
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.

Get more information about the programs offered by College of Southern Maryland by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Commerce (A)
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (C)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A)
Communication Technology
- Communications Technologies and Support Services
Communications and Journalism
- Multimedia (A)
- Communication and Media Studies (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology (A, C)
- Computer (A)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (A)
- Computer Programming (A)
- Information Science
Construction Trades
- Lineworker (A)
- Electrician
- Building and Construction Finishing, Management and Inspection
Education
Engineering
- Engineering (A)
- Electrical Engineering (A)
- Computer Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Nuclear Engineering Technology (A)
- Cad Drafting (C)
- Engineering Technologies (A, C)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (C)
- Environmental Engineering Technology and Environmental Technology (A)
- Mechanical Technology Technician
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care (A, C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (A, C)
- EMT & Paramedic (A, C)
- Mental Health Technician (C)
- Pharmacy Technician (C)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A, C)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- Massage Therapy (A, C)
- Medical Executive Assistant (C)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A)
- Legal Studies (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Health and Physical Education, Fitness (A)
Security and Protective Services
- Law and Justice Administration (A, C)
- Homeland Security (A)
- Fire Science (A)
Transportation and Materials Moving
Visual and Performing Arts
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to College of Southern Maryland.
- Prince George's Community College in Largo, MD (25 miles away)
- Montgomery College in Rockville, MD (38 miles away)
- Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, MD (43 miles away)
- Howard Community College in Columbia, MD (46 miles away)
- Germanna Community College in Locust Grove, VA (47 miles away)