At $9,867/yr net price, College of Southern Maryland graduates earn $44,435/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,435/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,867 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,435/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,435/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,422/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,747/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,484/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,702/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,744/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,641 | $9,900 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,042 | $11,000 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at College of Southern Maryland graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
College of Southern Maryland delivers solid returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $56,641 annually against modest debt of $9,900, creating a strong payoff in Maryland's competitive healthcare market.
Liberal arts graduates face harsh financial realities, earning just $23,042 while carrying $11,000 in debt. This creates a problematic debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment challenging. The 33% graduation rate compounds these concerns, meaning two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs.
You face significant completion risk at this institution. The low graduation rate suggests academic support or student preparation issues that could derail your investment. If you struggle with course completion or need extensive academic support, consider alternatives with stronger retention records.
The school works best for career-focused students targeting specific technical fields like nursing. The healthcare pathway offers clear ROI with strong regional job demand in the Washington-Baltimore corridor. Avoid liberal arts programs unless you plan to transfer to a four-year institution for additional credentials.
Financial aid reach remains limited, with only 25% of students receiving assistance. This suggests limited scholarship opportunities beyond federal aid. The relatively low net price of $9,867 makes the school accessible without extensive borrowing, but you should plan for minimal institutional grant support.
Choose College of Southern Maryland if you want affordable nursing training or plan to complete a technical certificate quickly. Skip it if you need extensive academic support, want liberal arts education, or prefer schools with higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Southern Maryland worth the cost compared to other schools?
College of Southern Maryland offers strong value with a low net price of $9,867 per year and graduates earning $44,435 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide particularly good returns with median earnings of $56,641, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $23,042.
What is the graduation rate at College of Southern Maryland and does it affect ROI?
College of Southern Maryland has a 33% graduation rate, which means two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate reduces the school's overall value since students who don't graduate rarely see positive returns on their investment.
How much debt do College of Southern Maryland students typically graduate with?
College of Southern Maryland graduates have a median debt of $8,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year institutions. The manageable debt load helps improve ROI, especially for nursing students who earn higher salaries after graduation.
Which College of Southern Maryland programs offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at College of Southern Maryland provide the strongest ROI with graduates earning $56,641 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show weaker returns at $23,042, making career prospects more challenging for those graduates.