Community College of Baltimore County

The Community College of Baltimore County offers affordable tuition and various financial aid opportunities to help students save thousands on their education. With a net price per year of $6,785, CCBC provides a budget-friendly education, making it an attractive option for many students. The college also leverages multiple funding sources to help students attend tuition-free, with scholarships and grants available through the CCBC Foundation and other institutional and state awards.

CCBC has an open admissions policy, so applicants should not have much trouble being accepted. It is important to fill out the application completely and submit any requested materials, which may include proof of a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no admissions fees and no required GPA, making it accessible for a wide range of students.

CCBC offers a supportive learning environment with knowledgeable and caring faculty and staff. The college provides resources like tutoring, academic advising, and career services to support student success. With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, students find it easy to get the classes they want, and professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.

CCBC provides a strong pathway to further education and career development, with many students successfully transferring credits to four-year colleges. The school has an internship website for students to find opportunities aligned with their majors, and career services provide guidance, especially for workforce training and certificates. Graduates feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation, and the college's convenient location and connections in Baltimore enhance internship and job prospects.

CCBC offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports teams with supportive coaches and community events such as local trips. The school encourages participation in clubs and social events, although some students note that social life is less vibrant compared to larger schools. Still, the opportunities available foster community and personal growth, and the campus is known for its diversity and welcoming atmosphere.

The Department of Public Safety is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) Certified Sworn Police Officers and Non-Sworn Public Safety Officers. Officers patrol campus locations on foot and in vehicles, and the department also utilizes a campus escort program and a security camera system. The college encourages members of the community to report crimes and other serious incidents on a voluntary and confidential basis.

CCBC's Honors Program boasts greater graduation and transfer rates to four-year institutions, with more than 80 percent of students transferring. Incentive programs encourage students to enter the Honors Program, and a Mellon Scholars Program has been established that gives students research opportunities as well as interaction with faculty and graduate students at Johns Hopkins. The college is also working to increase diversity and inclusion within the Honors Program.

CCBC welcomes international students, who choose the college to be close to family members and friends in the culturally diverse areas of Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Washington, DC. The college offers relatively low costs, small class sizes, and articulation agreements to help international students transfer to four-year institutions. CCBC has 18% international students, contributing to a globally diverse campus community.