Public Institution

College of Southern Maryland — La Plata, Maryland

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Annual Tuition $4,200

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 4,422

Active Students

Avg. Salary $44,435

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location La Plata, Maryland
Institution type Public
Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Founded 4/27/1966

Academic Mission & Environment

"College of Southern Maryland stands as a pillar of higher education in La Plata, providing a robust academic foundation for 4,422 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does College of Southern Maryland offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at College of Southern Maryland. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities
49.5%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
16.1%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
12.8%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
11.8%

Enrollment Share

Engineering
2.1%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
1.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at College of Southern Maryland provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at College of Southern Maryland?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

College of Southern Maryland maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 39.7%
Women Enrollment 60.3%

Open Pathway Confirmed

College of Southern Maryland follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to College of Southern Maryland's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does College of Southern Maryland cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $4,200
Out-of-State Tuition $9,450

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 24.7%
Median Student Debt $8,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $4,200, graduates see a median starting salary of $44,435, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Maryland.

What salary can College of Southern Maryland graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $44,435

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $9,867
Median Salary (6yr) $37,269
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at College of Southern Maryland in La Plata?

4,422 Students

Gender Comparison

39.7% Men
60.3% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.7%
Pacific Islander
0.3%
Asian
3.9%
Black
28.8%
White
45.6%
Unknown
3.4%
Hispanic
9.2%
Two or More Races
7.3%
International
0.9%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 24
🎓
First-Generation 45.1%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 78.1%
🎖️
Veterans 0.9%
💍
Married Students 13.8%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $82,457
Average Family Income $44,030
Median Family Income $29,723

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

35.5%
64.5%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the La Plata Campus Environment

Located at 8730 Mitchell Rd, College of Southern Maryland offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Maryland. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about College of Southern Maryland

Is College of Southern Maryland a good college in La Plata, Maryland?
College of Southern Maryland is a recognized institution in La Plata with an enrollment of 4,422 students. It is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers a robust ROI for students in Maryland based on Department of Education data.
Is College of Southern Maryland worth attending in 2026?
Yes, College of Southern Maryland offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $44,435. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does College of Southern Maryland cost for Maryland residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at College of Southern Maryland is approximately $4,200. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $9,450. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of College of Southern Maryland after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending College of Southern Maryland for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 78.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is College of Southern Maryland good for Humanities and Business & Marketing programs?
College of Southern Maryland is highly regarded for its Humanities and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending College of Southern Maryland?
Graduates of College of Southern Maryland often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $44,435, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for College of Southern Maryland?
College of Southern Maryland operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does College of Southern Maryland require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, College of Southern Maryland follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can College of Southern Maryland graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of College of Southern Maryland earn a median salary of $44,435 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is College of Southern Maryland a good investment compared to other MD colleges?
College of Southern Maryland stands out as a high-value investment in Maryland. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is College of Southern Maryland located and what is the campus like?
College of Southern Maryland is located at 8730 Mitchell Rd in La Plata, MD. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 4,422 learners.
Who typically attends College of Southern Maryland in La Plata, MD?
The student body at College of Southern Maryland is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 45.1% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Maryland

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare College of Southern Maryland with other leading institutions in Maryland across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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