Best Online/Distance Learning Colleges & Programs in Maryland 2023

Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Sidharth PS

Hi readers! In this post, I’ve compiled a list of best distance learning colleges, universities, and institutes in Maryland. Here, readers will find the following details – rankings, list of distance education colleges, their address, type of institute, fees/cost, degrees and awards, distance learning majors/degrees and more.

Best Online/Distance Learning Colleges in Maryland for 2022

Rank

College

Fees/Cost

Type of Institute

Degrees & Awards

Address

1 Carroll Community College $3,976 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 1601 Washington Rd, Westminster, Maryland 21157
2 Chesapeake College $5,540 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, Maryland 21679-0008
3 Baltimore City Community College $5,831 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215-7893
4 Frederick Community College $6,239 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland 21702-2964
5 Hagerstown Community College $6,997 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 11400 Robinwood Dr, Hagerstown, Maryland 21742-6514
6 Harford Community College $7,359 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, Maryland 21015-1698
7 Garrett College $7,472 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 687 Mosser Road, McHenry, Maryland 21541
8 College of Southern Maryland $7,805 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, Maryland 20646-0910
9 Wor-Wic Community College $8,118 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 32000 Campus Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21804-7131
10 Community College of Baltimore County $8,274 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 7201 Rossville Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21237
11 Cecil College $8,450 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree One Seahawk Drive, North East, Maryland 21901-1900
12 Prince George’s Community College $8,795 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 301 Largo Rd, Largo, Maryland 20774-2199
13 Allegany College of Maryland $9,155 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 12401 Willowbrook Rd SE, Cumberland, Maryland 21502-2596
14 Montgomery College $9,661 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland 20850
15 Columbia Institute $9,782 < 2-year, Private for-profit Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate 12125 Veirs Mill Rd., Silver Spring, Maryland 20906-4503
16 Coppin State University $10,963 4-year, Public Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 2500 West North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21216-3698
17 Anne Arundel Community College $13,174 2-year, Public Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree 101 College Pky, Arnold, Maryland 21012-1895
18 University of Maryland Global Campus $14,635 4-year, Public Associate’s degree|Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 3501 University Blvd East, Adelphi, Maryland 20783-8010
19 Morgan State University $15,998 4-year, Public Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21251-0001
20 Towson University $16,161 4-year, Public Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 8000 York Rd, Towson, Maryland 21252-0001
21 University of Maryland Eastern Shore $16,267 4-year, Public One but less than two years certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Master’s degree|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice J.T. Williams Hall, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853-1299
22 Frostburg State University $16,380 4-year, Public Less than one year certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Maryland 21532-1099
23 University of Maryland-Baltimore County $17,094 4-year, Public Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, Maryland 21250
24 University of Maryland-College Park $17,723 4-year, Public Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice College Park, Maryland 20742
25 Washington Adventist University $18,754 4-year, Private not-for-profit One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree|Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree 7600 Flower Ave, Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
26 Salisbury University $19,271 4-year, Public Less than one year certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, Maryland 21801-6862
27 McDaniel College $19,304 4-year, Private not-for-profit Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree 2 College Hill, Westminster, Maryland 21157
28 Notre Dame of Maryland University $19,664 4-year, Private not-for-profit Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 4701 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21210-2476
29 Strayer University-Maryland $20,749 4-year, Private for-profit Less than one year certificate|One but less than two years certificate|Associate’s degree|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree 5110 Auth Way, Suitland, Maryland 20746
30 University of Baltimore $23,335 4-year, Public Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice Charles at Mount Royal, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-5720
31 Institute of Health Sciences $23,701 < 2-year, Private for-profit One but less than two years certificate 11031 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031-1408
32 Capitol Technology University $23,854 4-year, Private not-for-profit Less than one year certificate|Associate’s degree|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship 11301 Springfield Rd, Laurel, Maryland 20708
33 Hood College $24,567 4-year, Private not-for-profit Less than one year certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship 401 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, Maryland 21701
34 Stevenson University $27,913 4-year, Private not-for-profit Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree 1525 Greenspring Valley Rd, Stevenson, Maryland 21153-0641
35 Johns Hopkins University $28,999 4-year, Private not-for-profit Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218-2688
36 Mount St. Mary’s University $29,283 4-year, Private not-for-profit Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727-7799
37 Goucher College $29,675 4-year, Private not-for-profit Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd, Baltimore, Maryland 21204-2794
38 Loyola University Maryland $37,918 4-year, Private not-for-profit Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 4501 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21210-2699
39 Maryland Institute College of Art $42,750 4-year, Private not-for-profit Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree 1300 Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217-4134
40 Maryland University of Integrative Health NA 4-year, Private not-for-profit Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 7750 Montpelier Road, Laurel, Maryland 20723
41 SANS Technology Institute NA 4-year, Private for-profit Less than one year certificate|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree 11200 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852
42 University of Maryland, Baltimore NA 4-year, Public Bachelor’s degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master’s degree|Post-master’s certificate|Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship|Doctor’s degree – professional practice 620 West Lexington St, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1627

For ranking colleges, we have used the ‘affordability’ factor. With each passing year, cost of higher-education is rising. Keeping this fact in mind, we have decided to rank institutes on the basis of cost/expenses and affordability.

Best Online/Distance Learning Programs & Majors

Here are some popular distance learning programs/majors –

    • Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
    • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
    • Agricultural Business and Management
    • Agricultural Mechanization
    • Agricultural Production Operations
    • Agricultural Public Services
    • Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
    • Agriculture, General
    • Animal Sciences
    • Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
    • Food Science and Technology
    • International Agriculture
    • Plant Sciences
    • Soil Sciences
  1. Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

    • Area Studies
    • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  2. Biological and Biomedical Sciences

    • Accounting and Related Services
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations
    • Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Business/Commerce, General
    • Business/Corporate Communications
    • Business/Managerial Economics
    • Construction Management
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
    • Finance and Financial Management Services
    • General Sales, Merchandising, and Related Marketing Operations
    • Hospitality Administration/Management
    • Human Resources Management and Services
    • Insurance
    • International Business
    • Management Information Systems and Services
    • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methocs
    • Marketing
    • Real Estate
    • Specialized Sales, Merchandising, and Marketing Operations
    • Taxation
    • Telecommunications Management
  3. Communication Technologies/Technicians and Support Services

    • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
    • Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other
    • Communications Technology/Technician
    • Graphic Communications
    • Communication and Media Studies
    • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
    • Journalism
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
    • Publishing
    • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  4. Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

    • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General
    • Computer Programming
    • Computer Science
    • Computer Software and Media Applications
    • Computer Systems Analysis
    • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
    • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
    • Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications
    • Data Processing
    • Information Science/Studies
  5. Construction Trades

    • Construction Trades, General
    • Construction Trades, Other
  6. Education

    • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
    • Curriculum and Instruction
    • Education, General
    • Education, Other
    • Educational Administration and Supervision
    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
    • Educational/Instructional Media Design
    • International and Comparative Education
    • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
    • Special Education and Teaching
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    • Teaching Assistants/Aides
    • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
  7. Engineering

    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering
    • Agricultural Engineering
    • Architectural Engineering
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
    • Cermic Sciences and Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Construction Engineering
    • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
    • Electromechanical Engineering
    • Engineering Chemistry
    • Engineering Mechanics
    • Engineering Physics
    • Engineering Science
    • Engineering, General
    • Engineering, Other
    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
    • Forest Engineering
    • Geological Engineering
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Materials Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
    • Metallurgical Engineering
    • Mining and Mineral Engineering
    • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
    • Nuclear Engineering
    • Ocean Engineering
    • Operations Research
    • Paper Science and Engineering
    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Plastics Engineering
    • Surveying Engineering
    • Systems Engineering
    • Textile Sciences and Engineering
    • Architecture Engineering Technicians
    • Civil Engineering Technicians
    • Computer Engineering Technicians
    • Construction Engineering Technologies
    • Drafting Engineering Technicians
    • Electrical Engineering Technicians
    • Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technicians
    • Engineering Technicians, Other
    • Engineering Technology, General
    • Engineering-Related Fields
    • Engineering-Related Technologies
    • Environmental Control Technicians
    • Industrial Production Technicians
    • Mechanical Engineering Related Technicians
    • Mining and Petroleum Technicians
    • Nanotechnology
    • Nuclear Engineering Technicians
    • Quality Control and Safety Technicians
  8. English Language and Literature/Letters

    • English Language and Literature, General
    • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
    • Literature
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
  9. Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

    • Apparel and Textiles
    • Family and Consumer Electronics Related Studies
    • Family and Consumer Sciences Business Services
    • Family and Consumer Sciences, General
    • Family and Consumer Sciences, Other
    • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
    • Housing and Human Environments
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
    • Work and Family Studies
  10. Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

    • African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Native American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • American Sign Language
    • Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
    • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Persian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
    • Middle Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Modern Greek Language and Literature
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Slavic, Baltic, and Albanian Languages, Literature, and Linguistics
    • South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Southeast Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Turkic, Uralic-Altaic, Caucasian, and Central Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  11. History

    • Law
    • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
    • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
    • Legal Support Services
    • Non-Professional General Legal Studies (UG)
  12. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities

  13. Library Science

  14. Mathematics and Statistics

    • Applied Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
    • Statistics
  15. Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians

  16. Military Technologies and Applied Sciences

  17. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

  18. Natural Resources and Conservation

    • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences Management
    • Forestry
    • Natural Resources and Conservation
    • Natural Resources and Conservation and Research
    • Natural Resources Management and Policy
    • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
  19. Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies

    • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
    • Outdoor Education
    • Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
    • Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
    • Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other
  20. Personal and Culinary Services

    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
    • Culinary Arts and Related Services
    • Funeral Service and Mortuary Science
    • Personal and Culinary Services, Other
  21. Philosophy and Religious Studies

    • Philosophy
    • Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
    • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
    • Religion/Religious Studies
  22. Physical Sciences

    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
    • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
    • Chemistry
    • Geosciences
    • Materials Sciences
    • Physical Sciences
    • Physical Sciences, Other
    • Physics
  23. Precision Production

  24. Psychology

    • Psychology, General
    • Psychology, Other
  25. Public Administration and Social Service Professions

    • Community Organization and Advocacy
    • Human Services, General
    • Public Administration
    • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
    • Public Policy Analysis
    • Social Work
  26. Science Technologies/Technicians

  27. Social Sciences

    • Demography and Population Studies
    • Economics
    • Geography and Cartography
    • International Relations and National Security Studies
    • Political Science and Government
    • Rural Sociology
    • Social Sciences, General
    • Social Sciences, Other
    • Sociology
    • Sociology and Anthropology
    • Urban Studies/Affairs
  28. Theology and Religious Vocations

    • Bible/Biblical Studies
    • Missionary Studies
    • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
    • Religious Education
    • Religious Music
    • Theological and Ministerial Studies
    • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
  29. Transportation and Materials Moving

    • Transportation and Materials Moving, Other
  30. Visual and Performing Arts

    • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
    • Design and Applied Arts
    • Fine and Studio Arts
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Other

Come, let us take a close look at the admission process and requirements –

Admission Requirements

While evaluating candidates who’ve applied for admission, colleges take the following factors into consideration –

  • Secondary school GPA
  • Secondary school rank
  • Secondary school record
  • Completion of college-preparatory program
  • Formal demonstration of competencies
  • ACT/SAT test scores
  • TOEFL
  • Other relevant tests

The factors mentioned above are divided into the following groups – Admission considerations that are ‘Required/Mandatory’, admission considerations that are ‘Recommended’ and admission requirements that are ‘Considered but not required’.   Admission requirements may vary from one college to another. Most of the colleges rely on secondary school GPA, secondary school record, ACT/SAT scores and TOEFL (as mandatory considerations). Community colleges usually have an open admission policy.

Online/Distance Education Degrees

Depending upon the level of the program, Degrees or Awards can be classified into the following types –

  • Certificates
  • Associate’s Degree
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Advanced Degrees

Certificates

  • Less than one year certificate: The duration of the program is less than one year.
  • One but less than two years certificate: The duration of the course is 1 year (or more, but less than 2 years).

Associate’s Degree

Associate’s Degree program is two years long. After completing this program, you’ll obtain an Associate’s Degree from the college/university/accrediting body.

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree program is four years long. After completing this program, you’ll obtain an Associate’s Degree from the college/university/accrediting body.

Advanced Degrees

Here are some of the popular advanced degrees –

  • Master’s Degree
  • Doctor’s Degree
  • Post-master’s certificate
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