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Anne Arundel Community College

Arnold, MD

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Quick Facts

8,570
Total Students
$4K
Tuition (In-State)
$11K
Tuition (Out-State)
$16K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Anne Arundel Community College

Empowering futures with cutting-edge cybersecurity and dynamic career training.

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) stands as a dynamic institution deeply rooted in its community, dedicated to fostering student success and economic growth. Nationally recognized for its leadership in cybersecurity education, workforce training, and commitment to student excellence, AACC offers a vibrant learning environment where diverse programs meet evolving career demands. Prospective students and families will find a college committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that prepares graduates for immediate employment and seamless university transfer.

Founded as Anne Arundel Junior College on January 2, 1961, AACC began its journey with 270 students. Its history is marked by significant growth and visionary leadership, moving to its permanent Arnold campus in 1967 and achieving full accreditation by 1968. Transformational presidencies, such as Dr. Thomas E. Florestano's tenure from 1979, saw student enrollment skyrocket to 36,000, while Dr. Martha A. Smith further integrated academic and vocational education, cementing AACC's role as an economic driver for the region.

Academically, AACC boasts robust offerings in transfer, career, and continuing education programs. Its strengths are evident in highly accredited programs such as nursing, radiologic technology, and physical therapist assistant. Innovative initiatives like the Weekend College, cable television courses, and a growing network of off-site locations ensure flexibility and accessibility for all learners. The college’s dedication to student success is further underscored by affordable tuition, strong retention programs, and a continuous expansion of its curriculum to meet the needs of a diverse student body and local industries.

With specialized facilities like the Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute building and a cutting-edge Center for Cyber and Professional Training, AACC continues to evolve. Its commitment to excellence is reflected in its consistent accreditations and its pioneering spirit, ensuring it remains at the forefront of community college education, empowering individuals to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1961, enrollment grew from 270 students to approximately 36,000 under Dr. Florestano.
  • ✦Nationally recognized as a leader in cybersecurity education and workforce training.
  • ✦First two-year institution in the U.S. to receive national accreditation for its Department of Public Safety (IACLEA) in 2008.
  • ✦Campus expanded to 230 acres, and the annual budget grew from $9 million to $33 million.
  • ✦Offers a diverse curriculum including transfer, career, and continuing education programs, with degree programs doubling under Dr. Smith.
  • ✦Fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1968, with specialized accreditations for nursing, radiologic technology, and physical therapist assistant programs.

Timeline

1961
Founded as Anne Arundel Junior College; classes commenced with 270 students.
1967
Transitioned to a 165-acre campus in Arnold, Maryland.
1968
Awarded full accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
1970
Nursing programs first accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
1976
Weekend College and the first off-site location in Glen Burnie were established.
1979
Dr. Thomas E. Florestano began his tenure, leading to unprecedented growth in enrollment and budget.
1994
Dr. Martha A. Smith became president, focusing on integrating academic and vocational education.
1998
Physical Therapist Assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
2008
Department of Public Safety became the first two-year institution in the U.S. to achieve IACLEA accreditation.
2012
Dr. Dawn Lindsay was appointed the sixth president of Anne Arundel Community College.

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