College of Southern Maryland (CSM)

8730 Mitchell Rd, La Plata, MD

About
The College of Southern Maryland, located in La Plata, Maryland, was founded in 1958 and was originally known as Charles COunty junior College. The school originally gave classes out of La Plata High School at night, but in 1968 was given a building of its own that eventually became part of what is the main campus. The school's name was changed in 2000, and in 2008 celebrated 50 years of service to the community.

Academics
CSM is a public two year comprehensive community college, and as such offers programs that are either related to academic progress or assist in career training and development. Academic programs gear students toward transfer by providing an education that mirrors the first two years of a four year education. Upon completion, students will apply to a four year college or university to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree. Career programs provide students with a comprehensive education in a given area or industry with the intent to pursue long term employment upon completion. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a degree or certificate.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment may do so if they are 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or equivalent. Interested individuals should supply a completed application, transcripts, test scores, pay all fees, and be prepared to take a placement exam. Participation in orientation and a meeting with a counselor prior to registration are also encouraged by CSM. Financial aid is awarded based on need as determined by an applicant's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), with funds awarded in the form of loans, grants and scholarships.

Clubs and Organizations
CSM offers students a variety of social option in the form of clubs and organizations. Students may participate in one or more of these clubs, engaging in activities outside of an academic setting and allowing for a the exploration for a broad range of interests. Clubs and organizations also encourage social interaction and the exchange of ideas between students, and in some instances facilitate the development of various skills, including organization, leaderships, group management, teamwork, and others as based on the type of activities pursued. Clubs and organizations vary based on campus, a complete list may be found at the school or on the school's website.

Clubs and organizations include:

Biology Club
Cyber Security Club
Gamers United
True Expre$$ionz Poetry Club
Diversity Club

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $8,600. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $2,900-$3,500
- Out-of-State: $6,400-$7,718
Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $120-$140 per unit
- Out-of-State: $270-$320 per unit

Financial Aid Details

The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.

	Percent of Students	Average Amount
Any Financial Aid	46%	-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships	34%	$4,201
Receiving Student Loans	16%	$4,847

Admissions, Academics, & Student Services

Student Services

To support students and graduates, College of Southern Maryland may offer student services like:

Online classes
Weekend and night classes available
Remedial courses
Counseling assistance
Student employment
Assisting students to find work
Day care for children

Graduation & Transfer Rates

Students who attend a community college will be able to choose from a variety of programs that will lead to an associate's degree or transfer to a four year institution. The following list shows graduation and transfer-out rates for CSM compared to community colleges in Maryland, which can be useful for determining which community college to attend.

	CSM	Charles County	Maryland
Graduation Rate	14.1%	-	15.6%
Transfer-out Rate	21.4%	-	21.1%

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1987)
- Click the link to get a list of all the Maryland nursing schools
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
- Accredited by the Maryland Board of Nursing (since 1975)
Registered Nurse (RN) Program
- Accredited by the Maryland Board of Nursing (since 1977)
- Click the link to get a list of all the Maryland nursing schools

Programs Offered

The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.