Affordable Online Degrees for Maryland Residents
A smart path to an affordable degree, wherever you live.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Maryland
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
Many prospective students begin their search by looking at colleges within their home state. Maryland offers several respected public universities, but staying local does not always mean you will find the flexibility, pricing or adult-focused design you may need.
American College of Education (ACE) is a fully online college created to help working professionals pursue meaningful academic progress without unnecessary financial strain. Our programs emphasize practical application, career alignment and transparent tuition so students can clearly understand the value of their investment.
Our strong student satisfaction1 reflects an experience intentionally built around real-world advancement. That is why many students pursuing online degrees in Maryland choose ACE as an alternative to traditional institutions.
Why Choose ACE?
ACE supports you from your application through graduation and beyond. Our model is designed to help you earn a respected credential while maintaining balance between your education, your career and your personal responsibilities.
How ACE Compares
Maryland students often explore graduate options at institutions such as the University of Maryland at College Park, Towson University, Salisbury University and Frostburg State University. These schools offer a variety of academic pathways, including programs in education.
ACE was built differently. Because our institution was designed specifically for online learning, we focus on flexible, career-oriented programs that serve working adults without the overhead structure common at many traditional universities.
Even universities that now provide online offerings were not originally created with online-first learning in mind. Review the comparison below to see how ACE stands apart.
| ACE | University of Maryland | Towson University | Salisbury University | Frostburg State University | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 9 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-5 starts | 2-5 starts |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0003 (total program cost) | $18,2764 (average annual in-state cost) | $12,6364 (average annual in-state cost) | $10,7854 (average annual in-state cost) | $11,4984 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Commitment to Affordable Tuition
If you are researching affordable online degrees in Maryland, cost clarity matters. ACE structures tuition to be straightforward and accessible so you can plan your next step with confidence instead of uncertainty.
That commitment makes a measurable difference for our graduates. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.5 By prioritizing transparency and responsible pricing, ACE helps keep your educational goals within reach.
Our Unique Academic Experience
At ACE, programs are intentionally designed by experienced academic leaders and routinely refreshed to reflect evolving industry expectations. Coursework emphasizes applied learning, research-informed practice and tools that translate directly into professional settings.
Our faculty bring practical field experience into the virtual classroom, giving students perspective rooted in real-world application. As workforce needs continue to change, ACE regularly evaluates and updates curricula to keep programs aligned with employer expectations.
Your experience also includes:
- Uniform course design: Each course follows a consistent layout, helping you spend more time learning and less time navigating course materials.
- Fully asynchronous learning: With the exception of some programs that require hands-on components, you can complete coursework fully online and according to your schedule.
- Comprehensive support: Take advantage of our digital library, writing center and complimentary monthly tutoring throughout your program.
How ACE Supports Aspiring Maryland Teachers
ACE has helped many educators advance from their first classroom roles into positions of greater instructional impact and leadership. For many professionals, that progression begins with earning initial licensure credentials.
Through ACE, you can complete an initial licensure certificate or a master’s degree and then move forward with the process of pursuing Maryland teacher certification. As with any licensure pathway, it is important to review current state requirements and plan accordingly.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Strengthen your instructional knowledge, prepare for classroom roles, or grow into leadership positions through research-driven strategies and practical skill development.
Business
Build relevant business capabilities designed to address modern organizational challenges.
Healthcare
Prepare for administrative and leadership roles that support effective healthcare delivery systems.
Nursing
Expand your impact in nursing through programs focused on leadership, education, and improved patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Maryland?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in Maryland and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online Maryland colleges might not?
ACE programs are known for their affordability, flexibility and quality. Courses are taught by experienced faculty and designed to build skills that apply immediately in professional settings. For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
How can an ACE degree help me get a Maryland teaching certificate?
ACE’s initial licensure programs provide foundational teaching knowledge, instructional strategies, assessment tools and educational technologies that support classroom success.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of Maryland, Towson University, Frostburg State University, Salisbury University. Accessed Nov. 19, 2025.
5Internal research completed in November 2025