College of Southern Maryland
About College of Southern Maryland
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The College of Southern Maryland teaches across the tobacco and river country south of Washington, from La Plata and three other campuses. Nursing and business are its largest programs.
Founded
1958
Location
La Plata, Maryland
Students
4,512
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
33%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$4,200
Out-of-state: $10,050
Avg Net Price
$9,204
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$44,435
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
33% complete their degree within three years
Retention
65.8%
Transfer Out
22%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$7.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 33% graduation rate is below average, but 65.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$4,200
In-State
$10,050
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$13,681
After Financial Aid
$9,204
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$4,798
Receive Grants
25.9%
Take Loans
46.4%
Tuition is $4,200/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $9,204.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at College of Southern Maryland fund their education.
While in School
25.9%
Get Grants
Free money
46.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$29,723
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$8,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$90/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $8,500, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends College of Southern Maryland.
Gender
61.1%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,512
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
45.1%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
24.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 45.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
4,512
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
College of Southern Maryland fields 6 varsity teams with 127 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NJCAA
Division II
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
6
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
127
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
73
Men
54
Women
4
Men's Teams
4
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of College of Southern Marylandearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,435
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$30K
369 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74K
100 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$62K
72 grads
4yr Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
—
54 grads
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$80K
47 grads
4yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
38 grads
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $44K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about College of Southern Maryland
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.