College of Southern Maryland: $4,200 Tuition

$4,200Tuition

4,422Students

33%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,435Earnings

#18 in MarylandPublic2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland serves as the primary pathway to higher education for residents across Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties. With 4,422 students enrolled across multiple campuses, this community college has built its reputation on strong transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and career training programs that lead directly to employment. The rural-fringe setting provides a close-knit learning environment where students often know their professors personally. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, creating a tight community of local learners focused on advancing their education and careers.

Students from low-income families pay just $5,422 annually after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Maryland. Even middle-class families with incomes up to $75,000 typically pay under $8,500 per year. Graduates carry a median debt of only $8,500, far below national averages for any degree level. Within ten years of enrollment, alumni earn a median salary of $44,435, providing solid returns on their modest educational investment. The monthly loan payment averages just $90, making debt manageable for most graduates.

Women comprise 60% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. The Hawks compete in eight varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 120 student-athletes receiving $115,210 in athletic scholarships combined.

Academics & Faculty

College of Southern Maryland serves as the primary community college for the region's three counties, focusing heavily on career training and university transfer preparation. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors for students navigating their first college experience or career changes. The school has built a strong reputation for nursing and allied health programs, which feed directly into the area's healthcare workforce needs. About 33% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the part-time nature of many community college students who balance work and family responsibilities. CSM also maintains robust partnerships with four-year universities, making it a popular launching pad for students planning to transfer and complete bachelor's degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,435

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,641
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,042

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

This community college sits in rural La Plata, about 30 miles south of Washington DC, where 98.81% of students come from in-state. The campus serves a largely commuter population with no on-campus housing, so students drive in from across Charles County and neighboring areas. Women make up 60.31% of enrollment, creating a slightly female-tilted classroom active.

The setting means you'll need winter coats for Maryland's cold months and can expect humid summers typical of the mid-Atlantic region. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes feel more personal than at large universities. Most students juggle work and family commitments alongside their studies, reflected in the 89.4% employment rate among graduates. Weekend life centers around home rather than campus activities, though the Hawks compete in 8 varsity sports with 120 total athletes. The proximity to DC offers internship and transfer opportunities, while the rural location keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at just $4,200. Students here are typically focused on either transferring to four-year schools or completing career-focused programs.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–44°F
July Avg: 68°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.6"
Annual Snowfall: 16.1"

Student Demographics

Nearly 99% of students come from Maryland, reflecting the college's deep roots in serving Southern Maryland's rural communities. Women make up 60% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and health programs draw strong female interest. The student body splits almost evenly between white and minority students, with Black students comprising 29% of enrollment. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing CSM's commitment to making higher education accessible to working-class families in Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties.

Men: 39.7%
Women: 60.3%
White: 45.6%
Black: 28.8%
Hispanic: 9.2%
Asian: 3.9%
In-State Students: 98.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.7%

Location

La Plata sits about 30 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., in Maryland's rural Southern Maryland region. The area combines tobacco farming heritage with suburban growth as families seek affordable living within commuting distance of the capital. Charles County has grown rapidly over the past two decades, transforming from purely agricultural to a mix of residential developments and remaining farmland. Students find themselves in a quiet college town atmosphere where 98.81% of enrollment comes from in-state residents, creating a tight-knit community feel. The campus serves as an educational center for the broader Southern Maryland peninsula, which includes Calvert and St. Mary's counties. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare College of Southern Maryland with similar schools in the region.

Address: La Plata, Maryland 20646-0910

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,435
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,778
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $90/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at College of Southern Maryland?

College of Southern Maryland serves 4,422 students with open enrollment typical of community colleges. The college welcomes students seeking both transfer pathways to four-year universities and career training programs across Southern Maryland's rural communities.

How much does College of Southern Maryland cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,867 annually, with in-state tuition starting at just $4,200. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,422 after aid, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in Maryland.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Southern Maryland?

The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personal attention than many larger institutions. This community college focuses on both academic transfer programs and hands-on career training to serve the diverse needs of Southern Maryland.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at College of Southern Maryland?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 33.3%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates achieve an 89.4% employment rate with median earnings of $44,435 ten years after enrollment.

Where is College of Southern Maryland located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in La Plata, Maryland, in a rural-fringe setting that serves the broader Southern Maryland region. With 98.81% in-state students and 60.31% women, the college creates a close-knit community atmosphere typical of regional community colleges.

Does College of Southern Maryland offer athletics?

The Hawks compete in the NCCAA with 8 varsity sports programs serving 120 total student-athletes. The college provides $115,210 in athletic scholarships, supporting both competitive athletics and student success in this rural Maryland community.