About Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College serves the farming communities and growing suburbs of Carroll County with practical programs that connect directly to local jobs. The college enrolls 2,006 students on a campus in Westminster, about an hour northwest of Baltimore. Students here focus on career training in fields like nursing, business, and skilled trades rather than pursuing traditional liberal arts degrees.
The financial math works strongly in students' favor. After aid, most students pay just $3,917 per year, with low-income families paying only $2,138. Graduates typically earn $44,349 within ten years of starting college. Those who borrow money graduate with a manageable median debt of $11,750, leading to monthly loan payments of around $125. The return on investment proves solid for a two-year degree.
Nearly all students come from Maryland, creating a tight-knit community feel where classmates often know each other from high school. Women make up 57% of the student body. The Lynx compete in seven varsity sports through the NCCAA, though athletics remains a small part of campus life with just 51 total athletes. Small class sizes with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio mean professors know students by name and can provide individual attention.
The financial math works strongly in students' favor. After aid, most students pay just $3,917 per year, with low-income families paying only $2,138. Graduates typically earn $44,349 within ten years of starting college. Those who borrow money graduate with a manageable median debt of $11,750, leading to monthly loan payments of around $125. The return on investment proves solid for a two-year degree.
Nearly all students come from Maryland, creating a tight-knit community feel where classmates often know each other from high school. Women make up 57% of the student body. The Lynx compete in seven varsity sports through the NCCAA, though athletics remains a small part of campus life with just 51 total athletes. Small class sizes with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio mean professors know students by name and can provide individual attention.
Academics & Faculty
Carroll Community College serves Westminster and surrounding Carroll County with practical career training and transfer programs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes where professors know students by name. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in its nursing, business, and automotive technology programs. Nearly half of students graduate within six years, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. Carroll has built strong partnerships with local employers and four-year universities like Towson State. Students can complete their general education requirements affordably before transferring or earn certificates in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and medical assisting.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,349
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,288 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,563 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $35,060 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,048 |
Campus Life
Carroll Community College sits in Westminster, about 30 miles northwest of Baltimore. The 2,006 students navigate Maryland's four-season climate where winter coats are essential and spring brings welcome relief. With 98.44% of students from Maryland, most commute from nearby Carroll County towns rather than living on campus.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classroom environments typical of community colleges. Students often juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. The Lynx compete in seven varsity sports with just 51 total athletes, reflecting the school's focus on academics over athletics. Weekends tend to be quieter as commuter students return home or work jobs. The town-fringe setting provides a more relaxed pace than urban campuses. Students frequently use the college as a stepping stone, with many transferring to four-year universities after completing general education requirements. The 47.20% six-year graduation rate includes students who transfer before completing associate degrees. Campus life centers around academic support services and career preparation rather than traditional college social activities.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classroom environments typical of community colleges. Students often juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. The Lynx compete in seven varsity sports with just 51 total athletes, reflecting the school's focus on academics over athletics. Weekends tend to be quieter as commuter students return home or work jobs. The town-fringe setting provides a more relaxed pace than urban campuses. Students frequently use the college as a stepping stone, with many transferring to four-year universities after completing general education requirements. The 47.20% six-year graduation rate includes students who transfer before completing associate degrees. Campus life centers around academic support services and career preparation rather than traditional college social activities.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1976
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–41°F
- July Avg
- 63°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 20.0"
Student Demographics
Carroll Community College draws overwhelmingly from Maryland, with 98% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's strong ties to Westminster and surrounding Carroll County communities. The student body leans female at 57%, which aligns with the college's emphasis on health sciences and education programs that traditionally attract more women. Only 16% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college primarily serves middle-class families in the region. The homogeneous demographics mirror the local population, creating a close-knit campus atmosphere where many students already know each other from area high schools.
- Men
- 42.9%
- Women
- 57.1%
- White
- 75.2%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 7.8%
- Asian
- 3.7%
- In-State Students
- 98.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.5%
Location
Westminster sits about 30 miles northwest of Baltimore in Maryland's rolling countryside. This Carroll County town of 19,000 residents offers a classic small-town atmosphere with historic Main Street charm. The area blends suburban convenience with rural landscapes, featuring farms and wooded hills typical of central Maryland. Westminster serves as the county seat and maintains a tight-knit community feel while providing easy access to both Baltimore and Washington DC within an hour's drive. The town's historic downtown district and nearby state parks create an appealing setting for students seeking a quieter college experience. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Carroll Community College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Westminster, Maryland 21157
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,349
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,068
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $125/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,750
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to get into Carroll Community College?
Carroll Community College maintains an open-door admission policy typical of community colleges. Nearly 99% of students come from Maryland, making it primarily a local institution serving Westminster and surrounding Carroll County communities.
What does Carroll Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $3,917 annually, with low-income families paying just $2,138. Only 15.53% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's affordability even without significant aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Carroll Community College?
The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,006 enrolled students. This smaller scale allows for more personalized attention in career-focused programs and transfer preparation.
How much do Carroll Community College graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $44,349 ten years after starting college, with strong employment outcomes at 93.3%. The college focuses on workforce development for the Baltimore-Washington region's growing economy.
Does Carroll Community College have athletics?
The Lynx compete in 7 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 51 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total just $8,400, reflecting the college's emphasis on academics over sports recruitment.
What is Carroll Community College known for academically?
The college achieves a 47.2% six-year graduation rate, solid for a community college serving working students and career changers. Founded in 1976, it has built strong partnerships with local employers and four-year transfer institutions.
