College of Southern Maryland
Out-of-state tuition
$9,450
In-state $7,350
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
5,062
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
33.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 40.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is a prominent community college located in the southern region of Maryland, serving a diverse student body and offering a wide range of programs and services. Established in 1958, CSM has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to academic excellence and student success. The college's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of the community. CSM offers various degree programs, certificates, and workforce training opportunities across multiple disciplines, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both the workforce and further academic pursuits.
In addition to its robust academic offerings, CSM boasts a vibrant campus culture that emphasizes community engagement and student involvement. The college hosts numerous events throughout the year, including cultural festivals, workshops, and guest speaker series, fostering a rich humanistic environment. CSM is also well-known for its dedicated faculty members, who are committed to providing personalized support and guidance to students. With modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, CSM creates an inspiring learning atmosphere. Furthermore, the college encourages students to participate in athletics and recreational activities, promoting a balanced student life. Overall, the College of Southern Maryland stands out as an institution that not only educates but also cultivates a sense of community and lifelong learning.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at the College of Southern Maryland
The College of Southern Maryland has shown notable trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates over the years. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students has seen a consistent increase, rising from $5,756 in 2014 to $7,350 in 2024. This trend reflects a broader national pattern where higher education costs are steadily escalating, making affordability a significant concern for prospective students.
In contrast, the student enrollment numbers have gradually declined from 8,781 in 2014 to 4,868 in 2023. This decrease is alarming and could indicate challenges in attracting new students, possibly linked to rising costs or shifting demographics in the region. As institutions face increased competition, understanding the factors influencing enrollment will be critical for future planning.
On a more positive note, the graduation rates have shown improvement over the same period. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from 3.26% in 2013 to 16.06% in 2023, while the 150% graduation rate increased from 11.46% to 31.15%. This upward trajectory suggests that the college may be enhancing its support services and academic programs, leading to better outcomes for students.
Retention rates also reflect a positive trend, increasing from approximately 57.6% in 2013 to 66.1% in 2023. This improvement indicates that once students enroll, they are more likely to continue their education at the institution, which is a crucial factor in overall student success and institutional reputation.
Overall, while rising tuition and declining enrollment present challenges, the improvements in graduation and retention rates highlight the college's efforts to enhance student experience and success. Addressing enrollment issues while maintaining these positive trends will be key for the College of Southern Maryland moving forward.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Washington, DC, about 25 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), about 35 mi
- Also known as
- CSM
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Yolanda Wilson (President)
- Phone
- 3019342251
- Address
- 8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD 20646-0910
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduates by Major at the College of Southern Maryland in 2023
The data from the College of Southern Maryland reveals a striking trend in the distribution of graduates across various majors for the year 2023. Notably, the most populated category is Liberal Arts and Sciences, which saw an impressive 278 graduates, indicating a strong inclination towards general education, possibly reflecting a trend where students opt for versatile degrees that offer broader career opportunities.
In the health-related fields, there is a significant number of graduates as well. Registered Nursing had 100 graduates, while Mental and Social Health Services produced 11 graduates. The consistent demand for healthcare professionals is evident, aligning with national trends where the healthcare sector continues to experience growth, especially in light of the ongoing focus on public health issues following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly, the data shows zero graduates in various sectors, including areas like Environmental Studies, Engineering, and Criminal Justice. This absence raises questions about the enrollment trends in these fields and highlights potential gaps in workforce preparation for industries that are integral to societal development.
Moreover, the international student graduate numbers are notably absent across the board, suggesting that the college may not be attracting or supporting international students effectively in these programs, which could limit diversity and global perspectives within the classroom.
Overall, this data not only illustrates the current state of graduate distribution by major but also serves as a reflection of broader educational and workforce trends, highlighting areas for potential growth and improvement within the college's offerings.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $32,652-$38,034 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $32,652-$38,034 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $43,762 | |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | |
| Information Technology. | - | |
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - | |
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - | |
| Computer Engineering, General. | - | |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | - | |
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | |
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | - | |
| Fire Science/Fire-fighting. | - | |
| Homeland Security. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - | |
| Data Science, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | - | |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care and Support Services Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Lineworker. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - |
Students
5,062 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 65.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,959
- First-year undergraduates 636
- Transfers and others 1,467
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,062)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at College of Southern Maryland (2023)
The data from the College of Southern Maryland for the year 2023 reveals interesting insights into the student demographics, particularly in terms of gender distribution and diversity among various student categories.
Undergraduate freshmen represent a significant portion of the student body, with 1,108 individuals enrolled. The gender ratio indicates that 43% of these freshmen are male, while 57% are female, suggesting a slightly higher enrollment of women in this category. This trend continues among undergraduate juniors, where the numbers increase substantially to 2,986 students, with a male representation of 36.2% and female representation of 63.8%. Such a pattern raises questions about the factors influencing female students' decisions to pursue higher education, especially in a time where discussions around gender equity in education are prominent.
The data also highlights the diversity within the student population. Although detailed breakdowns for undergraduate juniors and transfer students are not fully available, the representation of various ethnic groups among undergraduates is noteworthy. For instance, the majority of undergraduate freshmen identified as White, followed by significant portions from Asian and Latino backgrounds. This diversity is critical as institutions strive to create inclusive environments that reflect the broader societal changes and enhance the educational experience for all students.
Overall, the figures presented indicate positive trends towards gender representation and ethnic diversity at the College of Southern Maryland. However, continued efforts are necessary to understand and address the underlying factors driving these demographic patterns, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities for success in their academic pursuits.
Age Distribution Analysis of College of Southern Maryland Students
The age distribution data from the College of Southern Maryland reveals significant insights into the demographics of its student body. A noteworthy observation is the overwhelming presence of younger students, particularly those under 24 years old. For instance, nearly 80% of the total student population is comprised of individuals aged 18-24, which is indicative of a traditional college demographic.
The data highlights that students under 18 account for about 36% of the total male enrollment and 22% of the total female enrollment. This suggests that many high school graduates are entering college immediately, reflecting a trend seen in various institutions across the country. The largest group, aged 18-19, constitutes approximately 45% of the total student body, which could be attributed to the increasing number of high school students choosing to pursue higher education right after graduation.
Interestingly, as the age increases, the number of students enrolling declines sharply. For example, only 4% of students are aged 65 and above, suggesting that adult learners are a minority in this institution. This may align with national trends where older adults often face barriers to returning to education, such as financial constraints or family responsibilities.
The absence of graduate male students in the age categories indicates a potential area for growth in attracting this demographic. Overall, the data reflects a youthful, predominantly undergraduate community, which can foster a vibrant campus culture, yet may also prompt the institution to consider initiatives that support a more diverse age range among its students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
52 in 2025 · 0.4% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at the College of Southern Maryland
The data on international student enrollment at the College of Southern Maryland reveals significant fluctuations over the years from 2004 to 2023. Notably, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population has shown a general upward trend, especially in the latter half of the observed period. In 2004, international students comprised only 0.42% of the total undergraduate enrollment, but by 2023, this figure had risen to 0.55%. This increase reflects a growing interest among international students in pursuing higher education in the United States, particularly in community colleges like CSM, which offer affordable tuition and diverse academic programs.
Interestingly, there were peaks in international enrollment during certain years, such as 2020, when 0.69% of students were international. This spike could be attributed to various factors, including the global emphasis on online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have encouraged more students to consider U.S. institutions as viable options. However, the subsequent years show a decline in overall undergraduate enrollment, likely influenced by the challenges posed by the pandemic and changing immigration policies.
The data does not provide insights into graduate student enrollment, which may also reflect similar trends. As U.S. colleges adapt to the evolving landscape of international education, it will be crucial for institutions like the College of Southern Maryland to continue fostering an inclusive environment that attracts a diverse student body. This not only benefits the institution culturally but also enriches the educational experience for all students.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$25,980
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $9,450
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $7,350
- Room and board
- $16,530
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 19% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 70%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$87.7M
Expenses$81.2M
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 24 | 19 |
| Baseball | 24 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 8 |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Golf | 10 | - |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 20 | 15 |
| Baseball | 33 | - |
| Basketball | 13 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 13 |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Golf | 8 | - |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 17 | 19 |
| Baseball | 29 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 7 |
| Softball | - | 12 |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Golf | 3 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
George Washington UniversityWashington · 23.6 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Georgetown UniversityWashington · 24.4 mi
U.S. News #23
-
George Mason UniversityFairfax · 24.8 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Howard UniversityWashington · 25.1 mi
U.S. News #73
-
American UniversityWashington · 26.4 mi
U.S. News #95
-
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park · 29.9 mi
U.S. News #49
-
St. John's College (MD)Annapolis · 40.4 mi
Liberal Arts #81
-
United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis · 40.7 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore · 57.1 mi
U.S. News #9
Data insights
Here are some notable universities surrounding the College of Southern Maryland:
-
Georgetown University - Ranked 22nd in the 2024 US News rankings, Georgetown University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty. It is a prestigious institution located in Washington, D.C., known for its strong emphasis on research and public service.
-
Johns Hopkins University - With a ranking of 9, Johns Hopkins University is famous for its research and medical programs. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, it is consistently recognized as one of the top universities in the United States, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine.
-
University of Maryland-College Park - Ranked 46th, the University of Maryland-College Park is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its vibrant campus life and research initiatives.
-
George Washington University - Ranked 67th, George Washington University is located in the heart of the nation’s capital. It offers a diverse array of programs and is particularly known for its political science, international relations, and law programs.
-
American University - With a ranking of 105, American University is located in Washington, D.C., and is known for its strong programs in public affairs, international relations, and law. It emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement.
-
University of Virginia-Main Campus - Ranked 24th, the University of Virginia is a historic institution with a strong focus on liberal arts education. It is known for its beautiful campus and distinguished faculty.
These institutions provide a rich array of academic opportunities and are well-regarded in various fields of study.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at College of Southern Maryland
The reported crime statistics at the College of Southern Maryland reveal a fluctuating pattern over the years from 2013 to 2023. The average crime rate per 1000 students saw a significant increase in 2020, peaking at 1.01, which indicates a concerning rise in incidents during that year. This spike could be attributed to various factors, including the broader societal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have led to increased stress and potential criminal behavior.
Examining specific types of crimes, the data shows that gun-related arrests and drug-related offenses were present in varying degrees throughout the years. Notably, the absence of recorded incidents in 2023 suggests an encouraging trend towards improved campus safety. However, the overall inconsistency in the data points to the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety.
The fluctuations in campus crime rates are not isolated to this institution; similar trends have been observed in colleges nationwide, particularly during tumultuous times. The importance of comprehensive support systems and preventive programs cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in fostering a safe educational environment.
As we reflect on these statistics, it is vital to recognize that while crime rates can vary, the safety and well-being of students should always be a top priority for educational institutions. Continuous efforts in crime prevention and community engagement are essential to maintain a secure campus atmosphere. For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to 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.