Best Online Master’s Programs in Maryland 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN MARYLAND

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff

Published: May 11, 2022
Updated: Sep 10, 2024

Key Takeaways

Maryland has 15 online colleges and universities that offer master’s degrees that can be completed entirely online.
Maryland has a low unemployment rate and a strong GDP, making the state a great location for busy professionals to earn an online master’s degree.
Many of the online colleges in Maryland offer in-state tuition regardless of the student’s state of residency.

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in Maryland in 2025

Johns Hopkins University
Goucher College
+5
Morgan State University
+3
Loyola University Maryland
–1
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
–1
Towson University
–1
University of Baltimore
–5
McDaniel College
+2
Salisbury University
–1
Frostburg State University
+1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, Johns Hopkins University remained in the first ranking position, and Goucher College and Morgan State University climbed five and three respective ranking positions.

Table of Contents

online college intern working in an office

Featured Programs

Best Online Master’s Program in Maryland

Busy working adult students who want to pursue an advanced degree for career advancement can pursue an accredited online master’s degree in Maryland. These online programs provide distance learners with high-quality education without disrupting their current commitments.

Even better, most of these colleges offers an in-state tuition rate regardless of a student’s state of residency. So out-of-state students still pay in-state tuition.

Colleges and Universities in Maryland

The Old Line State has 46 colleges and universities, 30 of which are public and 16 of which are private.

The largest private institution, Johns Hopkins University, has just over 24,000 students and a tuition rate of $54,000. Located in Baltimore, this research university is known for its science and medical discoveries.

Find college admissions consultants in Maryland.

The University of Maryland in College Park boasts over 35,000 students with a price tag of $11,000. The school has 15 campuses, and students can choose from areas of study like criminal justice, communications, physics, and sociology.

Maryland provides loan forgiveness programs for its residents, including programs for dentists and public servants. Students can also check out the Maryland SmartBuy Home Buyer Assistance and Forgiveness Program, where eligible applicants can receive up to 15% of the home purchase price toward outstanding student loan, to be paid off as part of closing.

What are Maryland’s Colleges & Universities?

Maryland’s Best Overall

Why pursue an online master’s degree in Maryland?

Higher Education is Valued in Maryland

Maryland offers numerous choices for some of the best online programs in the United States. According to Forbes, Maryland has one of the highest population of residents with a bachelor’s degree, while Data Commons reports that the state has over 570K master’s degree holders.

Financial Obstacles are Removed in Maryland

Students who are concerned about the rising costs of higher education will be interested to know that the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has a mission of providing all students access to high-quality education. MHEC encourages inclusion and the democratization of education by removing financial obstacles.

MHEC actively manages both state and federal funds to ensure that all prospective students, especially those enrolled in state-funded institutions, can receive some form of financial assistance to reduce academic costs.

Low Unemployment Rates in Maryland

Maryland’s unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than the national average of 3.9%. A lower unemployment rate suggests that Maryland has a robust labor market, with employers actively looking to hire qualified individuals. Better benefits and increased pay may result for job searchers in the state due to this prosperous economic environment.

Most Thriving Industries in Maryland

Choosing a master’s degree that aligns with your interests is important. However, considering if your interests will align with the state’s economic demand is equally important.

This is especially necessary if you’re pursuing a career in Maryland and want to maximize the potential ROI of your master’s degree. Additionally, pursuing an online master’s degree that aligns with the state’s top GDP contributors will give you access to a better network of professionals.

Maryland’s GDP has reached $367.3 billion, and the state’s top industry sectors and related online master’s programs include:

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

MS/MBA in Biotechnology and Business Administration Dual Degree
MS in Energy Policy and Climate
MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy
MS in Bioinformatics
MS in Geospatial Intelligence
MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy
MA in Sustainable Energy
MS in Geographic Information Systems
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MS in Applied Information Technology
MS in Integrated Homeland Security Management
MS in Business and Technology Management
MS in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
MS in Digital Transformation and Innovation
MS in Project Management

Healthcare and Social Assistance

MS in Emergency Health Services
MSW in Social Work
MA in Community-Based Education and Leadership
MS in Healthcare Management
MS in Nursing
MSN in Nursing
MA in Health and Wellness Coaching
MS in Nutrition and Integrative Health

Manufacturing

MS in Organizational Leadership
MS in Food Safety Regulation
MA in Sustainable Energy
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MS in Business and Technology Management
MS in Human Resources Management

Retail Trade

MS in Organizational Leadership
MLA in Liberal Arts
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MS in Business and Technology Management
MS in Human Resources Management
MA in Contemporary Communications

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s Degrees in Maryland

How much does an online master’s degree in Maryland cost?

An online master’s degree in the United States costs about $40,000 for the average grad student. However, the cost of your online master’s degree in Maryland will depend on the type of grad school you attend.

In 2020-2021, the average cost in the United States for a year of tuition in a public grad school was $12,394. The average cost for a year of tuition in private, nonprofit grad school was $28,445.

There are a number of top-ranked colleges and universities in Maryland that offer online graduate programs and have a tuition rate that is well below $20,000. Some of the most affordable online colleges in Maryland in this ranking include:

University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Morgan State University
Towson University
University of Baltimore
Salisbury University
Frostburg State University

An online master’s degree will usually cost about the same as a traditional master’s degree. Some schools will charge 5-10% more for online courses. This added cost pays for the technology and specialized training needed for online instruction.

But getting a master’s degree online can also help you save money. The costs above don’t include expenses like housing, transportation, or certain campus fees. As an online grad student, you can save a lot of money by avoiding these added expenses.

Many online master’s degree programs are also accelerated. Most master’s degree programs are designed to be completed in two years. But you may be able to earn your online master’s degree in as little as 12-18 months. Earning an accelerated online master’s degree can save you money on tuition.

Is it easier to gain admission into an online master’s degree program than into a traditional master’s program?

The answer depends on where you’re applying. Like traditional programs, gaining admission to schools with open admission policies is easier. If you’re applying for an online program in a competitive and selective institution, you should expect to have a demanding admissions process.

In essence, admissions requirements for online master’s degrees are the same as their on-campus counterparts. Online bachelor degree holders must meet GPA requirements, show high standardized test scores, and submit letters of recommendation and personal essays.

However, online programs may allow phone interviews instead of in-person interviews, making the interview process easier. While not all online programs require GRE or other standardized test scores, many do for consideration.

What can I expect from an online course at one the top-ranked online programs in Maryland?

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently.

You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

Do online master’s programs in Maryland require on-campus visits?

Online master’s programs frequently do not require students to physically visit the campus since they are tailored to those who prefer a distant learning environment. It’s important to remember, too, that some of these programs can have specific criteria, such as in-person orientations. However, many institutions have realized how important it is to offer choices to meet the requirements and desires of online learners.

Because of this, an increasing number of online programs provide the ease of call-in or online orientations, guaranteeing that students may participate in their education without being limited by the need to attend in person. With this flexibility, students may start their online master’s degree immediately and get to know their teachers, classmates, and program from the comfort of their homes.

Will employers respect my online degree?

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about adjusting online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech-savvy.

What are the advantages of online classes?

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities and educational experiences that you can complete on your schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials.

And, of course, just as some learners prefer the energy of a live classroom, some learn best when working in their personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

What are the disadvantages of online classes?

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online learning, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you adjust to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

Maryland’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest

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Best Online Master’s Programs in Maryland 2025

Key Takeaways

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in Maryland in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Featured Programs

Best Online Master’s Program in Maryland

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Goucher College

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Morgan State University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Maryland

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Towson University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at University of Baltimore

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at McDaniel College

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Salisbury University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Frostburg State University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Stevenson University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Washington Adventist University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Capitol Technology University

Online Master’s Degrees

Online Master’s Degrees

Colleges and Universities in Maryland

What are Maryland’s Colleges & Universities?

Why pursue an online master’s degree in Maryland?

Higher Education is Valued in Maryland

Financial Obstacles are Removed in Maryland

Low Unemployment Rates in Maryland

Most Thriving Industries in Maryland

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s Degrees in Maryland

How much does an online master’s degree in Maryland cost?

Is it easier to gain admission into an online master’s degree program than into a traditional master’s program?

What can I expect from an online course at one the top-ranked online programs in Maryland?

Do online master’s programs in Maryland require on-campus visits?

Will employers respect my online degree?

What are the advantages of online classes?

What are the disadvantages of online classes?

Maryland’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest