Cecil College
Out-of-state tuition
$10,830
In-state $9,090
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,749
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
27.9%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 34.5%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Cecil College, located in North East, Maryland, is a community college renowned for its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education. Established in 1968, the college has developed a strong reputation for its diverse range of programs and supportive learning environment. One of the college's standout features is its robust academic offerings, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development programs across various fields such as health sciences, business, and technology. The college emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in internships and community service, which enhances their practical skills and prepares them for the job market.
The college's mission centers around fostering student success and community enrichment, reflected in its vibrant campus culture and student life. Cecil College promotes a strong sense of community, encouraging students to participate in various clubs, organizations, and events that contribute to personal and professional growth. The college also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and a performing arts center, which serve to enhance the learning experience. Additionally, Cecil College has a dedicated faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about supporting students in their academic journeys. Overall, Cecil College stands out as a pivotal institution in the region, dedicated to empowering students through education and community engagement.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Cecil College
Cecil College has shown significant trends in several key areas, particularly in tuition rates, student retention, and graduation rates. Over the years from 2014 to 2024, there has been a noticeable increase in tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. In-state tuition escalated from $6,210 in 2014 to $8,760 in 2024, representing a 41% increase. Similarly, out-of-state tuition rose from $7,560 to $9,960, marking a 32% increase. This consistent rise in tuition raises concerns about accessibility and affordability for potential students, especially amid growing national conversations about student debt burdens.
In terms of student retention, there has been a positive trend over the last few years. The retention rate improved from approximately 53% in 2014 to nearly 69% in 2023. This increase indicates that more students are choosing to return for their subsequent years of study, which may reflect improvements in student support services or overall student satisfaction. Higher retention rates often correlate with better graduation outcomes, as students are more likely to complete their degrees if they persist in their studies.
On the topic of graduation rates, however, the picture is mixed. The on-time graduation rate has been relatively low, hovering around 2-10% in the last decade, with a slight uptick to nearly 4% in 2023. The graduation rate at 150% of the expected time did show a more favorable trend, reaching 17% in 2023. This suggests that while many students may struggle to complete their degrees on time, a larger portion is ultimately successful in finishing their education, albeit later than anticipated.
These metrics paint a complex picture of student experience at Cecil College, revealing challenges in affordability and timely graduation, yet also highlighting improvements in student retention that could foster better long-term outcomes. As discussions around higher education financing continue to evolve, these trends warrant close attention from both the college administration and prospective students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Lancaster, about 35 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 40 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Mary Way Bolt (President)
- Phone
- 4102871000
- City
- North East, Maryland
- Address
- One Seahawk Drive, North East, MD 21901-1900
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Cecil College 2023
The graduation data from Cecil College for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends, especially regarding the distribution of degrees awarded. A significant observation is that while a variety of programs are offered, many fields, particularly in health, arts, and engineering, show a complete absence of bachelor's and master's graduates. This could indicate either a lack of enrollment in these programs or a strategic focus on associate degrees, which are indeed awarded in fields like fine arts and business.
For instance, in the fine arts category, six students received associate degrees, which reflects the growing interest in creative disciplines. Similarly, the marketing program also graduated six associate degree holders, suggesting that vocational training is still a strong focus for students looking to enter the workforce quickly.
Moreover, the data indicates that international students are not significantly represented in the graduating classes of bachelor’s or master’s programs, as all values for these categories are zero. This could point to potential barriers for international enrollment in advanced degree programs, or it may reflect a strategic emphasis on providing associate degree pathways that are more accessible to local students.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of community colleges in providing accessible education pathways, particularly through associate degrees. As the job market increasingly requires specialized skills, institutions like Cecil College play a critical role in equipping students with the necessary qualifications to thrive in their future careers.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $80,784 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | - | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | |
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | - | |
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | |
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - | |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Visual Communications, General. | - | |
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | |
| Music Performance, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | - | |
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | |
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
Students
1,749 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 36:64 · Freshman retention 61.6%
- Continuing undergraduates 905
- First-year undergraduates 223
- Transfers and others 621
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,749)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Cecil College in 2023
The student body at Cecil College for 2023 exhibits a diverse array of demographics across various classifications of students. The data reveals that among the new undergraduate students, there are 370 individuals, with a notable 62.4% being female and 37.6% male. This gender distribution reflects a broader trend in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males, indicating a shift in academic interests and opportunities available to women.
In the undergraduate continuing students, the enrollment is significantly higher, with 897 students. The gender ratio is slightly more balanced compared to new students, with 64.9% female and 35.1% male. This suggests that female students are maintaining their enrollment in higher numbers throughout their undergraduate journey.
Interestingly, the undergraduate transfer students present a different picture, with only 48 students enrolled. The gender ratio here is nearly equal, with 52.1% male and 47.9% female. This balance might indicate that transfer students are more motivated by specific academic programs or opportunities that attract a diverse applicant pool.
Additionally, the overall student population includes 508 graduate students. Although specific gender ratios for this group are not provided, the earlier trends suggest a possibility of a significant female presence in graduate programs as well.
Overall, the data reflects ongoing changes in student demographics at Cecil College, highlighting the importance of understanding gender dynamics and the need for institutions to adapt to these shifts in order to support all students effectively. As trends in education continue to evolve, it will be crucial for colleges to foster inclusive environments that cater to a diverse student population.
Age Demographics at Cecil College in 2023
The age composition of students at Cecil College in 2023 reveals a significant trend towards younger demographics, particularly among traditional college-aged students. The majority of the student population is under 25, with the largest group being those under 18 years old, making up approximately 38.5% of the total male student body and 49.8% of the total female student body. This indicates a robust influx of new students entering higher education right after high school.
As age increases, the number of students significantly declines. For instance, only about 8.5% of the total male and female students are aged 25-29, and even fewer are in the 30-34 age bracket, indicating that non-traditional students are a minority at Cecil College. The lack of graduate students is notable, with no representation in this data set, reflecting perhaps the institution's focus more on undergraduate programs.
This trend aligns with national statistics showing that younger students dominate the college landscape, which could be attributed to various factors such as the increasing emphasis on higher education for career advancement and the demographic shifts resulting from recent educational policies.
Overall, the data suggests that Cecil College continues to attract a younger audience, which may impact the types of programs and support services that are prioritized to cater to this demographic. Understanding these trends is crucial for institutions to adapt their offerings and ensure they meet the needs of their student populations effectively.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
18 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Cecil College
The data on international student enrollment at Cecil College reveals a fluctuating trend over the years, particularly among undergraduate students. Starting in 2004, the proportion of international students was relatively low, at just 0.61%, and it continued to decline, reaching a trough of 0.16% in both 2011 and 2012. However, a significant turnaround occurred in 2017 when the percentage surged to 2.26%, indicating a growing interest in international education at the institution. This peak in 2017 coincided with broader trends in higher education where colleges and universities were actively seeking to diversify their student bodies.
The enrollment numbers remained robust in subsequent years, with international student representation hovering around 2-3% in 2017 and 2018, before dropping again to 0.56% in 2022 and slightly recovering to 0.82% in 2023. These fluctuations can be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies, global events, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly affected international mobility and education.
In contrast, the data for graduate students is not available, leaving a gap in understanding the complete picture of international representation at Cecil College. Given the increasing globalization of education, it is crucial for institutions like Cecil College to continue developing strategies to attract international students, as they contribute to a richer cultural environment and enhance the academic experience for all students. Overall, while the college has made progress in recent years, there remains an opportunity to further increase international enrollment and diversify its student population.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$24,596
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,830
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $9,090
- Room and board
- $13,766
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 40% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 115%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$38.4M
Expenses$38.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 30 | - |
| Basketball | 13 | 7 |
| Soccer | 16 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Softball | - | 11 |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 25 | - |
| Soccer | 18 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Softball | - | 10 |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 28 | - |
| Soccer | 17 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Cross Country | 7 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster · 34.0 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore · 36.8 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore · 41.6 mi
U.S. News #9
-
Villanova UniversityVillanova · 42.5 mi
U.S. News #42
-
Haverford CollegeHaverford · 42.8 mi
Liberal Arts #26
-
Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr · 43.3 mi
Liberal Arts #31
-
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia · 45.7 mi
U.S. News #7
-
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia · 46.1 mi
U.S. News #80
-
United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis · 53.7 mi
Liberal Arts #3
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Cecil College:
-
Johns Hopkins University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Johns Hopkins is a prestigious research university located in Baltimore, Maryland, known for its exceptional programs in medicine, public health, and the sciences.
-
University of Pennsylvania - This Ivy League institution ranks 6th in the nation and is renowned for its diverse academic offerings, including business, law, and humanities.
-
Swarthmore College - A top-ranked liberal arts college, Swarthmore is known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life, holding the 4th position in the rankings.
-
Franklin and Marshall College - Ranked 35th, this liberal arts college emphasizes close faculty-student interactions and offers a broad range of majors and programs.
-
University of Delaware - With a rank of 76, the University of Delaware offers a comprehensive education and is known for its research initiatives and vibrant campus community.
These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and are well-respected both locally and nationally.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at Cecil College: A Positive Decline
The crime statistics at Cecil College reveal a significant decline in misconduct and criminal activities over the years. Starting from 2013, the average rate of recorded offenses per 1,000 students was relatively high at 2.65, which raised concerns about safety on campus. However, from 2014 onwards, the downward trend became evident. By 2022 and 2023, the recorded crime rate plummeted to zero, indicating a remarkable achievement in maintaining a safe educational environment.
Particularly noteworthy is the absence of serious crimes such as assault, robbery, or drug-related offenses in the recent years. This trend not only reflects positively on the college's security measures but also emphasizes the importance of community engagement in fostering a safe campus atmosphere. Various initiatives, including increased campus security presence and educational programs on safety, may have contributed to this encouraging trend.
Moreover, the sharp decline in offenses can also be linked to broader societal changes, including increased awareness around mental health and substance abuse. Many educational institutions across the country are observing similar trends, as they implement more comprehensive support systems for students.
As we move forward, maintaining this momentum will be crucial. Ongoing vigilance and community collaboration will ensure that Cecil College remains a haven for learning and personal growth, free from the distractions of crime. The methodology for calculating crime rates can be explored further at this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.