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Public, 2-year

Garrett College

McHenry, Maryland · www.garrettcollege.edu/index.php

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Out-of-state tuition

$12,040

In-state $9,632

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

679

Student-faculty ratio 15:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

31.7%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 33.1%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Garrett College, located in McHenry, Maryland, is a prominent community college known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and a supportive learning environment. Established in 1970, the college aims to empower students through a diverse range of academic programs and services. One of the college's key features is its focus on student success, which is reflected in its personalized approach to education. Small class sizes enable faculty to offer individualized attention, fostering strong relationships between students and instructors. This nurturing environment contributes to a positive educational experience, allowing students to thrive both academically and personally.

In addition to its academic offerings, Garrett College is well-regarded for its beautiful campus, which is situated near Deep Creek Lake and the scenic Appalachian Mountains. This prime location not only provides a stunning backdrop for students but also offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and water sports. The college also emphasizes a vibrant campus culture, with various student clubs and activities that encourage involvement and community engagement. Garrett College prepares its students for successful careers by offering career services and connections with local businesses, thus enhancing graduation outcomes and job placements. This strong community focus, combined with a dedicated faculty and a picturesque setting, makes Garrett College an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded educational experience.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Garrett College

Garrett College has shown significant trends in various educational metrics over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student retention, graduation rates, and the student-to-faculty ratio.

Firstly, tuition costs have steadily increased, with in-state tuition rising from $6,776 in 2014 to $9,996 in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 47%. For out-of-state students, tuition has escalated from $7,868 to $12,124, which is an increase of around 54%. This trend reflects a broader national concern regarding the rising costs of higher education, which can deter potential students and may impact enrollment numbers.

Speaking of enrollment, the number of undergraduate students at Garrett College has been on a downward trajectory. From a peak of 873 students in 2013, the enrollment dropped to 579 students in 2023. This decline could be linked to the increasing tuition costs and may also indicate a need for the college to reevaluate its recruitment strategies to attract and retain students.

Retention rates have shown some variability but highlighted a concerning drop to 49.8% in 2019, followed by a rebound to around 55.3% in 2023. This fluctuation indicates that while some students are able to persist in their studies, the overall retention remains a challenge, potentially affected by the financial burden of tuition and the overall college experience.

Furthermore, graduation rates have seen slight improvements over the years, particularly for the 150% graduation rate metric, which rose from 17.4% in 2013 to 27.7% in 2023. This is a positive sign, suggesting that the college may be improving its support systems to help students complete their degrees, though the base rates still indicate that there is substantial room for improvement.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio, which has remained relatively stable but slightly decreased from 16 to 12 students per faculty member, suggests that the college may be focusing on maintaining a more personalized educational experience, potentially aiding in student retention and graduation rates.

In conclusion, while Garrett College faces challenges related to rising tuition and declining enrollment, the improvements in graduation rates and a stable student-to-faculty ratio indicate that there are efforts in place to enhance student support and educational outcomes.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, distant
Nearest major city
Pittsburgh, about 70 mi
Nearest international airport
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), about 80 mi
McHenry, Maryland
Also known as
Garrett Community College, Garrett, GCC, GC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Richard Midcap (President)
Phone
3013873000
City
McHenry, Maryland
Address
687 Mosser Road, McHenry, MD 21541

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1146 international (5.3%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other
30
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
13
Business/Commerce, General
12
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
8
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
7
Business Administration and Management, General
7
Computer and Information Sciences, General
6
Elementary Education and Teaching
5
Engineering, General
5
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
5

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Garrett College

The graduation data from Garrett College for 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into the trends and distributions of degrees awarded across various fields of study. Notably, the college conferred a total of 12 associate degrees in Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management, which, while modest, underscores the importance of environmental studies in today’s educational landscape. This aligns with a broader societal focus on conservation and wildlife protection, reflecting growing interest among students in these areas.

In the realm of liberal arts and sciences, a significant number of 24 associate degrees were awarded in General Studies, indicating a strong foundation in critical thinking and interdisciplinary studies, which are essential skills in an ever-evolving job market. This focus on liberal arts is particularly relevant as employers increasingly value adaptability and diverse skill sets.

Conversely, the lack of bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees across all fields suggests a potential area for growth and development within the college's offerings. This absence could indicate limited pathways for students seeking advanced degrees, which is crucial for those aspiring to enter competitive fields such as business, healthcare, and engineering.

Moreover, the absence of international students in degree completion raises questions about the institution's appeal on a global scale, especially considering the increasingly multicultural nature of higher education. Colleges that can attract a diverse student body often benefit from enriched academic experiences and broader perspectives, which are vital in today’s globalized society.

Overall, while Garrett College exhibits strengths in certain associate programs, the data highlights opportunities for enhancement in higher degree offerings and international student engagement, which are essential for fostering an inclusive and comprehensive educational environment.

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

Liberal arts has 43 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$39,302
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.$39,302
Businesshas 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.-
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.-
Educationhas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Education, General.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Computer and information sciencehas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Natural resources has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.-
Health professionshas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).-
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.-
Engineeringhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.-

Students

679 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 50:50 · Freshman retention 50.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (679)

White
569 · 83.8%
Black
45 · 6.6%
International
22 · 3.2%
Hispanic
22 · 3.2%
Two or more races
13 · 1.9%
Unknown
4 · 0.6%
Asian
3 · 0.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
37.3%
18–19
40.6%
20–21
9.7%
22–24
4.6%
25 and over
7.8%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Garrett College in 2023

The student demographics at Garrett College for the year 2023 reveal a diverse and balanced educational environment. The data indicates that the total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 170, with an equal gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female. This equality is a positive sign for promoting inclusivity among new students entering higher education.

In the group of undergraduate continuing students, there are 172 individuals, with a slightly higher female representation at 51.7% compared to 48.3% for males. This trend is indicative of a growing acceptance and support for female students in academia, which aligns with broader educational trends observed nationwide, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing.

The transfer student category is notably smaller, with only 25 individuals, and a significant gender imbalance, as 68% of these students are male. This could reflect specific challenges or barriers for female transfer students, highlighting an area where the college might focus on improving support and outreach initiatives.

The data for the demographic breakdown of students in terms of race is also noteworthy, especially in the context of current societal discussions surrounding diversity and representation in education. While specific numbers for each racial subgroup are not fully disclosed, the presence of various ethnic groups is crucial for fostering an enriching learning environment.

Overall, Garrett College appears to be making strides in gender balance among undergraduate students, but attention may be needed to address the gender disparity among transfer students. Ensuring all demographics feel represented and supported can enhance the college's educational mission and community.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Garrett College

The age composition of students at Garrett College in 2023 presents a clear demographic trend characterized by a strong presence of younger students. Notably, the under-18 age group stands out, with 171 students, comprising 60 males and 111 females, representing approximately 46% of the total student population. This high percentage suggests that the college is attracting a substantial number of high school graduates, reflecting a national trend where many young adults are seeking higher education immediately after secondary school.

In the subsequent age group of 18-19 years, the college continues to maintain a significant number of students, with 233 individuals (133 males and 100 females) enrolled. This trend indicates a healthy influx of traditional college-age students, which is essential for the sustainability and growth of any educational institution.

As we progress through the age brackets, the enrollment numbers begin to decline sharply, particularly for students aged 20-21 and older, with only a small number of students in their late twenties and thirties. This trend may reflect various factors, including career trajectories, financial commitments, or life circumstances that affect older students' ability to pursue higher education.

Additionally, the absence of graduate male students is noteworthy, as it highlights a potential area for growth in graduate programs. The overall gender balance among undergraduates shows a larger female presence, which aligns with broader educational trends where women are increasingly pursuing higher education at higher rates than men.

In conclusion, Garrett College's age distribution illustrates a vibrant community of young learners while also indicating potential challenges in attracting older students and graduate level participation. Addressing these gaps could enhance the college's educational offerings and foster a more diverse academic environment.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.2%

22 in 2025 · 1.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.4%2017: 1.3%2018: 1.3%2019: 1.7%2020: 1.4%2021: 0.5%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.5%2024: 1.4%2025: 3.2%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Garrett College

The data on international student enrollment at Garrett College reveals a notable trend over the years. Starting from 2004, the college had a modest number of international undergraduate students, with only 5 students representing 0.81% of the total undergraduate population. This figure saw a gradual increase, peaking in 2006 with 18 international students, which accounted for 2.78% of the undergraduate body.

However, from 2010 onward, the numbers began to fluctuate. By 2012, the count dropped dramatically to just 1 international student, representing a mere 0.11% of the student body. This alarming decline continued in the subsequent years, with 2021 witnessing only 3 international students, or 0.48%. The trend suggests a significant decrease in the attractiveness of Garrett College for international students, which may be attributed to various factors such as changing global circumstances, increased competition from other institutions, or potential challenges in the college's international outreach and support systems.

The overall context of higher education shows that many institutions across the U.S. have been grappling with similar challenges, especially post-pandemic. International student enrollment has been crucial for many colleges not just for cultural diversity but also for financial sustainability. As Garrett College looks to the future, it may need to reevaluate its recruitment strategies and support services for international students to reverse this concerning trend and enhance its global footprint in education.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$20,424

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$12,040
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$9,632
Room and board
$8,384
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 48% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 44%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$21.5M

Government grants and contracts
$14.6M68.0%
Tuition and fees
$2.0M9.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$952K4.4%
Gifts and private grants
$117K0.5%
Sales and services of educational activities
$104K0.5%
Investment return
$60K0.3%
Other
$3.6M16.9%

Expenses$19.8M

Instruction
$6.3M32.0%
Student services
$4.9M25.0%
Institutional support
$3.3M16.6%
Academic support
$1.7M8.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.4M7.1%
Public service
$796K4.0%
Scholarships
$452K2.3%
Other
$895K4.5%

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.

All faculty
$68,340peers $68,588
Professor
$78,042peers $79,972
Associate professor
$66,739peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$62,762peers $62,785

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
Other MENWOMEN
Baseball41-
Basketball1612
Soccer-22
Wrestling18-
Volleyball-12
2024
OtherMENWOMEN
Baseball32-
Basketball159
Wrestling17-
Soccer-16
Volleyball-10
2023
OtherMENWOMEN
Basketball1514
Baseball28-
Softball-14
Wrestling13-
Volleyball-10

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Garrett College:

  1. Carnegie Mellon University - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, Carnegie Mellon is a prestigious research university known for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts.

  2. University of Virginia-Main Campus - Also ranked 24th, the University of Virginia is a highly respected public university, famous for its historical significance and strong academic programs across various disciplines.

  3. Georgetown University - With a ranking of 22nd, Georgetown is a prominent private university located in Washington, D.C., recognized for its excellent programs in international relations, law, and business.

  4. Washington & Jefferson College - This liberal arts college ranks 89th in the nation and is known for its close-knit community and commitment to undergraduate education.

  5. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Ranked 67th, this public research university offers a wide range of programs and is particularly noted for its health sciences and engineering faculties.

These institutions are excellent choices for students looking to further their education in various fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug referrals
8
Weapons referrals
3
Liquor referrals
3
Fondling
2
Stalking
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Trends in Campus Crime at Garrett College

The crime statistics at Garrett College over the years reveal a significant decline in the average number of incidents per 1,000 students. In 2013, the college reported a relatively high rate of 27.72, which has drastically decreased to zero in 2023. The peak occurred in 2017 with a rate of 74.80, highlighting a year of heightened concerns regarding safety on campus.

Looking at the specifics, offenses such as drug and alcohol-related arrests and incidents have shown a noteworthy reduction. The data indicates that there were no reported cases of violent crimes, such as murder or sexual assault, in recent years, which is encouraging for student safety and well-being.

The substantial drop in crime rates could be attributed to various factors, including enhanced security measures, community outreach programs, and increased awareness around campus safety. Many educational institutions have been focusing on creating a safer environment for students, which appears to be reflected in Garrett College's statistics.

Overall, while the fluctuations in crime rates over the years raise important discussions about campus safety, the recent data suggests a positive trend towards a more secure campus environment. Continuous efforts to monitor and improve safety protocols will be essential to maintain this downward trajectory in crime rates. For more information on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

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.