THE BEST VALUE ONLINE SCHOOLS IN MARYLAND

The University of Maryland-University College is a comprehensive, affordable online school in Maryland that provides students with meaningful degrees without all the obligations of a traditional education. In addition to offering over 90 programs at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels, UMUC also features many of the hallmarks of other colleges on this list, such as 24-hour tech support and an online library. But what truly sets UMUC apart from the competition is its price. At just over $7,000 a year for in-state students, Maryland residents would be hard-pressed to find a better deal anywhere in the country.

Like Capitol Technology University, Bowie State is another accredited online college in Maryland known for the extent of its distance learning technology. In fact, BSU's Academic Computing and Online Course Support Department is entirely devoted to serving the respective needs of both students and faculty members who are involved with online education. And although the percentage of students who avail themselves of these resources is moderate at best (around a third of BSU undergrads qualify as distance learners), the strength of their support is well above average. The school even provides access to a 24-hour virtual Help Desk and a tutoring service called "Smarthinking."

Having received national recognition for its "Student Services and Technology" as well as "Student Engagement and Accreditation"fromU.S. News, this isn't the first time Capitol Technology University has appeared in a Maryland best online colleges ranking. Even for a school with "technology" in its name, CTU has made a name for itself by exceeding expectations in the area of tech-based learning. And at least part of the credit goes to the university's forward-thinking IT Department, which provides "24/7 live tech support, live tutoring, smartphone applications and live-streaming video." Unsurprisingly, CTU's selection of online bachelor's degrees include high-tech fields like Cyber Information and Security and Management of Cyber and Information Technology.

Featuring degrees like Business Information Systems and Legal Studies, Stevenson University's Adult Undergraduate Programs are the perfect opportunity for working and continuing education students to apply their skills and knowledge towards a bachelor's degree. Unlike most other top online colleges in Maryland, Stevenson requires distance learners to demonstrate both professional experience as well prior college credits in order to be admitted. In addition to the flexibility and convenience of Stevenson's array of online undergraduate coursework, this mandate raises the overall level of maturity and seriousness of the programs to ensure a productive education environment.