College of Southern Maryland serves a five-county region from campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick, plus centers throughout southern Maryland. Established in 1958, the college has grown to serve over 10,000 students annually with programs that support key regional industries like defense contracting, cybersecurity, and healthcare. CSM's La Plata Campus features the Center for Business and Industry, the Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery, and the 500-seat Brad and Linda Gottfried Theater.
The college offers over 100 degree and certificate programs with particular strengths in engineering technology, nursing, and maritime training that reflect the region's economic needs. CSM's 'Velocity Center' in Indian Head supports STEM education and workforce development for the naval base, while its 'Center for Trades and Energy Training' provides specialized programs in HVAC and electrical work. The college maintains strong transfer agreements with institutions like the University of Maryland through its 'Engineering and Aviation' programs. CSM also plays a vital cultural role through its Arts Alliance, which presents concerts, theater productions, and art exhibits that enrich the southern Maryland community. The college's 'Promise Program' provides tuition-free education for qualifying high school graduates, expanding access across its rural and suburban service area.
College of Southern Maryland Acceptance Rate
College of Southern Maryland (CSM) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
College of Southern Maryland Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
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College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
CSM Profile
Name: College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from CSM Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at College of Southern Maryland is USD: 13570. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College of Southern Maryland is USD: 9867
How can I get a scholarship?
24.73% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.62 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CSM and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College of Southern Maryland, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CSM as your choice in the form.
How much a CSM Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 44435. An average CSM graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About College of Southern Maryland Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44435 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $13570 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by College of Southern Maryland.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.