Best Online Colleges in Maryland

Maryland is nestled between the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital and the calming shores of the Atlantic Ocean. As a Maryland resident, you can take advantage of the diverse opportunities of the Free State.

Whether you're a Maryland resident or not, you can still attend one of the best online colleges in Maryland. Attending college online can provide flexibility — not only in where you live but also in how and when you go to class.

Online students are typically able to continue working while they pursue their education. We've found some of the top online colleges in Maryland to help your search.

Online Colleges in Maryland 2022

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Cost of Living in Maryland

The cost of living in Maryland is 22% higher than the national average. However, the cost of living depends on where in Maryland you live. Some cities are more affordable and closer to the national average. The cost of living in Baltimore City, for example, is only 7% higher than the national average.

Housing is the most expensive cost of living category. Many students opt for roommates, making housing and utilities less expensive. Students in Maryland also have access to lower healthcare prices and transportation discounts.

Maryland Scholarships

Online students often qualify for the same scholarships as on-campus students. Scholarships are financial awards that you apply for and do not have to pay back. If you're looking for assistance with Maryland's cost of living, you can look for scholarships that award funds you can use toward living expenses.

The state of Maryland offers various scholarship opportunities for Maryland residents. We've found five scholarships you can apply for.

• University of Maryland Dean's Scholarship: The Dean’s Scholarship offers annual merit amounts between $1,500 and $4,500 for University of Maryland students. Scholarships are offered based on past academic performance and are not need-based.
• 2+2 Transfer Scholarship: This scholarship is for students who attend a Maryland community college and transfer to a four-year degree program. You can earn $1,000 a year or $2,000 a year if you major in science, engineering, or teaching.
• State Delegate Scholarship: Any Maryland resident who is planning to attend a two- or four-year college at least part-time can apply for a State Delegate Scholarship. The award is not a set amount but will not exceed the cost of your tuition.
• Senatorial Scholarship: Students who are Maryland residents and demonstrate a financial need can apply for this scholarship with their FAFSA application. The award is a minimum of $400.
• Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, Inc. Scholarship: This scholarship is for junior or senior undergraduate students or graduate students attending an accredited Maryland college. Applicants must hold a 3.25 GPA.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Maryland

Most of the fastest-growing jobs in Maryland are in education, healthcare, or mathematics — and they all require a degree.

Preschool teachers, information security analysts, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapy assistants top this list and are projected to grow between 34% and 41% in the next ten years.

Earning a college degree online can help you meet the requirements to pursue one of these high-demand jobs. Completing your degree online could also allow you to begin working in these fields while attending school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Maryland

What is the cheapest online college in Maryland?

According to the NCES, the cheapest online college in Maryland is Coppin State University, with an in-state tuition price of $6,904. Keep in mind that online programs sometimes charge different tuition rates, especially for out-of-state students.

The net cost of college depends on many factors, including financial award packages, so you may have more affordable options than the cheapest online college in Maryland.

What is the easiest online college to get into in Maryland?

Salisbury University admits 91% of applicants, making it one of the easiest colleges to get into in Maryland. Although this does not guarantee your admittance, you do have the best chance of being accepted into Salisbury University.

How much does online college cost in Maryland?

The average cost of in-state tuition in Maryland was $9,401 for the 2020-2021 academic year. This amount is before any financial aid or scholarship awards.

Tuition prices for online students are usually the same as attending on campus. Some colleges may offer a discounted tuition rate, and many offer a set online rate. Fees for online students vary and may be cheaper compared to in-person campus fees.

Is online college free in Maryland?

Earning an online degree at a Maryland college is not free. You can also apply for scholarships that will help lower the cost of completing a degree online.

Maryland does have a few colleges, like John Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, that offer free online courses through platforms like Coursera.

Do I need to be a resident of Maryland to attend an online college in Maryland?

You do not need to be a resident of Maryland to attend an online college in Maryland. An online education often costs the same regardless of your residency status. However, some universities charge out-of-state tuition for online students who do not live in Maryland.

Depending on your program, you may have to meet additional or different requirements to pursue a profession in your state. For example, if you complete an education degree at a Maryland school but live and plan to teach in Utah, you will need to make sure you meet Utah's teaching standards.