Public · Mostly certificates · Fringe rural

College of Southern Maryland

La Plata, Maryland. 4,512 undergraduates.

32%Graduation rate39 pts below the national median for similar colleges (71%)
$7,620Average net price per year57% below the national median for similar colleges ($17,716)
$49,504Median earnings 10 years after starting35% above the national median for similar colleges ($36,576)
$11,650Median debt at graduation23% above the national median for similar colleges ($9,500)
Our read

Graduates' median debt ($11,650) equals 24% of former students' median earnings ten years after starting ($49,504). That is a light load relative to pay.

What families actually pay

Under $30,000$4,512
$30,000–$48,000$4,012
$48,001–$75,000$4,725
$75,001–$110,000$7,755
Over $110,000$10,941

Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, by family income. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Compare net price across collegesPublished tuition and fees: $4,200 in-state, $10,050 out-of-state.

Do students finish, and what do they earn?

MeasureThis collegeSimilar colleges nationally
Graduation rate32%71%
Return for second year66%77%
Median earnings, 6 years after starting$42,819$33,491
Median earnings, 10 years after starting$49,504$36,576
Median debt at graduation$11,650$9,500

Graduation rate within 150% of normal time; retention is the share of first-year students who return. Earnings are medians for former students who received federal aid, working and not enrolled. National comparison is the median for colleges of the same type (mostly certificates).

Programs and what graduates earn

50 programs reported
ProgramGraduates / yrMedian earnings, 1 yrMedian earnings, 5 yrsMedian debt
Engineering, General22—$80,313—
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing104$79,194$77,303$16,124
Computer and Information Sciences, General41—$68,721—
Business/Commerce, General54$43,762$65,525—
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities305$38,034$54,434$10,500
Natural Resources Conservation and Research2———
Communication and Media Studies4———
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication9———
Computer Programming3———
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management50———
Education, General7———
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods17———
Computer Engineering1———
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering9———
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other4———
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services4———
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General10———
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness7———
Criminal Justice and Corrections13———
Fire Protection1———
Homeland Security2———
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection4———
Film/Video and Photographic Arts4———
Health and Medical Administrative Services6———
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services5———
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions6———
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions2———
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs8———
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions7———
Business Administration, Management and Operations23———
Accounting and Related Services14———
Hospitality Administration/Management1———

Program-level medians for graduates who received federal aid. A dash means the Department of Education suppressed the figure to protect privacy, usually because the program is small. At four-year colleges, certificate graduates often earned a bachelor's at the same time, so their earnings can reflect the degree. Source: College Scorecard, field of study data.

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Quick answers

How much does College of Southern Maryland cost per year?
The average net price at College of Southern Maryland, what students pay after grants and scholarships, is $7,620 per year. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much do College of Southern Maryland graduates earn?
Former College of Southern Maryland students earn a median of $49,504 a year ten years after starting college. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at College of Southern Maryland?
32% of College of Southern Maryland students graduate within 150% of normal time. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much student debt do College of Southern Maryland graduates have?
The median federal student debt at graduation from College of Southern Maryland is $11,650. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.