Graduates of Maryland's colleges and universities enjoy affordable tuition and a high-quality education. In addition, those who go on to work in Maryland earn a median income higher than the average U.S. salary.
This page provides information on the state's job outlook and what it costs to enroll in the best online colleges in Maryland. It also examines the kinds of degrees you might consider and how to explore financial aid. Furthermore, this page connects you to scholarships available to Maryland college students by providing links to resources you can access as you begin to prepare for your academic future.
Employment opportunities for graduates of online colleges in Maryland are numerous. The state houses corporate, government, and nonprofit entities that recruit skilled professionals. Moreover, Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C. provides more career options, with commuting made easy thanks to the area's public transit system.
The following tables highlight the state's unemployment rate and annual mean wage. The average yearly income in Maryland exceeds that of the U.S. by 13%, demonstrating the lucrative pay you can expect to earn once you complete your studies at online colleges and universities in Maryland. Enrolling in these schools allows you to sharpen your knowledge and skills and create connections with potential employers in the region so you can seamlessly transition from college to career.
While tuition is similar for online and on-campus programs, you can save money attending online. You won't have to pay for transportation to and from campus, on-campus housing expenses, meal plans, or activity fees. Attending school online also provides greater flexibility because many programs allow you to attend class at your convenience. As a result, online students can work full-time while they attend school.
This table highlights the cost of attending an in-state college in Maryland relative to the average cost of in-state institutions across the U.S.
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $4,680 | $9,900 |
| U.S. Average | $3,660 | $10,230 |
Source: The College Board
In-state students can expect to earn their four-year degree in Maryland for less than what other in-state students pay when they enroll in a public institution. Non-Maryland residents, however, will pay more than double what their in-state classmates pay if they attend the same public institutions. Students who enroll in online colleges in Maryland receive an education at a great value, as many schools charge online students the same tuition and fees as in-state students.
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $9,900 | $23,930 |
| U.S. Average | $10,230 | $26,290 |
Source: The College Board
If you plan to attend the best online colleges and universities in Maryland, work with your school's financial aid office to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Make certain to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which the U.S. Department of Education makes available. The department offers more federal student aid than any other source, including more than $120 billion in loans, federal grants, and work-study dollars each year to over 13 million college students. Completing the FAFSA determines what types of aid you are eligible for.
In addition, explore the possibility of participating in a loan forgiveness program. These can reduce your loans if you work in the right field. The amount by which a program reduces your loan depends on how long you remain on the job. Also, look for tuition reimbursement opportunities your employer may offer.
Students who enroll in the best online colleges in Maryland can apply for scholarships to help them cover tuition, fees, books, and other costs. Explore the scholarships listed below to start your search.
Who Can Apply: The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society administers this scholarship, which supports undergraduates pursuing studies for a career in cartography, surveying, photogrammetry, or a related field. The scholarship recognizes excellence in collaboration and communications.
Amount: $2,000
Who Can Apply: The alumni association of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County awards three scholarships to students who demonstrate a commitment to supporting and advancing minorities through community service. Applicants must have a 2.75 GPA.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Freshmen at Frostburg State University can receive this scholarship if they enter with at least a 3.5 GPA and a 1200 SAT score. The scholarship gives priority to students from Allegany County and is renewable.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: The Guaranteed Access Partnership Program matches the Guaranteed Access grant that qualified Maryland students receive if they enroll in an independent college that participates in the program. Eligibility depends on need.
Amount: $17,900
Who Can Apply: Towson University administers this scholarship to encourage ethnic and racial diversity among its students. Recipients must represent an underserved minority group or have overcome a personal, financial, or social obstacle. The award is renewable.
Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: The Maryland Higher Education Commission awards this scholarship to high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students if they reside in Maryland. They must enroll in a two- or four-year school. The scholarship is renewable.
Amount: Up to $11,800
As you consider online colleges in Maryland for your degree, research the careers you can enter based on the top businesses and industries in the state. For example, Maryland is a technology hub, with the Goddard Space Flight Center and the U.S. Census Bureau calling it home. These organizations require tech-savvy employees with a firm grasp of information technology and computer science. In fact, a 2016 CompTIA report ranked Maryland 15th in the nation for employment in tech jobs. In addition, think about majors that prepare you to enter a career in finance. These include studies in math, engineering, economics, and business. Maryland is a leader when it comes to manufacturing chemicals, computer hardware, and electronics while the Port of Baltimore imports more motor vehicles than any other in the world. Jobs in these industries require finance experts who can ensure the highest return on investment.
Majoring in information technology means you can enter an occupation expected to grow 13% by 2026, according to the BLS. The knowledge and skills you acquire in your coursework prepare you to design strategies for computing technology and solve the complex challenges organizations face. These skills can lead to a career as a computer and information research scientist.
The BLS projects business and financial occupations to grow 10% by 2026 thanks to globalization and an uptick in the economy. Moreover, increased consumer demand requires skilled professionals who can perform cost assessments, devise risk mitigation strategies, and evaluate profit returns.
Professionals with this academic background understand quantitative data, which finance careers demand. Furthermore, you can develop an expertise in specific industries like oil and gas or renewable energy, and major corporations hire finance professionals to help them understand costs versus profits. You could work in these industries as a financial analyst.
MDGO4IT: This online tool helps potential college students determine where to earn their degree. The site offers resources to K-12 students, college students, veterans, and adult learners.
Kids' Chance of Maryland, Inc.: This organization provides scholarships to the children of Maryland employees who suffered devastating injuries or death on the job. Part of Kids' Chance of America, the Maryland affiliate has been providing funding to college students for over two decades.
Maryland at a Glance: Part of the Maryland Manual Online, this resource provides extensive information about the state's colleges and universities. In addition, it links to other resources students may find helpful, like College 411, a guide to help students learn more about higher education and financial aid in Maryland.
Preparing for College: This website serves as a clearinghouse of information for learning how to prepare for college. You can search for colleges in an online database, learn how best to prepare for the SAT and ACT exams, and find out about the Baltimore County Public Schools Scholarship Loan Program for careers in education.
Ways to Pay for College: Maryland Public Television provides information about college financial aid. The links help you begin your financial aid search, including accessing scholarship information.
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