Cecil College
General Information — Cecil College
Overview
Cecil College is a public two-year community college located in North East, Maryland, serving Cecil County and the surrounding region. Founded in 1968, the institution has grown to become a comprehensive, open-admission college committed to career preparation, transfer education, and lifelong learning. Cecil offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and non-credit offerings, enabling students to either enter the workforce or continue their education at a four-year institution.
The campus is situated near the head of the Chesapeake Bay, offering a scenic, supportive setting while being accessible from major metropolitan centers. With a student-faculty ratio around 13:1, Cecil emphasizes personalized instruction and student support services. The college’s mission focuses on empowering learners with the skills, knowledge, and values needed for academic success, workforce entry, and personal enrichment. Additionally, Cecil maintains multiple locations and classes in off-site centers, broadening its reach across the county.
Contact Informations
Address: One Seahawk Drive, North East, Maryland 21901
Phone Number: (410) 287-1000
Email Address: admissions@cecil.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1968 Cecil College+1 |
| Institution Type | Public, two-year community college Vikipedi+1 |
| Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (via institutional listing) Vikipedi+1 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | ~13:1 Cecil College+1 |
| Degrees & Certificates Offered | 45+ associate degrees and 31+ certificate programs Cecil College+1 |
| Campus Setting | Rural/suburban (Cecil County, MD) Vikipedi+1 |
Cecil College Rankings
| Metric / Category | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open admissions) Niche+1 |
| Graduation/Transfer Rate (recent PAR) | ~50% for certain cohorts Cecil College+1 |
| Net Price After Aid (per year) | ~$11,095 per year average net price Niche |
| Student-Faculty Ratio Ranking | Among smaller colleges with personalized instruction (~13:1) |
Cecil College Academics
Cecil College Faculties / Departments
- Applied Technologies & Workforce Development
- Health Sciences & Nursing
- Business, Accounting & Management
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
- Education & Human Services
- General Education & Transfer Studies
Cecil College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts & Humanities
- Associate of Science (AS) in STEM fields
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, Supply Chain Management, Transportation & Logistics
- Certificate programs in Medical Assistant, Welding, Digital Media, Web Development
- Non-credit workforce training and continuing education workshops
- Transfer-pathway programs enabling students to move to four-year colleges
Online Learning
Cecil College offers online and hybrid courses allowing flexibility for adult learners and those balancing work or family commitments. While many technical labs and health care components require in-person attendance, general education, theory modules, and some professional studies are delivered online. The college supports online students through virtual tutoring, advising, and academic services to ensure parity with on-campus experiences.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Requirement / Status |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not required for general admission (open admissions) Niche+1 |
| Placement/Diagnostic Tests | Some students may be placed into developmental courses based on assessment |
| Program Entrance Exams | Certain selective programs (such as health sciences) may require additional screening or prerequisites |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Cecil College reports that its graduation/transfer rate for a fall cohort stood at approximately 50%. Cecil College Retention from first to second year is supported by advising, peer mentoring, and flexibility for both traditional and non-traditional students. Because the college serves a mix of full-time, part-time, adult, and returning learners, completion timelines vary widely, and many students also exit after earning a certificate or transferring.
Cecil College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Since Cecil College practices an open-admissions policy, the institution does not require specific GPA minimums or SAT/ACT score thresholds for standard admission. Instead, applicants must provide proof of high school diploma or equivalent, meet placement requirements, and may consult with an advisor to ensure readiness for college-level work.
Cecil College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open community college admissions) Niche+1 |
Cecil College Application Requirements
Applicants to Cecil College are expected to complete an admissions application, submit proof of high school graduation or GED completion, and provide official transcripts. Additionally, prospective students may participate in orientation, placement assessments (for math and English readiness), and academic advising sessions to plan their program. For transfer students or those entering professional/technical programs, additional documentation such as prerequisite coursework, health clearances, or program-specific requirements may apply.
Application Process
- Submit the college admissions application to Cecil College
- Provide official high school or GED documentation and any transcripts
- Complete placement testing for English and mathematics if required
- Meet with an academic advisor to select a program and register for classes
- Attend new student orientation and finalize enrollment
Cecil College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Typical Start / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Late August each year (registration begins earlier) |
| Spring Semester | Early January each year |
| Summer / Short Sessions | Vary; check with admissions |
| Rolling Admission | Many programs accept applications year-round given community college flexibility |
Essay Prompt
Cecil College does not generally require an essay for admission under its open-admission policy. Students may, however, be asked to provide statements of intent or program-specific motivations in certain professional or selective tracks.
Cecil College Scholarships
Cecil College offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options. These include institutional scholarships for academic achievement or special interest areas, state grants for Maryland residents, and federal aid eligibility for qualifying students. The college encourages early application for financial aid and offers resources to help students navigate funding, scholarship deadlines, and payment plans.
Cecil College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program / Credential Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition per year (undergraduate) | Approximately ~$8,760 for in-state per year average Niche |
| Net Price (after aid) | ~ $11,095 per year on average after grants Niche |
| Additional Costs | Books, supplies, lab fees, possibly program-specific fees |
Cecil College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Cecil College enrolls a diverse student population. Credit enrollment is around 2,200 students annually and continuing education enrolment approximately 2,400. Cecil College+1 Gender, age, and other demographic breakdowns indicate a mix of traditional recent high school graduates as well as adult learners who are returning to education or upskilling for workforce entry.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A large portion of students at Cecil College receive financial aid and grants, reflecting the college’s mission of accessibility. The college offers support services and accommodations for students with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to courses, labs, and support programs. Student services include advising, tutoring, and accessible facilities.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Credit Students Annually | ~ 2,200 Cecil College+1 |
| Continuing Education Students Annually | ~ 2,400 Cecil College+1 |
University Diversity
Cecil College values diversity and inclusion as integral to its educational mission. Serving the northeastern Maryland region, the college draws students from varying socioeconomic, cultural, age, and educational backgrounds. Traditional students straight from high school study alongside adult professionals, returning learners, and community members seeking career change or skills enhancement. This mix enriches peer learning, supports intergenerational perspectives, and fosters an environment of mutual respect. The college also focuses on serving underrepresented populations and preparing students to enter diverse workforces. Its inclusive admissions policy, support services, and flexible scheduling reflect a commitment to equitable access for all learners.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Cecil College enter a variety of fields, including health care, business, STEM, logistics, and skilled trades. While individual earnings vary by program, field, and location, the median earnings of alumni five years after graduation are reported at approximately $55,174 per year. Niche Many graduates who transfer to four-year institutions or accrue additional credentials can increase earnings further. The college’s emphasis on career readiness, employer alignment, and support services helps graduates improve their income trajectories and career mobility.
Cecil College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Cecil College employs a range of faculty and staff including full-time instructors, adjuncts, academic advisors, career services and student life professionals, and administrative support. Because the college emphasizes small class sizes (student-faculty ratio ~13:1), students benefit from more individualized attention, mentoring, and accessible faculty.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Cecil College hold appropriate credentials for their fields—many have master’s or doctoral degrees, industry certifications, and practical experience in their discipline or profession. They actively engage in teaching, advising, service, and program development aligned with regional workforce and transfer needs. The college promotes professional development among faculty to maintain instruction quality and relevance to student career pathways.
Cecil College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Cecil College’s main campus is located at One Seahawk Drive in North East, Maryland, surrounded by the natural beauty of Cecil County and accessible to both Baltimore and Philadelphia metropolitan regions. Cecil College+1 As a predominantly commuter institution, the college does not emphasize on-campus residential housing. Instead, it offers a variety of student services, clubs, athletics (NJCAA teams), student organizations (~20+ clubs and sports teams) and events tailored to engage students academically and socially. Cecil College The campus boasts modern facilities including a Theatre, Library, Fitness Center, Technology Center with café, and outdoor walking trails, contributing to a vibrant student experience.
Transportation
The North East campus of Cecil College is conveniently located near Interstate 95 (Exit 100) and accessible from both north and south via major routes. Free parking is available, and the school also notes that Cecil Transit provides free rides to students who show their student ID. Cecil College Regional public transportation and ride-sharing are also options for commuter students. The campus map and directions provide detailed guidance for access from multiple directions, supporting student mobility and accessibility.