Finding the right college is no easy task. We hope to make that task a little easier with this ranking of our favorite schools in Maryland that are both non-profit and maintain a strong catalog of online degree programs. Ranked on their tuition price and program availability, these are out top online colleges in Maryland.
Featured Programs
Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Maryland
#1. Washington Adventist University
Established in 1904, Washington Adventist University is a private university. Founded in affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Washington Adventist University’s motto is “Gateway to Service”. Originally, founded as the Washington Training College, Washington Adventist University provided its students with the opportunity to receive training in ministry work. Focusing primarily on teaching students how to work within the church, the Washington Training College soon expanded its curriculum beyond that of subjects pertaining specifically to religion. After adding additional types of programs to its curriculum, Washington Adventist University saw a surge in enrollment at the school. in 1907, the school was renamed to Washington Foreign Mission Seminary to better reflect the changing scope of the institution. Soon after this name change, Washington Foreign Mission Seminary began adding college courses into its curriculum. This change in course offerings led to the school being renamed to Washington Missionary College. In 1961 the school was renamed again to Columbia Union College and then to Washington Adventist University in 2009. Today, Washington Adventist University enrolls a students body of approximately 1,500 students.
Students at Washington Adventist University are able to choose from a large selection of academic programs made available at the school. At this time, Washington Adventist University is offering over two dozen undergraduate programs as well as nearly a dozen Master’s degrees. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online earning Washington Adventist University a place among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. Washington Adventist University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Washington Adventist University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $465/credit
Click here for a list of Washington Adventist University‘s online programs.
#2. McDaniel College
A private liberal arts college, McDaniel College was founded in 1867. With the motto “I call you out of darkness into light,” McDaniel College is located in Westminster, Maryland. Originally founded as the Western Maryland College, McDaniel College was named after the Western Maryland Railroad. This name was chosen by the chairman of the boar, John Smith, who was also the president of the Western Maryland Railroad. Affiliated with the Methodist Protestant Church, the Western Maryland College was the first coeducational institution in the South and was one of the first in the entire United States. In the 1960s, Western Maryland College went through great lengths to better integrate minorities into the campus in order to foster a more diverse student population. In 1994, Western Maryland College established Western Maryland College Budapest. The European campus of the school, Western Maryland College Budapest allowest Western Maryland College proper to extend its influence to other parts of the globe while also helping to enrich the cultural understanding of its student body at home. No longer known as Western Maryland College, McDaniel College is now home to a student body of about 1,600 students.
McDaniel College offers students a wide variety of academic programs from which to enroll in. At this time, students at McDaniel College can choose from over seventy areas of undergraduate study as well as over a dozen graduate level degree programs. Of these programs, McDaniel College offers a selection to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, McDaniel College has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. McDaniel College is a private institution.
Accreditation: McDaniel College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $490/credit
Click here for a list of McDaniel College‘s online programs.
#3. Coppin State University
A public historically black university, Coppin State University‘s motto is “Nurturing Potential… Transforming Lives”. Founded in 1900, Coppin State University was established at what was once Colored High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Initially operating as a normals school, Colored High School offered African-American students one-year teacher training courses for students interested in becoming elementary school teachers. Two years later, the school was renamed to Douglass High School and was also offering students two-year degree programs. The school operated in this capacity for almost twenty-five years until it was renamed to Fanny Jackson Coppin Normal School. This name was chosen in order to honor Fanny Jackson Coppin who was a pioneer in teacher education. Not fully offering college length courses, Fanny Jackson Coppin Normal School extended its degree programs in 1938 and was then renamed to Coppin Teachers College. In 1950, the school was absorbed into the Maryland State Department of Education and was renamed to Coppin State Teachers College. At this point, the curriculum began to expand beyond just teacher education eventually resulting in the school being renamed to Coppin State College and then Coppin State University. Today, Coppin State University is home to almost 3,000 students.
Home of the Eagles, Coppin State University offers students a large selection of academic programs from which to choose from. Currently, students at Coppin State University can choose from over fifty undergraduate majors as well as nine different graduate degree programs. A portion of these degree programs is also made available to students entirely online helping Coppin State University to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. Coppin State University is a public university.
Accreditation: Coppin State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $603/credit
Click here for a list of Coppin State University‘s online programs.
#4. Morgan State University
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Morgan State University is a public research university. The largest historically black universities in Maryland, Morgan State University was founded in 1867 with the motto “Growing the Future, Leading the World”. Originally known as the Centenary Biblical Institute, the school was founded initially to train young men to enter into the ministry. Operating this way for nearly twenty years, the school was renamed in Morgan College. This name was chosen in order to honor Reverent Lyttleton Morgan. Reverend Morgan was the first chairman of the school and also donated the land that the school was located on. In 1895, Morgan College granted its first Bachelor’s degree. By offering this Bachelor’s degree, Morgan College ushered in a whole new era for the school that resulted in massive growth. In 1915, the school received a large donation from Andrew Carnegie which resulted in the school moving to its current location in Baltimore, Maryland. This new facility allowed the school to grow as it entered into the modern era. With more space, Morgan College enrolled more students and added more academic programs. The school was then purchased by the State of Maryland and eventually renamed to Morgan State University. Today, Morgan State University enrolls more than 7,600 students.
Students at Morgan State University are able to select from a large catalog of academic programs offered at the school. At this time, Morgan State University is offering almost fifty undergraduate degree programs, over thirty Master’s degrees, and sixteen doctoral programs. A selection of these degree programs is also made available to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Morgan State University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. Morgan State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Morgan State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $616/credit
Click here for a list of Morgan State University‘s online programs.
#5. Capitol Technology University
With the motto “Either finds a way or make one”, Capitol Technology University is a private university located just north of Washington, DC. Established in 1927, Capitol Technology University was originally known as the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute. A correspondence school, the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute operated as one of the earliest forms of distance education. The school was operated by Eugene H. Rietzke, a veteran of the United States Navy. Using his experience as a Radioman, Rietzke taught students about radio technology via correspondence. Over the years, the scope of the school slowly expanded to add more courses, more students, and more teachers. By 1964, the school had grown so large that it was decided that it was to be renamed to the Capitol Institute of Technology. Two years later, the Capitol Institute of Technology began to offer students its first Bachelor’s degree program. Needing more space, the school moved campuses. Renamed to Capitol College in 1987, the school continued to grow and offer more academic programs. Finally, after offering its first doctoral program, the school was renamed to Capitol Technology University in 2010. Currently, Capitol Technology University enrolls a student body of almost 900 students.
Today, students at Capitol Technology University can enroll in a large selection of academic programs made available at the school. Currently, Capitol Technology University offers dozens of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. A sizable selection of these programs is made available to students online. By offering these degrees online, Capitol Technology University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. Capitol Technology University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $789/credit
Click here for a list of Capitol Technology University‘s online programs.
#6. Towson University
Established in 1866, Towson University is home to the Tigers. A public university, Towson University is currently located in the city of Towson, Maryland. Originally established as the Maryland State Normal School, plans for Towson University began when the General Assembly of Maryland called for the creation of a teacher-training school to serve the people of Maryland. Opening in January of 1865, the Maryland State Normal School exclusively provided students with the opportunity to train to work as teachers within the public education. Operating in this capacity, the school soon moved from its location in Baltimore to its current location Towson. This new location afforded the school with the space it needed to continue to grow and add more buildings to accommodate its growing student population. At this time the school was renamed to Maryland State Teachers College at Towson in 1934. Offering college degree programs in education, the school soon expanded its curriculum beyond education. By adding undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the school was soon renamed to Towson State College then Towson State University in 1976. Today, Towson State University boasts a student body of over 22,000 students.
Students at Towson University can choose from a wide selection of academic programs offered at the school. At this time, Towson University is offering students almost sixty-five undergraduate degrees as well as almost forty Master’s degrees and five doctoral programs. A large selection of these programs is also available to students entirely online helping Towson University to earn its place among the top online universities and colleges in Maryland. Towson University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Towson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $846/credit
Click here for a list of Towson University‘s online programs.
#7. University of Baltimore
Part of the University System of Maryland, the University of Baltimore is a public university located in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. With the motto “Knowledge that Works”, the University of Baltimore was founded in 1925. Established by a group of entrepreneurs from the city of Baltimore, the University of Baltimore was originally geared towards providing the working class people of Baltimore the chance for an education. After operating for twelve years out of a rowhouse, the University of Baltimore scaled up its courses to a full junior college. Following this, the University of Baltimore’s campus underwent a large amount of growth resulting in the addition of new buildings for the campus. The school soon merged with Eastern College, Mount Vernon School of Law, and the Baltimore College of Commerce in 1970. Growing larger and larger each year, the University of Baltimore was able to offer students better educational opportunities. By 1988, the University of Baltimore was made part of the newly formed University System of Maryland. Now operating part of this system, the University of Baltimore began offering more degrees than ever before. Today, the University of Baltimore is home to a student body of almost 5,000 students.
The University of Baltimore currently offers students many different academic programs from which to choose from. At this time, students at the University of Baltimore can choose from over twenty different undergraduate degree programs as well as over a dozen different graduate programs. Many of these programs are also available to students entirely online helping the University of Baltimore to earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. University of Baltimore is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Baltimore is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $992/credit
Click here for a list of University of Baltimore‘s online programs.
#8. Frostburg State University
Located in Frostburg, Maryland, Frostburg State University’s motto is “One University. A World of Experiences.” A public university and member of the University System of Maryland, Frostburg State University was founded in 1898. Originally established as Frostburg State Normal School No. 2, Frostburg State University was founded through an act of the Maryland General Assembly. The Assembly called for the creation of a normal school that would serve Frostburg and the surrounding areas. In the beginning, Frostburg State Normal School No. 2 exclusively offered students teacher training courses. Operating in this capacity for several years, the school slowly began to expand its academic offerings. In 1935, the school was renamed to the State Teachers’ College at Frostburg. It was at this point in the school’s history that it began to offer four-year degree programs. Still focusing primarily on teacher education, the State Teachers’ College at Frostburg began to add other liberal arts programs which led to the school begin renamed to Frostburg State College in 1963. Adding more and more programs as time went on, Frostburg State College was soon renamed to Frostburg State University in 1987. Today, Frostburg State University is home to a student body of approximately 5,400 students.
At this time, students at Frostburg State University can choose from a large number of academic programs offered at the school. Currently, Frostburg State University is offering almost fifty undergraduate degree programs, sixteen graduate programs, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Many of these programs are also made available to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Frostburg State University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. Frostburg State University is a public institution.
Accreditation: Frostburg State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,128/credit
Click here for a list of Frostburg State University‘s online programs.
#9. University of Maryland, College Park
Established in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is a public research university. The flagship university of the University System of Maryland, University of Maryland, College Park’s motto is “Strong deeds, gentle words.” Originally known as the Maryland Agricultural College, the school operated on the Riversdale Mansion estate just outside of current-day College Park. In 1864, the school received federal funding an became a land grant college. However, the school soon fell on hard times. Going into bankruptcy during the Civil War. However, the school was saved by the Maryland legislature after the state became part owner of the school and infused it with the cash it needed to stay afloat. By 1916, the Maryland Agricultural College had gotten back on its feet and was offering students a variety of different academic programs. Because of this, it was decided that the school was to be renamed to Maryland State College. This name better reflected the variety of academic programs being made available to students at the institution. In 1988, the school became part of the University of Maryland System as the flagship school. Today, the University of Maryland, College Park enrolls nearly 40,000 students.
Home of the Terrapins, the University of Maryland, College Park, offers a large number of academic programs from students to choose from. At this time, students can choose from almost 130 different undergraduate degree programs as well as over 110 different graduate degree programs. A large portion of these degree programs are also made available to students entirely online helping the University of Maryland, College Park to earn a place among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. University of Maryland, College Park is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Maryland, College Park is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,387/credit
#10. Johns Hopkins University
A private research university, Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, Maryland. With the motto “The Truth Shall Set You Free”, Johns Hopkins University was established in 1876. Founded by Quaker entrepreneur Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University was created out of Johns Hopkins desire to create a hospital and university for the city of Baltimore. Upon his death, Johns Hopkins left what is now equivalent to $141.2 million of his wealth for the creation of a new school and hospital. This donation was the largest philanthropic gift in the history of the United States up until that point. The school was to be modeled after the universities of Germany and would focus primarily on research. Johns Hopkins University’s focus on research as a method of learning had a profound impact on the education landscape and is still a major force that has shaped universities and college experiences to this very day. Tied closely to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University operated a prestigious medical college within the university. Among the medical college, Johns Hopkins University operates nine additional campuses across the state of Maryland as well as internationally. Today, Johns Hopkins University enrolls over 20,000 students.
Students at Johns Hopkins University can select from a large catalog of academic programs offered to students at the school. At this time, students at Johns Hopkins University can choose to enroll in over 260 different academic programs including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. A large selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online helping Johns Hopkins University to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Maryland. Johns Hopkins University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $1,791/credit
Click here for a list of Johns Hopkins University‘s online programs.
Other rankings:
Largest Nonprofit Online Universities
Top Scholarships for Online Students
Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges
