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College of Southern Maryland

La Plata, MD

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Quick Facts

4,422
Total Students
$4K
Tuition (In-State)
$9K
Tuition (Out-State)
$10K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification

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

About College of Southern Maryland

A cornerstone of community education, evolving in Southern Maryland since 1958.

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) stands as a vibrant educational hub, deeply rooted in the community it serves. While its official rebranding to CSM took place in 2000, its legacy stretches back to 1958 when it first opened its doors as Charles County Junior College, offering evening classes at La Plata High School. This early commitment to accessibility laid the groundwork for decades of growth and dedication to student success.

From these humble beginnings, the college quickly expanded its offerings, introducing a vital apprenticeship program in 1960 to meet the evolving needs of the region's workforce. The commitment to providing hands-on, career-focused education has been a hallmark of its mission ever since. This period of rapid development culminated in 1968 with the commencement of construction on its main campus in La Plata, transforming its physical presence and capabilities within the community.

Today, the College of Southern Maryland continues to build on this rich history, offering a diverse range of programs designed to empower students for their academic and professional journeys. Whether you're seeking to jumpstart a career, prepare for further university studies, or explore new passions, CSM provides a supportive and dynamic environment. It remains a testament to enduring educational innovation and community partnership, fostering a bright future for its students and the region.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1958 as Charles County Junior College, beginning with evening classes for accessible education.
  • Introduced an apprenticeship program in 1960, emphasizing practical career development.
  • Began construction of its main campus in La Plata, Maryland, in 1968, marking significant growth.
  • Officially became the College of Southern Maryland on July 1, 2000, solidifying its regional identity.
  • A long-standing institution dedicated to community education and career preparation in Southern Maryland.

Timeline

1958
Predecessor, Charles County Junior College, began evening classes at La Plata High School.
1960
The college added an apprenticeship program.
1968
Charles County Community College began construction of the Career Education and Administration Building on its main campus in La Plata.
2000
The college officially became the College of Southern Maryland.

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