- The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is an open-admissions, regional community college preparing students and community to meet the challenges of individual, social and global changes. CSM makes accessible a broad range of affordable, high-quality learning opportunities that allow students to define and achieve their goals, enhance their knowledge, and make smooth transitions at various stages of their development.
School Highlights
College of Southern Maryland serves 6,164 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is higher than the state community college average of 10:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 56%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 6,164 students
- In-state tuition: $5,845
- Out-state tuition: $7,557
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 37%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 570 teachers has grown by 93% over five years.
College of Southern Maryland
(MD) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
570 staff
378 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of College of Southern Maryland has declined by 14% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The College of Southern Maryland diversity score of 0.56 is less than the state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has declined by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
6,164 students
3,420 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
10:1

# Full-Time Students
2,001 students
1,180 students

# Part-Time Students
4,163 students
2,240 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
406 students
249 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,001 students
1,009 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
19 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,163 students
3,001 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
232 students
% Asian
4%
7%

% Hispanic
7%
11%

% Black
17%
26%

% White
63%
44%

% Two or more races
6%
3%

% Non Resident races
1%
6%

% Unknown races
2%
3%


Diversity Score
0.56
0.72

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
29%
27%

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$41,000
$36,700

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,845 is less than the state average of $7,307. The in-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,557 is less than the state average of $9,316. The out-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,845
$7,307

Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,557
$9,316

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
72%
73%

Median Debt for Graduates
$9,000
$10,000

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500

Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- The College of Southern Maryland is rich in history with a promising and exciting future ahead. The college's history dates to 1958 when the Charles County Community College was established as part of the continuing expansion of the community college within America. At its inception in 1958, the college was governed by the Charles County Board of Education, with the first classes being held at La Plata High School in the evenings. The Friendly Hall Campus, which is now the La Plata campus, was established in 1968. The college expanded its services to St. Mary's County in 1978 and Calvert County in 1980. The College of Southern Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and others. The college offers Associate (Transfer and Terminal) Degrees and Certificate in more than 120 programs. CSM contributes to the well being of the region by providing an array of associate degree and certificate programs; enhanced access to bachelor degree programs; workforce development and job training; corporate consulting; leadership and community development; wellness, fitness and personal enrichment opportunities, and cultural experiences. CSM operates four campuses in the tri-county area. The La Plata Campus, nestled on 173 wooded acres off of Mitchell Road and the Waldorf Center for Higher Education on Old Washington Road, are both located in Charles county. The Prince Frederick Campus is located in Calvert County, and the Leonardtown Campus is situated in St. Mary's County. The La Plata Campus hosts a variety of amenities, including large indoor pool, fine arts center with a 400-seat theater, high-tech computer laboratories, outdoor and indoor sports facilities, bookstore fitness center, cafeteria, distance learning center and state-of-the-art conference center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does College of Southern Maryland cost?
College of Southern Maryland's tuition is approximately $5,845 for In-State students and $7,557 for Out-State students.
Recent Articles

How to Take Online Community College Classes for Free
Learn about programs across the country that allow students to take online community college classes for free.

A Nontraditional Student’s Guide to Community College
Going to college is hard work but it’s even more challenging for nontraditional students who are working or raising a family at the same time. If you’re considering community college to improve your life or further your career, here’s everything you need to know.

Beyond the High School Classroom: The Pros and Cons of Dual Enrollment
Explore the intricacies of dual enrollment, a growing educational trend that allows high school students to earn college credits. This comprehensive guide delves into its history, eligibility requirements, benefits, and drawbacks, offering valuable insights for both parents and students considering this path.