College of Southern Maryland SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
CSM’s 78% acceptance rate means your first question should be fit, cost, and momentum after enrollment, not whether you have a realistic shot. Because CSM is test-optional, submit scores only if they add clear strength or help with your next-step plans.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
College of Southern Maryland facts and stats
College of Southern Maryland enrolls about 5,062 undergraduates in a rural campus setting. CSM has a freshman retention rate of 66%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1.
La Plata, MD
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Key College of Southern Maryland application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional CSM, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for superscore-focused retakes. Since CSM does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, use its Regular Decision deadline to decide the last fall retake whose scores will arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
At CSM, in-state tuition is $7,350, while out-of-state tuition is $10,050. About 33% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $1,838, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
At College of Southern Maryland, out-of-state tuition is $10,050, while in-state tuition is $7,350. Room and board adds about $16,530 for students budgeting for housing and meals. About 33% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $5,283. Merit awards average $1,838, so many students should plan for a meaningful remaining cost after aid.
Student life at College of Southern Maryland
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, MDAcceptance rate: 100%
SAT: 1114–1372
ACT: 23–30
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MDAcceptance rate: 100%
ACT: 18–25
Bowie State University
Bowie, MDAcceptance rate: 75%
SAT: 790–970
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MDAcceptance rate: 11%
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