Budget Supports Public Safety Initiatives, Student Success
The College of Southern Maryland Board of Trustees set tuition for the upcoming academic year, with a 4.3 percent increase for Southern Maryland students, effective fall 2015. Residents of Calvert, Charles and St. Marys counties will now pay $120 per credit. Tuition for Maryland residents outside of the tri-county region will increase by $9 per credit to $207 per credit and for out-of-state residents by $12 per credit to $268 per credit. The comprehensive fee remains at 23 percent of tuition.
More often than not, CSM is a first choice for Southern Marylands college-bound students. Our growing number of transfer articulations and guaranteed admissions allow students to move through their first two years of college near home and at a substantial savings over state colleges and universities, said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried. However, cost should not be the only factor in selecting a college. With our rigorous scholars and honors programs, study abroad opportunities, and collegiate societies, clubs and athletics, CSM is an excellent choice for students pursuing a college degree.
CSMs operating budget is supported by funding from the state, the three counties of Southern Maryland, and tuition and fees. The Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) budget of $62,917,602 is based on anticipated funding to be provided at the state and county levels. Of the total revenues, tuition and fees constitute 49 percent, county appropriations 29 percent and state funding 21 percent and one percent from other sources.
In presenting the recommended budget to the Board of Trustees, CSM Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services Tony Jernigan, CPA, advised the colleges FY16 operating budget reflects a projected credit enrollment decline that nets a 2.3 percent reduction in credit tuition and fees. Additionally, the budget reflects a 3.2 percent increase in county support and a 2.4 percent reduction in state aid. Overall, the FY16 budget is 0.7 percent less than FY15.
We are particularly grateful that the three boards of county commissioners honored their commitments to fund the community college. The college developed its budget based on a lean enrollment projection, and one that allows us to continue to provide the best quality college education for our students as we ensure a safe environment for all on our campuses, said Gottfried.
CSMs tuition and fees may be paid over a four-month period through CSMs Tuition Payment Plan which is available to students enrolled with six or more credits. Since the plan is not a loan program, there is no debt, no credit search and no interest or finance charge assessed on the unpaid balance. The cost is a $50 per semester non-refundable enrollment fee.
The college also offers an online program that helps students to easily identify and apply for potential scholarships. The CSM Scholarship Finder is a quick, easy and free service that helps Southern Maryland students match their backgrounds and financial needs to dozens of local scholarships in a wide variety of academic programs.
For information on the payment plan, contact the Bursars Office at 301-934-7712 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-550-6199, ext. 7712 or visit http://www.csmd.edu/Bursar/Tuition/paymentplan.htm. To use CSMs Scholarship Finder visit http://www.csmd.edu/Financial/. For information on scholarships and financial aid assistance at CSM, call 301-934-7531 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-550-6199, Ext. 7531.