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Best Online Community Colleges in Maryland

Updated 3/19/2024 By Bailey Fletcher

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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Updated 3/19/2024 By Bailey Fletcher

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We have compiled a list of online community colleges in Maryland, ranked by Salary Score and online enrollment. This data-driven approach empowers you to make informed decisions about your future. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU. To find other colleges near you, check out our list of online colleges by state. 

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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How We Rank "Best" Schools

%%YEAR%% Best Online %%LEVEL_NAME%% in %%PROGRAM_NAME%% Badge

The OnlineU research team ranks community colleges in each featured state using Salary Score, our proprietary measure of how graduates' earnings compare with those of students who earned the same associate degrees elsewhere. Using U.S. Department of Education earnings data, we compare each college's associate graduates with graduates of the same degrees nationwide, providing a degree-level perspective of financial outcomes rather than relying on institution-wide earnings.

When there isn't enough data to calculate a reliable Salary Score, we rank eligible schools by online enrollment, highlighting colleges with larger, more established distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

Tuition numbers were manually collected and verified where noted
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Salary Score A- B+ B B B B B- B- B- B- N/A N/A
4.46 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Prince George's Community College () offers several associate degree and certificate programs online. These include programs in some of PGCC's most popular fields of study, such as the Associate of Arts in General Studies with a choice of three concentrations and the Associate of Applied Science in Business Management. The school offers more than 300 credit and noncredit online courses you can take as well.

Why we like them: PGCC invests in tools like Canvas to give its students the best online learning experience possible. The learning management system Canvas is a robust platform that helps you navigate your online courses. On Canvas, you can access your courses and interact with your instructors and classmates. The fact that the college's online enrollment is impressively high, with 5,636 students embracing the convenience and flexibility of online learning, only adds to the appeal of this learning community. Additionally, the college holds a commendable overall review rating of 4.55 and a 100% recommendation rate from its students, highlighting the positive experiences and satisfaction among its alums.

2 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

David Adewunmi, Graduated 2018
Overall Rating: 5/5

Prince George's Community College (PGCC) was a school that provided me with a surplus of opportunities to flourish and advance my career. It provided classes and resources that led me to the career that I have chosen today. Community college is wrongfully... Read More

Jennifer, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

It's a great school, if you are an older student such as myself you would enjoy night school better. The day program has a lot of younger students straight from high school and the school is very crowded during the day.

Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Prince George’s Community College as a strong value option that combines affordable tuition with meaningful academic and career support. Students say the college offers useful resources, committed professors, scholarship opportunities, and exposure to four-year transfer pathways, helping them feel better prepared and more competitive. The strongest praise centers on practical advancement and staff investment in individual success. The main drawback is environmental rather than academic: daytime classes are described as crowded and dominated by younger recent high school graduates, which may feel less comfortable for older learners. Evening classes are seen as a better fit for those seeking a calmer, more compatible setting.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 5,636 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $6,420
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $9,480
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $68,743
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#2
4.8 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

The Community College of Baltimore County () has a variety of online programs you can choose from. The college's most sought-after program is its Associate of Arts in General Studies, followed by a Certificate in Criminal Justice Studies and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration. Some of these online programs may require you to complete at least some in-person components.

Why we like them: With an online enrollment of over 6,471 students, CCBC demonstrates a robust and dynamic online learning environment. This high number of online learners signifies not only the popularity of CCBC's programs but also its capacity to support a diverse student body from various walks of life. It's a big plus for you if you're seeking a lively online community. CCBC also strives to give you the flexibility to complete your college education on your own time. The school offers year-round start dates with 5-, 6-, 7-, and 10-week courses. Additionally, some online resources to help you during your academic journey include 24/7 help desk support, enrollment assistance, academic advising, and financial aid assistance.

2 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Great school for the money, Graduated 2012
Overall Rating: 5/5

I was a night school returning student. This college was better than the state school where I earned my first degree. I learned a lot. The college was helpful and supportive. When I lost my job right before my last semester and called to drop out, they... Read More

Tiffany Loewer, Graduated 2013
Overall Rating: 5/5

I absolutely loved the Community College of Baltimore County. My only regret in life is not going there straight after high school. Instead I went to Salisbury University where I racked up a debt of $7,000.00 for one semester and when I wasn't able to... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray CCBC as a highly supportive, affordable college where individual faculty and staff make a lasting difference. Students praise professors who build confidence, teach in memorable ways, and create relaxed classrooms that make participation easier, especially for quieter learners. Several reviews emphasize practical learning that felt stronger than at a four-year institution. Administrative support also stands out: emergency funding for tuition and books, quick tech help, and cross-campus scheduling assistance helped students stay enrolled and graduate on time. Minor challenges involved financial strain and occasional seat shortages, but students overwhelmingly felt cared for, respected, and well served.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 6,471 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $7,380
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $7,410
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $60,219
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 56%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#3
4.36 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

At Montgomery College (), you can earn your online associate degree in various fields, including behavioral health, business, computer science, and more. The college also offers fully online certificates in many fields like homeland security, professional and technical writing, and web development. You’ll learn from an expert teaching faculty that are trained and certified in online education quality assurance.

Why we like them: We appreciate that MC has made efforts to help students save money on college. We know that college textbooks can be quite pricey, adding to the many fees that come with higher education. Fortunately, MC offers the MC Open initiative. MC Open allows you to take courses and earn a degree without spending money on textbooks. Online Z-courses use Open Educational Resources, which are free online teaching and learning materials. Another one of the standout features that make MC so appealing is its remarkable support to military personnel, boasting an impressive enrollment of 4,932 service members. This showcases MC’s dedication to providing accessible education to those who serve, making it a highly military-friendly institution.

2 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

valerie azafack, Graduated 2009
Overall Rating: 5/5

Montgomery college made me an excellent technologist. I completed a radiologic technologist program at Montgomery College in Maryland nine years ago. The faculty members were very knowledgeable and passionate to teach us the skills and knowledge that... Read More

Marquasha Wilson, Graduated 2013
Overall Rating: 3/5

Montgomery College is a good place to learn but a student really has to be on there P's and Q's in order to stay on track and graduate on time. I am not completely satisfied with the counselors; I had to find out what classes I needed on my own.

Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Montgomery College as a place where you can gain strong practical preparation, but success depends heavily on staying organized and proactive. One reviewer credits the college with building real-world skills through knowledgeable, passionate faculty, and says that training translated directly into career confidence and day-to-day professional effectiveness. Another says the college is a good place to learn, yet warns that graduation planning can be difficult without careful self-management. A notable concern is advising quality: the reviewer felt unsupported by counselors and had to independently determine required coursework, suggesting that academic guidance may be less reliable than classroom instruction.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,592 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $8,190
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $11,400
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $61,750
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#4
N/A
Overall Rating
N/A
Recommend
N/A
Helpful for Career

Baltimore City Community College () features a number of online associate degrees you can pursue. Some popular choices include associate degrees in general studies and allied human services. There’s also one online certification program in coding specialist you can enroll in.

Why we like them: BCCC offers the lowest tuition rates in the Baltimore area. In addition, the school has no out-of-county tuition. If eligible, you may receive free tuition through a mix of federal financial aid, the State of Maryland’s Scholarships or Grants, or support from the City of Baltimore’s and BCCC Foundation’s scholarships. We know that college education can be a financial burden, so we think BCCC may be a more affordable option for some students. Plus, BCCC's student-faculty ratio of 12:1 is notably appealing. You'll enjoy more personalized attention and support during your online education journey, which we believe is crucial for student success.

  • Online Enrollment: 3,832 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $3,300
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $8,400
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $63,362
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 48%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#5
4.08 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Harford Community College () offers four fully online associate degrees in accounting, business administration, communication studies, and computer information systems. Each program is thoughtfully designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's ever-evolving job market. In addition. the school partners with Ed2go to offer non-credentialed online courses. You can take short-term online courses in topics like photography, Spanish, and Microsoft Excel.

Why we like them: If you’re interested in an online program but don’t know if you’re ready, you can take Harford’s Online Readiness Check quiz. This tool identifies your strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if online education is right for you. Once you receive your results, you can share them with one of the school’s academic advisors for the next steps. We like that Harford wants to ensure prospective students are prepared for distance education. The overall review rating of 4.08 and 100% recommendation rate both underscore the satisfaction of past students, which tells us that you are likely to have a positive experience.

3 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Nensha Kay, Graduated 2012
Overall Rating: 3/5

Hartford Community College is an excellent school with intelligent professors who know how to teach. The faculty really want you to succeed and make something of yourself in the real world, and in four year institutions, and beyond! HCC is a great choice!... Read More

Felicia Shipman, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 5/5

I loved Hartford Community College ! I learned more than most would imagine at this college and a lot of what I learned where valuable life lessons that others may not of realized existed in a college ! The professors were very down to earth and it showed... Read More

April Crosby, Graduated 2015
Overall Rating: 4/5

Harford Community College has a lot to offer students fresh out of high school or returning students such as myself. The schedule of classes is great for working people and single parents. There are a lot of classes offered online. Everyone who works... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Harford Community College as a supportive, practical starting point, especially for people balancing work, parenting, or a return to school. Students consistently praise approachable professors, kind staff, and instructors who challenge them while showing genuine investment in their success. Several reviews highlight meaningful personal growth, stronger focus, and a smoother transition into later academic goals, with one reviewer emphasizing significant cost savings compared with starting elsewhere. Online options and flexible scheduling stand out as major advantages. The main criticism is uneven communication around advising, majors, and financial aid, leaving some students to navigate important decisions largely on their own.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,456 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $7,500
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $10,650
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $55,778
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#6
5.0 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Anne Arundel Community College () provides dozens of fully online associate degrees and certificates to meet your career goals. Several of its offerings are designed as transfer degrees for students who want to continue their studies at the bachelor's level. These include the Associate of Science in Business as well as the Associate of Arts in Psychology. AACC uses the learning management system Canvas to deliver online courses. Through Canvas, you’ll access your courses, connect with your instructors, and engage in discussion boards with your classmates.

Why we like them: With a military enrollment of 1,857, AACC stands out as a military-friendly option, ensuring that veterans and active-duty military members receive the education and support they need. This level of inclusivity and support is something we value. Another highlight that puts AACC on our radar is its perfect review rating of 5.0 and recommendation rate of 100%. Clearly, those who've attended AACC in the past have found significant worth in their educational journey. The willingness of past learners to go out of their way to recommend AACC is an endorsement of the quality and satisfaction you can expect.

1 Student Review for Associate Degrees

Patrick Smiley, Graduated 2015
Overall Rating: 5/5

AACC is a wonderful school that focuses on all manner of students, be they high school graduates, ex-military, professionals seeking continuing education, etc. For the Information Technology courses, AACC's instructors are professionals at the pinnacle... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Anne Arundel Community College as highly supportive, practical, and convenient, with consistently excellent ratings and strong recommendations. Students value how well the college serves people from varied backgrounds, especially through flexible scheduling that makes it easier to balance classes with work and other responsibilities. Instructors are described as experienced industry professionals who actively expand learning beyond coursework through mentoring, clubs, and career-relevant opportunities. Reviewers also highlight the school’s close-to-home accessibility, strong networking environment, and the meaningful personal connections formed there. The most distinctive takeaway is the blend of career alignment, flexibility, and community.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 6,400 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $9,150
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $13,260
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $57,342
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#7
4.57 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Chesapeake College () is a community college in rural Maryland with online offerings at the associate level. In total, there are five online associate degrees in the following fields: accounting, business administration, business management, human services, and the liberal arts.

Why we like them: Chesapeake's recommendation rate is a perfect 100%. This speaks volumes about the college's ability to meet, if not exceed, expectations. We're also encouraged by the fact that 73% of students receive financial aid, making education more accessible to a wider audience. And for those of you interested in the flexibility of online learning, CC's enrollment figures show a strong online presence, with over 800 students choosing this route. Although the graduation and retention rates may not be the highest, the strong emphasis on financial aid and the outstanding levels of satisfaction and recommendations underline a supportive and effective educational environment, one that we believe offers a solid foundation for your future endeavors.

1 Student Review for Associate Degrees

Joshua, Graduated 2009
Overall Rating: 5/5

Excellent Community College experience. The Financial Aid Department was incredible at finding me additional scholarships and money for classes. Also, the small campus feels allows students to truly feel like a community with their cohort and the professors... Read More

  • Online Enrollment: 836 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $6,810
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $9,510
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $52,458
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#8
N/A
Overall Rating
N/A
Recommend
N/A
Helpful for Career

Frederick Community College () offers a number of online degree and certificate options. The school's Associate of Arts in General Studies has the highest enrollment, and other popular choices include an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and an Associate of Arts in Social Sciences. Many of the online associate degrees at FCC are available as shorter certificate programs.

Why we like them: FCC aims to provide the best online learning experience for distance learners. The college works with Quality Matters (QM), a nationally recognized program for quality assurance in course design. QM reviews, revises, and certifies FCC’s online courses. All courses that are QM-certified are marked in the school’s online course listing. Moreover, FCC's dedication to supporting its online learners is evident through its robust online enrollment numbers, with 1,704 students choosing to study online. This showcases the college's capacity to deliver quality education remotely, making it a fantastic option if you're looking for flexibility in your educational journey.

  • Online Enrollment: 1,704 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: N/A
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $10,042
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $53,435
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#9
5.0 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Allegany College of Maryland () offers online classes and programs in business administration, psychology, nursing, and more. Examples include an Associate in Business Administration and an LPN to RN bridge program. Students looking to enter the workforce can gain targeted skills in their chosen field of study and graduate with their associate degree online. At the same time, those who plan to finish a bachelor's degree at some point can complete general education requirements and major-specific courses before transferring.

Why we like them: In partnership with Saint Francis University, you can apply for the 3+1 opportunity. First, you’ll take three years of coursework at ACM. Then, you’ll transfer to St. Francis for an additional 33 credit hours to earn a Bachelor of Science through its Adult Degree & Continuing Studies Program. Online degree completion programs are available in business administration, computer science, biology, human services, and psychology. While some of our statistics, like the graduation and retention rates, don't meet our highest standards, the compelling strengths in other areas make ACM a noteworthy option for anyone pursuing online education in Maryland.

1 Student Review for Associate Degrees

Dominique Nicholson, Graduated 2026
Overall Rating: 5/5

Allegany College of Maryland is affordable but the expressive thing is the curriculum and academic support you receive from the admission process until start your classes was great. Orientation was very informative. The online class curriculum is very... Read More

  • Online Enrollment: 620 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $8,640
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $11,760
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $50,943
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#10
4.5 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Carroll Community College ) is a two-year school located in rural Westminster, Maryland. While it offers hybrid degrees and certificates, it also has a list of fully online degrees to choose from in the following fields: arts & sciences, business, management, general studies, information systems, social work, and sociology.

Why we like them: Carroll CC has an impressive student-faculty ratio of 14 to 1. This shows you will receive a more personalized and engaging learning experience, a crucial aspect of online learning where interaction can often feel limited. The college’s online enrollment figure of 1,017 reflects a substantial virtual community, ensuring that you won’t be studying in isolation but rather within a vibrant online ecosystem. Also, the school's emphasis on affordability — with a generous average financial aid package of $3,549 — shows its commitment to supporting their student body financially.

1 Student Review for Associate Degrees

Anonymous, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Carroll is a local community college that offers a wide variety of degrees, one being nursing. In order to get the nursing degree, you must first take two years of pre-reqs, which is a lot of math, writing, and science. Then after you complete all that... Read More

  • Online Enrollment: 1,017 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $7,350
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $10,110
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $57,351
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#11
N/A
Overall Rating
N/A
Recommend
N/A
Helpful for Career

College of Southern Maryland () is a public institution in rural Maryland, with a medium-sized student body. At CSM, there are four online associate degrees in business administration, business management, general studies, and cloud & information technology. These all have web-based courses you can take at any time, without pre-established meeting days.

Why we like them: One of the standout features of CSM is its impressive military enrollment, boasting 1,230 active and veteran military personnel. This significant figure not only showcases the college's commitment to serving those who serve but also highlights its support systems tailored to meet the unique needs of military families and individuals. Despite the school's graduation rate and earnings percentile not hitting the highest benchmarks, we believe CSM's dedication to accessibility and inclusivity make it an attractive option for many. Its significant military enrollment and large online student body suggest that CSM caters to non-traditional students.

  • Online Enrollment: 2,699 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $7,350
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $10,050
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $55,400
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#12
5.0 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

At Hagerstown Community College (), you can pursue online associate degrees in the arts and sciences, business administration, commercial transportation administration, cybersecurity, general studies, human services, education, management, marketing, psychology, and sociology. HCC also offers online certificates in areas such as administrative assistance, commercial transportation management, and cybersecurity.

Why we like them: If you’re seeking job readiness skills, consider HCC’s short-term online training programs. These workforce training certifications are designed to help you obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for your next career in a short period of time. To receive a workforce training certificate, you must complete all training requirements, including prerequisites, learning assessments, and attendance. Scholarships are available for certain training programs. Moreover, HCC goes the extra mile in supporting your educational journey with resources like a built-in tool that reads class documents aloud, making learning more accessible for everyone.

1 Student Review for Associate Degrees

Ky, Graduated 2021
Overall Rating: 5/5

It was my first college experience and I was only able to attend in person a little bit before Covid hit and we went hybrid. I think my college did great at adapting so quickly to the change. The facility was very nice and understanding of my academic... Read More

  • Online Enrollment: 975 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $6,000
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $7,860
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $49,346
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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