowned NDMU the 30th best four-year institution for adult learners. PayScale picked the “College of Distinction” 23rd in Maryland. Notre Dame of Maryland University is our ninth best affordable Maryland online college with a $38,340 price. On Moodle, the College of Graduate & Professional Studies provides asynchronous 24/7 access to MSCHE-accredited courses in 50 states. Online pupils can pursue three bachelor’s and 12 graduate degrees like the:
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Accelerated 2nd Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication
- Master of Science in Risk Management
- Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Master of Arts in Leadership in Teaching
- Master of Science in Data Analytics
- Master of Arts in Gifted and Talented Education
- Master of Arts in Library Media Specialist
- Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership
8. Stevenson University
Owings Mills, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $37,142
Conferred the 2009 NCLCA First-Place Website Excellence Award, Stevenson University is a private, nonprofit CUR member managed by President Elliot Hirshman that’s endowed for $89.9 million to enroll 2,732 undergrad and 847 post-grad Mustangs from 43 states plus 15 countries. Stevenson splits into six MSCHE-accredited schools with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio online, on its 221-acre Owings Mills campus, and at a Green Spring Valley center for 79 percent retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Stevenson 106th for online master’s education in nursing. On Niche, SU boasts America’s 55th best technology degrees and 75th top criminal justice programs. Washington Monthly deemed SU the 326th best master’s institution. Stevenson University is Affordable Schools’ eighth best cheap online college in Maryland with $37,142 tuition. Since Fall 2008, Stevenson Online has delivered fast-paced, eight-week online courses on Blackboard. Online learners finish nine bachelor’s and 12 master’s degrees, including the:
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Business Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
- Master of Science in Healthcare Management
- Master of Science in Forensic Accounting
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Science in Business and Technology Management
- Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation
7. Strayer University-Maryland
Camp Springs, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $13,515
Named a 2018 EC-Council Academia Partner Award recipient, Strayer University is a private, for-profit business school that’s owned by Strategic Education Inc. under CEO Karl McDonnell and promoted by Queen Latifah to openly enroll 52,253 working adults with a 40:1 student-faculty ratio. Ten MSCHE-accredited Strayer divisions are available fully online or at five Maryland campuses from Anne Arundel to White Marsh with a 46 percent retention rate. College Factual ranked Strayer 216th for student diversity and 287th for business studies. Forbes named Strayer the 19th best small company with $587 million revenue. Washington Monthly chose Strayer for the 512nd top master’s institution. Strayer University-Maryland came in seventh in the AS Staff’s affordable colleges online with a $13,515 value. On Blackboard Mobile since 2013, Strayer has offered eight-week online courses with a free Tech Pack laptop and Tutoring Lab services. Online students select six associate, five bachelor’s, and 11 master’s degree, such as the:
- Associate in Arts in Acquisition & Contract Management
- Associate in Arts in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Information Assurance
- Master of Business Administration in Digital Entrepreneurship
- Master of Human Resource Management
- Master of Health Services Administration
- Master of Education in Instructional Technology
6. Towson University
Towson, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $10,198
Chosen for a 2017 CASE District II Circle of Excellence Award, Towson University is a metropolitan public, four-year CUMU member administered by President Kim Schatzel with a $450 million budget to instruct 19,818 undergrad and 3,105 undergrad Tigers from 80+ countries. Towson runs seven MSCHE-accredited colleges with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio online, on its 328-acre Baltimore County campus, and at four off-campus locations for 85 percent retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Towson 197th nationally with the 171st best education master’s online. Money magazine declared TU the 147th best value. Times Higher Education picked Towson 484th overall. Towson University stands sixth among our affordable online Maryland colleges with a $10,198 in-state rate. On Blackboard, the Towson Learning Network (TLN) delivers seven- and 15-week online courses in 49 states, excluding Wisconsin and Puerto Rico. Online learners can complete one bachelor’s and 18 graduate programs like the:
- Bachelor of Technical and Professional Studies in Allied Health
- Master of Science in Applied Information Technology
- Master of Science in Integrated Homeland Security Management
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Science in Transformational Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology
- Doctor of Science in Occupational Science
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Autism Studies
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Interactive Media Design
5. Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $9,410
Prized the 2014 NUTN Distance Education Innovation Award, Frostburg State University is the USM System’s only public, four-year Appalachian Highlands branch with a $27.3 million endowment under President Ronald Nowaczyk to serve 5,294 Bobcats from 41 countries. Three MSCHE-accredited colleges join together for 76 percent retention online, on its 260-acre Georges Creek Valley campus, and at the Hagerstown Center with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Frostburg 108th in the North with the 70th best social mobility. On Niche, FSU features America’s 228th best Greek life. Washington Monthly crowned FSU the 48th top master’s institution. Frostburg State University reached our top five affordable online colleges in Maryland with $9,410 in-state expenses. Online@FSU accepts $45 applications anytime to begin four-, six-, and 12-week Web sessions on Canvas or BigBlueButton. Online pupils can entirely finish the following one bachelor’s and six master’s degrees:
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Applied Computer Science
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Science in Recreation, Parks and Sport Management
- Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management
4. University of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $9,096
Given the 2013 Green Building Council Maryland Sustainable Excellence Award, the University of Baltimore is a public, coed USM member headed by President Kurt Schmoke that’s endowed for $50.1 million to inspire 2,569 undergrad and 1,841 post-grad Bees from 37 countries. Four UB colleges are accessed online, on its historic 47-acre Mt. Vernon campus, and at two partner satellites with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio for 72 percent average retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Baltimore 102nd for online MBA programs and 58th for online veteran education. Washington Monthly named UB the 33rd best master’s institution. On Niche, UB boasts America’s 77th most liberal academics and 88th top location. The University of Baltimore finished fourth in our affordable Maryland colleges online with $9,096 in-state tuition. On Sakai, the Online Learning Division offers eight- and 16-week formats for hundreds of digital courses with 24/7 access. Online students can pursue five full MSCHE-accredited programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Science in Interaction Design and Information Architecture
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Business Administration
- Graduate Certificate in User Experience Design
3. Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $8,964
Lauded a 2017 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Student Success finalist, Coppin State University is a public, historically Black TMCF member that’s supervised by President Maria Thompson with a $94.3 million budget to teach 1,886 full-time and 852 part-time Eagles at an average age of 29. Four MSCHE-accredited colleges maintain a 13:1 student-faculty ratio for classes on a 52-acre Coppin Heights campus in Baltimore or online with selective 38 percent acceptance. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Coppin State the 49th best HBCU and 163rd best social mobility performer. On Niche, CSU has America’s 274th hardest admissions. Washington Monthly declared Coppin the 271st best master’s institution. Coppin State University is Affordable Schools’ third best low-cost online Maryland college with a $8,964 in-state price. Since Fall 2012, Coppin State has been Sloan-C certified with Quality Matters approval to provide seven- and 15-week Blackboard courses. Online majors can currently only choose one bachelor’s degree: a Bachelor of Science in Management.
2. Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $8,008
Home to the 2016 MDCCC Penczek Service-Learning Faculty Award winner, Morgan State University is a public, historically Black research institution run by Chairman Kweisi Mfume that’s endowed for $36.4 million to empower 6,419 undergrad and 1,396 post-grad Bears from 29 nations. Ten MSCHE-accredited Morgan colleges are available online, on its 143-acre Baltimore campus, and at the Laurel College Center with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio for 74 percent retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Morgan State the 15th best HBCU and 185th top engineer school. On Niche, MSU features America’s 244th most diverse students. WalletHub placed MSU 60th for student experience and 282nd for value. Morgan State University is the AS Staff’s second best affordable online college in Maryland with $8,008 in-state fees. On Canvas, the Division of Academic Outreach & Engagement offers 400+ online courses of 5-15 weeks each with Quality Matters certification. These seven graduate programs are entirely online:
- Master of Education in Community College Administration and Instruction
- Master of Public Health in Executive Health Management
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Sustainable Urban Communities
- Master of Business Administration in Management
- Master of Science in Project Management
- Master of Social Work – Advanced Generalist
- Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership
1. University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD
Average In-State Tuition: $7,560
Picked for a 2016 Online Learning Consortium Effective Practice Award, the University of Maryland Global Campus is a public, open-access USM member coordinated by President Javier Miyares that gifts $46.04 million in annual financial aid to assist 60,603 Terrapins. Eight MSCHE-accredited divisions teach online, at the Largo Academic Center, and on 140 satellite sites with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio for 26 percent graduation. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UMGC the 20th most innovative school. Forbes crowned UMGC the third best college for adult learners. Military Times declared UMGC the top online university for veterans. The University of Maryland Global Campus is our #1 best cheap online Maryland college with in-state pricing of only $7,560. On LEO, the Global Campus has 10 annual start dates for accelerated, eight-week online courses with no-cost textbooks and free mentoring. Online learners choose from 10 associate, 32 bachelor’s, 18 master’s, and two doctoral majors, including the:
- Associate of Arts in General Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Investigative Forensics
- Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology and Aging Services
- Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Management
- Master of Science in Health Informatics Administration
- Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education
- Master of Science in Environmental Management
- Master of Science in Cloud Computing Architecture
- Doctor of Business Administration
Cheap online schools in Maryland can be even more affordable thanks to financial aid. The Maryland Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) has merit- and need-based funding available. For example, the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant offers up to $19,100 to Marylanders under age 22 with GPAs above 2.50. The 2+2 Transfer Scholarship has a March 1st deadline for Maryland community college grads with EFCs below $10,000 to finish bachelor’s degrees. The State Delegate Scholarship awards a maximum $28,000 to full-time, in-state undergrads taking 12+ semester credits. The $1,000 Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship supports minority ROTC members at public colleges like Coppin State and Morgan State. Other opportunities include the Senatorial Scholarship, Part-Time Grant, Graduate & Professional Scholarship, Near Completer Grant, Hal & Jo Cohen Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship, Teaching Fellows of Maryland Scholarship, and Charles W. Riley Scholarship. Apply for financial aid at an affordable online college in Maryland to further shrink your tuition bill.
AS Staff
March 2020
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