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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt entry point with a modest payoff. You borrow a median of $8,500 and come out with earnings around $44,435 a decade later, so the debt load stays manageable even if the return is nothing dramatic.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner here. It pays over $56,000 and carries debt that lines up with what you'd expect for a two-year credential. That number tracks the demand for nurses across the D.C.-Maryland corridor, where hospitals and clinics keep hiring. If you enroll for one program, this is the one that earns its cost back fastest.
The Liberal Arts and General Studies track is the opposite. It pays about $23,000 while running up more debt than nursing does. As a terminal degree it doesn't pay off. it only makes financial sense as a transfer step toward a four-year school. Treat it as a stopover, not a destination.
The biggest risk is the 33% graduation rate. Two out of three students don't finish, and if you leave without the credential you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump. Your return depends almost entirely on completing.
The net price tiers stay affordable at the bottom. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $5,800 a year. Above $110,000, the price more than doubles, but it's still low compared to most colleges.
This school fits you if you want the nursing program or a cheap, low-debt way to knock out credits before transferring. Look elsewhere if you plan to stop at a general studies associate degree and expect it to carry your career.
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.