Best Community Colleges in Maryland

Garrett College is a two-year institution located in McHenry. Its 62-acre main campus overlooks Deep Creek Lake -- a scenic resort destination. Garrett College offers on-campus housing, intercollegiate athletics, study abroad opportunities, and a variety of clubs and organizations. Three outreach centers extend education services to surrounding communities in Accident, Grantsville, and Oakland.

Garrett College's unique location allows for two academic offerings not seen at other community colleges in Maryland: associate of applied science programs in adventure sports management and natural resources/wildlife technology. More than 30 other academic offerings are available in business and information technology, arts and sciences, health professions, and teacher education. Garrett College offers a variety of online and hybrid courses each semester.

The school uses an open-door admission policy and accepts all prospective degree-seekers with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Admission requirements vary according to a student's status, but applicants should be prepared to provide official transcripts and test scores.

The College of Southern Maryland serves more than 20,000 students from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties. The school's main campus in La Plata is assisted by three other full-service campus locations throughout the tri-county area. The centrally located Hughesville campus is the future site of CSM's nursing, allied health, and trades programs.

CSM students can select from more than 100 transfer and career-readiness programs. All major academic disciplines are represented in CSM's catalog, including science and engineering, business and technology, arts and humanities, education, health sciences, English and communication, and mathematics. Students can enhance their experience through online learning, service learning, and travel study.

Like other community colleges in Maryland, CSM uses an open-door admission policy. Prospective students with a high school diploma or GED certificate are guaranteed acceptance. All incoming students must complete a new student orientation -- either online or in person.

Established in 1965, Chesapeake College was the first regional community college in Maryland. Today, it primarily serves five counties on the Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot. Cheseapeake boasts a 170-acre rural main campus in Wye Mills and a satellite campus in Cambridge. More than 7,000 students enroll in for-credit and noncredit courses each year.

Chesapeake's comprehensive academic offerings include 20 non-degree programs, 24 certificates, 22 career-focused associate degrees, and 18 transfer-ready associate degrees. Associate degree students have more than 70 majors to choose from, including accounting, early childhood education, and engineering technology. Hybrid, online, and accelerated course options are available. Chesapeake offers six intercollegiate sports programs; a variety of clubs and organizations; and on-site childcare for students, staff, and faculty with children between the ages of three and 10.

Prospective students can apply online or fill out a paper application. Placement testing is required for all applicants who do not meet exemption criteria.

Located on 230 acres in Arnold, Anne Arundel Community College is the largest single-campus community college in Maryland. AACC makes learning more accessible by offering flexible online course options, free evening childcare, and support programs for specific student populations. AACC is a three-time recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award.

Approximately 40,000 students enroll each year in AACC's 3,500+ courses. Its main academic catalog offers 46 associate degrees and 62 certificates in 11 broad disciplines, including architecture and interior design, law and criminal justice, teacher education, and visual arts. Custom transfer degrees can be designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year program.

AACC practices an open-door admission policy. Credit-seeking students must provide official high school transcripts or proof of GED completion. They must also take a placement test unless they are granted an exemption based on their GPA, ACT/SAT scores, or prior college experience.

Baltimore City Community College is headquartered in the state's most populous city and provides comprehensive education opportunities to nearly 14,000 students each year. BCCC operates five major locations: the main Liberty Heights campus, a Downtown Harbor campus, a Reisterstown Plaza campus, the Life Sciences Institute, and the National Weatherization Training Center.

A majority of BCCC's students enroll in the school's workforce development and continuing education division; however, the school also offers 37 associate degrees and 17 certificates. Major academic disciplines represented at BCCC include technology, business, healthcare, and teacher education. Many courses are offered both on campus and online. Students can get involved in more than a dozen clubs and organizations.

BCCC welcomes all students with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Individuals interested in nursing or allied health programs must complete an additional admissions process.