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$3,772Tuition
4,116Students
35%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,449Earnings
#14 in MarylandPublic2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Frederick Community College

Frederick Community College serves as the primary gateway to higher education for 4,116 students in Maryland's historic Frederick County. The college has built its reputation around strong transfer pathways to four-year universities and hands-on career training programs that connect directly to local employers. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep roots in the community it has served since 1957.

Students from low-income families pay just $443 after financial aid, while even middle-class families typically pay under $2,000 annually. Graduates earn a median of $46,449 ten years after enrollment, a solid return considering the typical debt load of $8,150. The college keeps costs manageable with monthly loan payments averaging just $86 for those who borrow. With an 88.5% employment rate, the career-focused programs deliver practical results for students entering the workforce.

The student body reflects Frederick County's growing diversity, with nearly half of students identifying as students of color. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in smaller classes. While the 35% six-year completion rate mirrors challenges facing many community colleges nationwide, the Cougars athletic program offers seven varsity sports for students seeking campus involvement beyond academics.

Academics & Faculty

Frederick Community College serves as Frederick County's primary pathway to four-year universities and career certification programs. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors, though the 35% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face with work and family obligations. The college emphasizes practical workforce training alongside traditional transfer preparation. Strong programs include nursing, business administration, and automotive technology, which align with regional employment needs. Students benefit from affordable education with 96% coming from in-state. The college's dual mission means some students earn associate degrees for immediate employment while others complete prerequisites before transferring to Maryland's public universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
24.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
35.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,449

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $61,516
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $47,260
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $30,771
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $30,409
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $23,842

View all 92 programs →

Campus Life

Frederick Community College sits in the heart of Frederick County, about an hour from both Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The 4,116 students navigate Maryland's four-season climate where winter coats are essential from December through February, while spring and fall offer comfortable weather for walking between classes. As a commuter school, virtually no students live on campus, creating a different social active than traditional colleges.

The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes where professors know your name. With 96.52% of students coming from in-state, many already have local connections and jobs. Weekends often revolve around work schedules rather than campus activities, though the Cougars field seven varsity sports that draw modest crowds. The diverse student body is 55.98% women and reflects Frederick County's changing demographics, with nearly 36% of students identifying as Black or Hispanic. The campus serves as a launching pad, with many students planning to transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1957

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
26°–43°F
July Avg
68°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
43.5"
Annual Snowfall
31.4"

Student Demographics

Frederick Community College draws heavily from its local community, with 97% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the growing diversity of Frederick County, with nearly half being students of color. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where nursing and allied health programs attract many female students. Only 18% receive Pell Grants, suggesting the school serves a mix of middle-class families and working adults rather than primarily low-income students. This demographic blend supports FCC's dual mission of college transfer preparation and workforce development for the region.
Men
44.0%
Women
56.0%
White
49.6%
Black
17.2%
Hispanic
18.6%
Asian
4.7%
In-State Students
96.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
17.6%

Location

Frederick Community College sits in Frederick, Maryland, about 50 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. The city of 72,000 residents offers a historic downtown with Civil War battlefields nearby and the Catoctin Mountains providing outdoor recreation. Frederick County blends suburban growth with rural farmland, creating opportunities for both urban internships and agricultural programs. The college draws 96.52% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local education center. Students benefit from proximity to both Baltimore and the nation's capital while enjoying lower living costs than major metropolitan areas. The region's mix of government contractors, healthcare systems, and small businesses provides diverse career pathways. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Frederick Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Frederick, Maryland 21702-2964

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,449
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,565
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,200
Loan Repayment Rate
48.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$86/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,150

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Frederick Community College?

Frederick Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of Maryland community colleges. The school enrolls 4,116 students with 96.52% coming from in-state, making it highly accessible to local Frederick County residents seeking higher education opportunities.

How much does Frederick Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,801 annually, with costs varying dramatically by income level. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $443 per year, while the published in-state tuition stands at $3,772 before any aid.

What academic programs is Frederick Community College known for?

The college operates on a semester system with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, focusing heavily on transfer preparation and career training programs. Students can choose from various two-year associate degrees designed to either transfer to four-year universities or provide direct workforce entry.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Frederick Community College?

The college reports a 35.20% six-year graduation rate with an impressive 88.5% employment rate for graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $46,449 ten years after enrollment, with relatively low debt loads averaging $8,150.

Where is Frederick Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Frederick, Maryland, a small city setting that serves the broader Frederick County area. With 131 student athletes competing in 7 varsity sports through the NCCAA as the Cougars, the campus offers modest but active athletic programs alongside academic pursuits.

How diverse is the student body at Frederick Community College?

The student population of 4,116 shows significant diversity with 49.64% White, 18.63% Hispanic, and 17.15% Black students. Women make up 55.98% of enrollment, reflecting the broader trend of female participation in community college education.