Garrett College: $4,060 Tuition

$4,060Tuition

424Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,823Earnings

Public2-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Garrett College

Garrett College sits in the mountains of western Maryland, serving 424 students in one of the most rural settings you'll find for higher education. This community college has built a strong reputation around outdoor recreation and natural resource programs, taking advantage of its location near Deep Creek Lake and state parks. The school draws students who want hands-on training in fields like forestry, adventure sports management, and outdoor leadership.

The financial picture here works well for most students. The average net price is $6,396, which drops to just $4,469 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates typically leave with $10,750 in debt and monthly loan payments of $114. While the median earnings of $35,823 after six years aren't huge, they're solid for a two-year degree, and the 92.6% employment rate shows graduates find work.

About 75% of students come from Maryland, with men slightly outnumbering women at 55%. The Lakers compete in six NAIA sports with 96 total athletes. The 31.7% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their associate degree. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll get plenty of individual attention in this small mountain community.

Academics & Faculty

Garrett College focuses on preparing students for transfer to four-year universities and direct entry into careers through practical programs. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students personally and can provide individual attention that's hard to find at larger schools. The college offers strong programs in nursing, business, and outdoor recreation management, taking advantage of its location near Deep Creek Lake and state parks. However, the 31.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students face challenges like working while studying or changing life circumstances. Students who stay focused and use the available support systems typically succeed in transferring or finding employment in their chosen fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,823

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management.	Associate	$21,964
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,227

View all 19 programs →

Campus Life

Garrett College sits in the mountains of western Maryland, about two hours from Pittsburgh and three hours from Washington D.C. You'll need a heavy winter coat here, as McHenry gets serious snow and temperatures that drop well below freezing. Only 39% of the 424 students live on campus in the small residence halls, which house 164 students total. Most commute from nearby towns in this rural area.

Weekends revolve around outdoor activities since you're surrounded by Deep Creek Lake and state forests. Students go skiing at Wisp Resort in winter, hiking and fishing in warmer months. The Lakers compete in 6 NAIA sports with 96 total athletes, so games draw decent crowds for a small school. Campus life is quiet and close-knit, with everyone knowing each other by name. Students often hang out in the student center or make trips to nearby Morgantown, West Virginia for more entertainment options. The rural setting means you'll rely on a car to get around, and social life tends to be outdoors or small gatherings rather than big parties.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 164 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	1	1	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–32°F
July Avg: 59°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.1"
Annual Snowfall: 106.8"

Student Demographics

Garrett College draws students who want practical training without leaving rural Maryland. With 75% coming from in-state and 31% receiving Pell Grants, the school serves local families looking for affordable career preparation. The student body of 424 is slightly more male at 55%, which reflects the college's strong programs in trades and technical fields. Most students are white (76%) with a growing Black population (12%), mirroring the demographics of western Maryland's mountain communities where many students plan to work after graduation.

Men: 54.7%
Women: 45.3%
White: 75.7%
Black: 12.0%
Hispanic: 4.3%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 74.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.6%

Location

Garrett College sits in McHenry, Maryland, a small town in the far western corner of the state near the Pennsylvania and West Virginia borders. The campus is about 150 miles from both Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh, making it one of Maryland's most remote colleges. This rural mountain region centers around Deep Creek Lake, Maryland's largest freshwater lake, which draws tourists for boating, skiing, and outdoor recreation year-round. The area offers hiking trails, state parks, and small-town charm, but students need a car to reach major cities or shopping centers. With just 424 students, the college serves this sparsely populated mountain community where outdoor activities often replace typical college town amenities. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Garrett College with similar schools in the region.

Address: McHenry, Maryland 21541

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,823
Median Earnings (5 years): $34,553
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $114/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Garrett College?

Garrett College is a community college with open enrollment, meaning students with a high school diploma or GED can be admitted. With just 424 students enrolled, this small institution in Maryland's Appalachian region focuses on providing accessible higher education to local communities.

How much does Garrett College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $6,396 annually, making it an affordable option for higher education. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,469 per year, while the median debt load of $10,750 is manageable with monthly payments of $114.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Garrett College?

The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, providing students with close access to instructors in this rural community college setting. This small class environment supports the college's mission of serving the western Maryland mountain region with personalized attention.

What are the career outcomes for Garrett College graduates?

Graduates have an employment rate of 92.6%, though median earnings start at $17,189 one year after graduation. By the ten-year mark, median earnings reach $35,823, reflecting the career growth typical for community college graduates in technical and service fields.

Where is Garrett College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in McHenry, Maryland, in a rural mountain setting with housing for 164 students. The Lakers compete in NAIA athletics with 96 student-athletes across six sports, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere despite the small enrollment.

Does Garrett College serve mostly local students?

About 75% of students are Maryland residents, reflecting the college's role as a regional institution serving Garrett County and surrounding Appalachian communities. The student body is 76% white with 12% Black students, mirroring the demographics of this rural mountain region.