Carroll Community College

What Is It Known For?

Carroll Community College located in Westminster, Maryland, is renowned for its high academic standards and student-centered environment. Serving roughly 9,000 students each year, the college supports recent high school graduates, working adults, and career changers through a wide mix of programs.

Its story took shape in 1993, when it became an independent institution. Before that point, higher education in the area operated as an extension of Catonsville Community College.

Over time, the school expanded its offerings while keeping access and affordability at the center of its mission.

Degrees & Certifications

Students can pursue associate degrees and credit certificates across more than 70 areas of study, while over 30 workforce training certificates support faster entry into skilled roles. Program lengths vary based on your chosen path.

Training areas at Carroll Community College include:

Class Schedules

Morning, afternoon, and evening classes fit around work schedules and family commitments. Saturday sessions add another layer of flexibility for students juggling multiple responsibilities.

Format options let you pick what works best. In-person classes give you face-to-face interaction with instructors and classmates. Fully online courses let you learn from anywhere with internet access. Hybrid formats blend both approaches, combining the benefits of personal instruction with schedule freedom.

Career-focused programs, particularly in Health Care, weave mandatory clinical experiences or externships into the curriculum. These placements happen at regional medical facilities where you gain supervised, real-world experience before graduation.

Is It a Good School?

Yes. Carroll Community College holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education(MSCHE) and maintains several prestigious affiliations.

Acceptance Rate

100% acceptance rate. The college follows an open-door admission policy. Applicants who meet basic requirements are admitted.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

Tuition at Carroll Community College is charged per credit hour. In-county students pay $144 per credit, out-of-county students pay $245, and out-of-state students pay $337. Additional fees apply depending on the program.

Students can also estimate their total costs using the college’s net price calculator.

Programs & Courses

Business

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Certified Bookkeeping

Criminal Justice & Law

  • Criminal Justice
  • Law Enforcement

Healthcare

  • Exercise Science
  • Massage Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Nursing
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapy

Skilled Trades

  • Automotive Technician
  • Electrical Apprenticeship
  • HVACR Apprenticeship
  • Welder/Advanced Welder
  • Plumbing Apprenticeship

Technology

  • Computer Information Systems
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Science
  • Network Security

Campus Locations

Westminster 1601 Washington Road Westminster, MD 21157

Reviews

Based on local Google reviews, Carroll Community College is highly regarded as one of the top community colleges in Maryland. It is frequently praised for its beautiful campus, dedicated faculty, and high-quality specialized programs, though some students highlight friction in specific administrative and social areas.

Overall Score: 4.6/5 Stars

Common Praises

Exceptional Faculty and Staff: The most frequent praise is for the “dedicated” and “approachable” professors. Many students report that faculty members go above and beyond to provide a high-quality learning experience and are deeply invested in student success.

Superior Specialized Programs: The Nursing and Continuing Education programs are standout highlights. Students specifically mention instructors in the Allied Health and Nursing departments as exceptional professionals who provide well-rounded, practical knowledge.

Outstanding Campus Facilities: Reviewers consistently describe the campus as “beautiful,” “spacious,” and “very clean.” The on-campus theater and the college auditorium are noted for their comfort and excellent acoustics for community events and ceremonies.

Strong Community Resource: Many local families value the college’s community-facing initiatives, such as the summer programs for children and teens and not-for-credit music classes for retirees, noting a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Seamless Transfer Pathways: Students appreciate the college’s effectiveness as a “starting point,” with many reporting easy credit transfers to four-year institutions like Towson University or McDaniel College.

Common Criticisms

Mixed Administrative Experiences: While most staff are praised, some students have reported issues with security or specific departmental managers. One student noted being asked to leave a classroom by security despite arriving early to study, while another criticized the café’s customer service as “deplorable.”

Nursing Program Pressure: While the program is highly rated for its outcomes, at least one review voiced significant concerns regarding a “threatening” or “intimidating” atmosphere within the nursing department. The college proactively responded to this by offering a formal complaint process.

Limited Social Scene: Some students find the campus “depressing socially,” noting that because it is primarily a commuter school, students tend to leave immediately after class, making it difficult to form deep social connections.

Restroom and Facility Layout: A minor physical criticism includes some restrooms being a “tight fit” and a desire for more electrical outlets in common areas for laptop charging.

Momentum

The momentum for Carroll Community College is exceptionally strong. It has consistently been ranked as one of the best community colleges in Maryland, citing high graduation rates and career outcomes. Recent reviews from late 2025 continue to highlight “exceptional” teaching and a high level of hospitality for events. The college’s proactive response to negative feedback and its “2025–2029 Strategic Plan”—which focuses on modernizing technology and enhancing student belonging—suggests a forward-thinking institution committed to maintaining its top-tier status.