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$4,178Tuition
8,570Students
26%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,219Earnings
#25 in MarylandPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Anne Arundel Community College

Anne Arundel Community College serves the suburbs of central Maryland with practical career training and solid transfer pathways to four-year universities. The college enrolls 8,570 students who benefit from small class sizes with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Most students come from nearby communities, with 97% hailing from in-state.

The financial picture here makes sense for most families. Students pay an average net price of $15,929, though those from lower-income households pay less at $13,843. Graduates earn a median of $46,219 ten years after enrollment, while carrying modest debt loads of just $8,250. Monthly loan payments average only $87, making this one of the more affordable paths to career advancement in the region.

The student body reflects the diversity of Anne Arundel County, with 48% white students, 20% Black students, and 13% Hispanic students. Women make up 61% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. The Riverhawks compete in 11 varsity sports through the NCCAA, engaging 150 student-athletes. With an 86% employment rate after graduation, the college delivers on its promise of preparing students for immediate workforce entry or successful transfer to complete their bachelor's degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Anne Arundel Community College serves as a stepping stone for students throughout Maryland's capital region, with 97% of its 8,570 students coming from in-state. The college emphasizes both transfer preparation and workforce training, particularly in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio that provides personal attention during their academic journey. However, the 25.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong partnerships with four-year universities for seamless credit transfer. Career-focused programs prepare students for immediate employment, with graduates earning a median of $46,219 within ten years.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
21.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
25.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,219

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $62,756
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $57,318
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $54,567
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $52,107
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Associate $52,107
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Certificate $49,683
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Associate $49,631
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $40,089
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $39,369
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $35,060

View all 85 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Anne Arundel Community College navigate a sprawling suburban campus in Arnold, Maryland, about 30 minutes from both Baltimore and Washington D.C. The 230-acre campus sits amid wooded hills and shopping centers, requiring a car for most errands. With 60.58% of students being women and an average age higher than traditional colleges, the atmosphere skews mature and focused. Students bundle up for snowy winters and enjoy mild springs near the Chesapeake Bay.

Since no dormitories exist, the 8,570 students commute from across Anne Arundel County, with 97.23% coming from in-state. Campus life revolves around the student center between classes, where many grab coffee before heading to work or family obligations. The 150 athletes competing in 11 Riverhawks sports provide some school spirit, particularly during soccer and basketball seasons. Weekends empty out as students return to jobs and responsibilities. Study groups often meet at nearby Severna Park or Glen Burnie libraries. The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 means professors know their students well, creating a supportive environment for those balancing education with other commitments.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1961

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 4 0 0 0
Dating Violence 2 0 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
29°–44°F
July Avg
71°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
44.7"
Annual Snowfall
19.3"

Student Demographics

Anne Arundel Community College draws heavily from its local Maryland community, with nearly all students staying close to home for their education. The student body leans female, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and human services that traditionally attract more women. The diverse mix of white, Black, and Hispanic students mirrors Anne Arundel County's demographics. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or immediate career training in trades and healthcare.
Men
39.4%
Women
60.6%
White
48.3%
Black
19.8%
Hispanic
12.6%
Asian
4.8%
In-State Students
97.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.8%

Location

Arnold sits about 25 miles southeast of Baltimore and 30 miles from Washington, D.C. The campus serves Anne Arundel County from a suburban location near the Chesapeake Bay. With 97% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local communities seeking affordable education close to home. The area offers access to both urban opportunities in nearby Baltimore and the recreational benefits of Maryland's coastal region. Arnold provides a quieter suburban setting compared to the bustling atmosphere around four-year universities in Baltimore or D.C. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Anne Arundel Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Arnold, Maryland 21012-1895
Anne Arundel Community College May
Anne Arundel Community College May

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,219
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,144
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$34,300
Loan Repayment Rate
40.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$87/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,250

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Anne Arundel Community College?

Anne Arundel Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their high school performance. With 8,570 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in Maryland's capital region. Nearly all students (97.23%) come from in-state, reflecting its role as a local educational resource.

What does Anne Arundel Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,929 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay $13,843 while higher earners pay up to $19,274. With only 19.77% receiving Pell Grants and federal loans used by just 7.74% of students, many students pay out-of-pocket or rely on family support.

What academic programs is Anne Arundel Community College known for?

The college focuses on transfer preparation and career training programs that serve Anne Arundel County's workforce needs. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The semester-based calendar allows flexibility for working students, who make up a significant portion of the 60.58% female and 39.42% male student body.

What career outcomes do Anne Arundel Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $46,219 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment prospects reflected in an 85.7% employment rate. The college's 25.50% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Monthly loan payments average just $87, making debt manageable for most graduates.

Where is Anne Arundel Community College located and what's campus life like?

The college sits in Arnold, Maryland, a large suburban community that provides a quiet learning environment near the Chesapeake Bay. With 150 student-athletes competing in 11 varsity sports as the Riverhawks in NCCAA competition, there are opportunities for athletic involvement. The diverse student body includes 48.30% white, 19.75% Black, and 12.56% Hispanic students.

Does Anne Arundel Community College offer significant financial support to students?

The college provides limited institutional aid, with only 4.15% of students receiving institutional grants averaging $4,873. However, the low in-state tuition of $4,178 keeps education affordable for local residents. Athletic scholarships totaling $18,955 are available across the 11 sports programs, though most students rely on the college's inherently low costs rather than need-based aid.