Cheapest Online Colleges in Maryland [2025 Guide]
With Maryland's bevy of excellent colleges and universities offering remarkably affordable online programs, it's never been easier to soak up knowledge without breaking the bank - or rearranging your entire life.
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According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition at Maryland public colleges is lower than the national average.
Maryland students are treated to a bonanza of online learning opportunities, thanks to a educational system that makes access a breeze. Looking for an affordable online college in Maryland? Take a closer look at our thoughtfully assembled list, featuring the most impressive options out there.
Methodology
EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:
- Average Net Price
- Graduation Rate
- Retention Rate
- Median Earnings
Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.
The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.
EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Online Colleges in Maryland
1. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Average Net Price: $11,934
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Median Earnings: $47,697
With an admission rate of 81.56%, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is relatively accessible to applicants. The average cost of attendance is $24,564, with in-state tuition and fees at $8,898 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $19,728. Students who complete their degrees typically incur a median debt of $27,000.
2. Towson University
- Average Net Price: $14,151
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Median Earnings: $64,390
Towson University admits 78.60% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $25,928. In-state tuition and fees are $10,818, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $26,820. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $18,718.
3. University of Maryland-College Park
- Average Net Price: $16,590
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Median Earnings: $82,860
The University of Maryland-College Park has a competitive admission rate of 44.61%. The average cost of attendance is $26,781, with in-state tuition and fees at $11,233 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $39,469. Median debt for graduates stands at $19,000.
4. University of Maryland Global Campus
- Average Net Price: $16,805
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 47%
- Median Earnings: $65,287
Admission data for the University of Maryland Global Campus is unavailable. The average cost of attendance is $20,657. In-state tuition and fees are $7,848, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $12,336. Graduates typically have a median debt of $21,000.
5. University of Maryland-Baltimore County
- Average Net Price: $19,319
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Median Earnings: $69,960
The University of Maryland-Baltimore County has an admission rate of 80.55%. The average cost of attendance is $27,183, with in-state tuition and fees at $12,606 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $29,370. Graduates typically incur a median debt of $19,500.
6. Strayer University-Maryland
- Average Net Price: $21,488
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Median Earnings: $40,092
Admission data for Strayer University-Maryland is unavailable. The average cost of attendance is $23,985, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $13,515. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $40,621.
7. Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Average Net Price: $22,211
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Median Earnings: $65,344
Notre Dame of Maryland University admits 69.58% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $56,689. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $40,730. Graduates typically have a median debt of $22,666.
8. Stevenson University
- Average Net Price: $25,963
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings: $62,079
Stevenson University admits 84.10% of its applicants. The average cost of attendance is $55,942. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $38,738. Graduates typically incur a median debt of $26,000.
9. Goucher College
- Average Net Price: $27,204
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings: $53,023
Goucher College has an admission rate of 80.24%. The average cost of attendance is $65,729, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $49,220. Graduates typically have a median debt of $26,000.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Insights and Analysis
The rankings of the most affordable online colleges in MD reveal a diverse landscape of higher education in terms of affordability, graduation outcomes, and post-graduation earnings. Here are some key insights and comparisons:
Net Prices
The net price is a crucial factor for students when choosing a university, as it reflects the actual cost after financial aid. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has the lowest average net price at $11,934, making it the most affordable option among the listed institutions. In contrast, Goucher College has the highest net price at $27,204, indicating a significant investment for prospective students.
Graduation Rates and Net Prices
A comparison of graduation rates and net prices reveals interesting trends. The University of Maryland-College Park, with the highest graduation rate of 89.27%, has a moderate net price of $16,590. Conversely, the University of Maryland Global Campus has the lowest graduation rate at 19.23% and a slightly higher net price of $16,805. This suggests that higher costs do not necessarily correlate with better graduation outcomes.
Net Prices vs. Tuition Fees
When examining the relationship between net prices and tuition fees, it is clear that in-state tuition significantly impacts affordability. For example, Towson University offers an average net price of $14,151, with in-state tuition at $10,818. On the other hand, out-of-state students face higher costs, as seen at the University of Maryland-College Park, where out-of-state tuition is $39,469 compared to the in-state rate of $11,233.
Median Earnings and Net Prices
Median earnings post-graduation are a critical metric for assessing the return on investment. The University of Maryland-College Park stands out with the highest median earnings of $82,860, justifying its net price of $16,590. In comparison, Strayer University-Maryland, despite having a net price of $21,488, yields the lowest median earnings at $40,092, highlighting potential concerns regarding the value offered by the institution.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuitions
The disparity between in-state and out-of-state tuitions can significantly influence a student's decision. Universities such as the University of Maryland-Baltimore County show a notable difference, with in-state tuition at $12,606 and out-of-state tuition at $29,370. This stark contrast emphasizes the financial advantage for in-state students.
Low Median Debt Callouts
Low median debt is a positive indicator of a university's affordability and effectiveness in managing student finances. Towson University has a commendably low median debt of $18,718, coupled with strong median earnings of $64,390, suggesting a balanced cost-to-benefit ratio. Conversely, Strayer University-Maryland has a high median debt of $40,621, which is concerning given its lower median earnings.
Key Comparisons
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore vs. Towson University: UMES is more affordable with a net price of $11,934 compared to Towson's $14,151, but Towson boasts a significantly higher graduation rate (69.76% vs. 37.39%) and median earnings ($64,390 vs. $47,697).
- University of Maryland-College Park vs. University of Maryland Global Campus: College Park has a higher net price ($16,590 vs. $16,805) but offers substantially better outcomes in terms of graduation rate (89.27% vs. 19.23%) and median earnings ($82,860 vs. $65,287).
- Stevenson University vs. Goucher College: Both institutions have high net prices ($25,963 and $27,204 respectively), but Stevenson offers higher median earnings ($62,079 vs. $53,023) and a slightly better graduation rate (65.13% vs. 58.31%).
Conclusion
The analysis reveals that while net prices are a significant factor, they must be weighed against graduation rates, median earnings, and median debt to assess the true value of an institution. Universities with higher net prices like Goucher College and Stevenson University must justify their costs with strong post-graduation outcomes. In contrast, institutions like the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Towson University offer a more balanced cost-to-benefit ratio, making them attractive options for prospective students.