Affordable Degree Guide

Affordable Online Degree Programs in Maryland

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Maryland brings together a powerful mix of opportunity and access. A dense corridor of employers, including federal agencies, defense and cybersecurity firms, hospitals, and biotech labs, sits alongside a public higher education system that is steadily expanding affordability. 

From Chesapeake Bay towns to the DC and Baltimore metro area and into the mountains of Western Maryland, students can choose fully online programs, transfer-friendly community college to university pathways, and state grants that can significantly reduce or even eliminate tuition and mandatory fees for eligible residents. 

This guide walks through the essentials so you can plan a budget-smart online degree in the Old Line State.

In this guide

Tuition and Fee Overview in Maryland

Maryland offers multiple affordability levers for residents, especially at public universities and community colleges, along with a wide range of online programs through the University System of Maryland and UMGC.

Community Colleges & Technical Colleges

Across 14 online associate degree programs in Maryland, tuition ranges from a low of $6,600 at Baltimore City Community College to a high of $27,755 at Capitol Technology University, with the overall average coming in at $10,537.

Associate degree programs in Maryland

  1. Baltimore City Community College

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $110 in-state | $280 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $6,600
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Prince George's Community College

    Largo, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $119 in-state | $316 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $7,140
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Community College of Baltimore County

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $124 in-state | $247 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $7,440
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 43
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Hagerstown Community College

    Hagerstown, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $128 in-state | $262 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $7,680
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 9
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Anne Arundel Community College

    Arnold, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $130 in-state | $425 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $7,800
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Chesapeake College

    Wye Mills, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $131 in-state | $317 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $7,860
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Cecil College

    North East, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $135 in-state | $308 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $8,100
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Wor-Wic Community College

    Salisbury, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $136 in-state | $341 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $8,160
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  9. College of Southern Maryland

    La Plata, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $140 in-state | $335 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $8,400
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Carroll Community College

    Westminster, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $144 in-state | $337 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $8,640
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 12
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Frederick Community College

    Frederick, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $166 in-state | $432 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $9,960
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 16
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Montgomery College

    Germantown, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $203 in-state | $475 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $12,180
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 18
    Learn more: Program details

  13. University of Maryland Global Campus

    Adelphi, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $330 in-state | $499 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $19,800
    Credits: 60
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Capitol Technology University

    Laurel, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $455
    Total tuition: $27,755
    Credits: 61
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details


Public and Private Institutions

Looking at 15 online bachelor’s programs, the highest tuition is $236,640 at Loyola University Maryland, the lowest is $54,600 at Capitol Technology University, and the average cost across all programs is $104,560.

Bachelor’s degree programs in Maryland

  1. Capitol Technology University

    Laurel, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $455
    Total tuition: $54,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Stevenson University

    Owings Mills, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $465
    Total tuition: $55,800
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 11
    Learn more: Program details

  3. University of Maryland Global Campus

    Adelphi, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $330 in-state | $499 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $59,880
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 36
    Learn more: Program details

  4. Coppin State University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $214 in-state | $508 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $60,960
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Bowie State University

    Bowie, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $208 in-state | $572 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $68,640
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  6. Mount St. Mary's University

    Emmitsburg, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $580
    Total tuition: $69,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 11
    Learn more: Program details

  7. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $197 in-state | $582 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $69,840
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  8. Morgan State University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $242 in-state | $705 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $84,600
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Salisbury University

    Salisbury, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $377 in-state | $760 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $91,200
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 1
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Frostburg State University

    Frostburg, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $247 in-state | $777 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $93,240
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 2
    Learn more: Program details

  11. University of Baltimore

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $323 in-state | $917 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $110,040
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Washington Adventist University

    Takoma Park, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,034
    Total tuition: $124,080
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,410
    Total tuition: $174,840
    Credits: 124
    Number of degree programs: 24
    Learn more: Program details

  14. University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $434 in-state | $1787 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $214,440
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 2
    Learn more: Program details

  15. Loyola University Maryland

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,972
    Total tuition: $236,640
    Credits: 120
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

Among 21 online master’s degrees evaluated, tuition starts at $15,600 at Hood College on the lower end, rises to $40,140 at University of Maryland, Baltimore County on the upper end, and averages $24,485 overall.

Master’s degree programs in Maryland

  1. Hood College

    Frederick, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $520
    Total tuition: $15,600
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  2. Stevenson University

    Owings Mills, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $510
    Total tuition: $16,830
    Credits: 33
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  3. Notre Dame of Maryland University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $600
    Total tuition: $18,000
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  4. McDaniel College

    Westminster, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $563
    Total tuition: $18,579
    Credits: 33
    Number of degree programs: 16
    Learn more: Program details

  5. Capitol Technology University

    Laurel, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $630
    Total tuition: $18,900
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 35
    Learn more: Program details

  6. University of Maryland Global Campus

    Adelphi, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $544 in-state | $659 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $19,770
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 40
    Learn more: Program details

  7. Goucher College

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $570
    Total tuition: $20,520
    Credits: 36
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  8. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

    Princess Anne, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $367 in-state | $687 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $20,610
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 4
    Learn more: Program details

  9. Frostburg State University

    Frostburg, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $483 in-state | $630 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $20,790
    Credits: 33
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  10. Mount St. Mary's University

    Emmitsburg, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $620
    Total tuition: $22,320
    Credits: 36
    Number of degree programs: 7
    Learn more: Program details

  11. Bowie State University

    Bowie, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $466 in-state | $745 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $22,350
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  12. Washington Adventist University

    Takoma Park, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $625
    Total tuition: $22,500
    Credits: 36
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  13. Salisbury University

    Salisbury, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $719
    Total tuition: $23,008
    Credits: 32
    Number of degree programs: 5
    Learn more: Program details

  14. Loyola University Maryland

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $720
    Total tuition: $23,760
    Credits: 33
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

  15. University of Baltimore

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $836
    Total tuition: $25,080
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 6
    Learn more: Program details

  16. Morgan State University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $485 in-state | $950 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $28,500
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 8
    Learn more: Program details

  17. University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $806 in-state | $1027 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $30,810
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 14
    Learn more: Program details

  18. Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,140
    Total tuition: $34,200
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 81
    Learn more: Program details

  19. Towson University

    Towson, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $558 in-state | $1154 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $34,620
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 13
    Learn more: Program details

  20. St. John's College

    Annapolis, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,243
    Total tuition: $37,290
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 3
    Learn more: Program details

  21. University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    Baltimore, Maryland
    Delivery method: Online
    2024/2025 Cost per credit: $779 in-state | $1338 out-of-state
    Total tuition: $40,140
    Credits: 30
    Number of degree programs: 10
    Learn more: Program details

Notable Statewide Initiatives in Maryland

  • Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship – A last-dollar program that can make community college tuition and mandatory fees very low or even free for eligible Maryland residents, helping reduce the total cost of an online associate or transfer degree.
  • Howard P. Rawlings GA & EA Grants via MHEC One-App – Maryland’s main need-based grants for undergraduates at public and private colleges, accessed through the FAFSA and the MHEC One-App, making in-state colleges and universities more affordable.
  • 2+2 Transfer and Near Completer Programs – State support for community college graduates transferring to four-year schools and for adults with “some college, no degree,” lowering the cost of finishing a bachelor’s degree online or on campus.
  • Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit – A tax credit that can help Maryland residents pay down existing student loans, improving long-term affordability for college graduates.
  • Career and Workforce Scholarships – Additional Maryland scholarships that target high-demand fields such as teaching, healthcare, cybersecurity, and other shortage areas, making career-focused degrees more cost effective.

Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition

When you plan an affordable online degree in Maryland, remember that tuition is only part of your total college cost of attendance. Online students should also budget for:

  • Books and supplies – Expenses vary by program and number of credits. Some Maryland colleges use low-cost digital materials or open educational resources that can reduce textbook costs.
  • Technology – A dependable laptop, high-speed internet, and any required learning platforms or online proctoring fees are essential for online learners in Maryland.
  • Occasional travel – Certain programs may still require in-person labs, clinicals, residencies, orientations, or licensure exams at a Maryland campus or approved testing site.
  • Living expenses and time – Housing, food, transportation, childcare, and reduced work hours all affect your real college budget, even if your classes are fully online.
  • Financial aid stacking – Federal Pell Grants, institutional scholarships, and Maryland programs such as the Community College Promise Scholarship and Howard P. Rawlings GA and EA Grants can work together to lower your net tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges, making an online degree in Maryland more affordable overall.

State-Funded Grants & Scholarships

Maryland residents pursuing affordable online degrees can tap several key state financial aid programs:

  • Howard P. Rawlings Grants (GA & EA) – Core Maryland need-based grants that help lower tuition at eligible public and private colleges when you file the FAFSA and MHEC One-App.
  • Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship – Last-dollar aid that can make community college tuition and mandatory fees very low or even free for eligible students, including those in online associate programs.
  • 2+2 Transfer and Near Completer Programs – Targeted scholarships for community college graduates transferring into a four-year school and adults returning to finish a degree.
  • Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit – A Maryland tax credit that helps qualified borrowers pay down existing student loans after graduation.

These state-funded grants and scholarships can significantly reduce the total cost of an online degree in Maryland when combined with federal aid and institutional scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes affordable online degree programs in Maryland a good option?

Affordable online degree programs in Maryland let you earn a respected credential from in-state colleges while saving on housing, transportation, and campus fees, especially when you combine them with Maryland grants and federal financial aid.

Which schools offer the cheapest online associate degrees in Maryland?

Maryland community colleges are typically the cheapest online colleges in the state, with online associate degrees starting around $6,600 at Baltimore City Community College and averaging about $10,537 across programs.

How much do online bachelor’s degrees cost in Maryland?

Online bachelor’s degree programs in Maryland range from about $54,600 at Capitol Technology University up to $236,640 at Loyola University Maryland, with an average cost of roughly $104,560.

What is the average cost of an online master’s degree in Maryland?

Most online master’s degree programs in Maryland fall between $15,600 (Hood College) and $40,140 (UMBC), with an average tuition of about $24,485 across 21 programs.

What state financial aid can online students in Maryland use?

Online students in Maryland may qualify for Howard P. Rawlings GA and EA Grants, the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, 2+2 Transfer and Near Completer Programs, and the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit, all of which help lower total college costs.

Can I use the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship for online classes?

Yes. The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship can be applied to eligible online associate and transfer-focused programs at participating community colleges, making tuition and mandatory fees very low or even free.

How do 2+2 transfer programs reduce the cost of an online degree in Maryland?

A 2+2 pathway lets you complete an affordable online associate degree at a Maryland community college, then transfer into an online or hybrid bachelor’s program at a four-year school, often with additional transfer scholarships.

What extra costs should I budget for with an online degree in Maryland?

You should budget for books and supplies, a reliable laptop and high-speed internet, any online proctoring or platform fees, occasional travel for labs or exams, and regular living expenses like housing, transportation, and childcare.

Do Maryland state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants for online students?

Yes. Federal Pell Grants can be combined with Howard P. Rawlings GA/EA Grants, the Community College Promise Scholarship, and institutional aid to significantly reduce your net tuition and fees at Maryland colleges offering online programs.

How can I find the most affordable online degree program in Maryland?

Compare total tuition for online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, check your eligibility for Maryland state financial aid, look for transfer-friendly 2+2 options, and ask each school’s financial aid office about scholarships specifically for online students in Maryland.