Welcome to Frederick Community College
Frederick Community College (FCC) is a public college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). FCC is distinguished by its quality and affordability, making it attainable and valuable for local students. Accredited programs, comprehensive instruction, and affordable costs of attendance have made FCC the learning destination for nearly 30,000 graduates since 1957.
In traditional and alternative learning environments, we anticipate and respond to
the needs of our local, regional, and global communities. FCC recognizes the different
learning needs and preferences of students and offers instruction in flexible learning
formats that include day, evening, weekend, online, and hybrid options. In addition,
FCC offers current high school students access to college courses through its Open
Campus and High School-Based Dual Enrollment programs.
FCC offers 55 associate degree programs and areas of concentration, 39 certificate,
and 51 subject areas in continuing education through credit and Continuing Education
and Workforce Development (CEWD).
Explore our wide variety of program options designed for career and transfer students,
and those studying for job credentials, professional development, and personal enrichment.
Mission Statement
Focused on teaching and learning, Frederick Community College provides affordable, flexible access to lifelong education that responds to the needs of diverse learners and the community.
FCC Accreditation and Self-Study
Frederick Community College is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is
an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
The College received its initial accreditation in 1971. Frederick Community College
accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action
on the institution’s accreditation status was on June 26, 2025 where the Commission
moved to reaffirm accreditation. The Accreditation Status for FCC can be viewed on
the MSCHE website, which includes the Statement of Accreditation Status (SAS).
The College completed its most recent reaffirmation process with the conclusion of
its 2024-25 Self-Study, On-site Peer Review, and Notice of Action.
Values
Learning - Engaging all learners in critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and the lifelong pursuit of knowledge and skills
Innovation - Encouraging creative thinking, technological solutions, and alternative approaches to advance learning and student success
Diversity - Being culturally conscious and inclusive by embracing the visible and invisible human differences that affect the learning and success of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the community
Excellence - Providing educational experiences and programming that reflect high academic standards, quality instruction, and exemplary student support
Community - Responding to the needs of Frederick County with accessible, affordable education while encouraging engagement, communication, and collaboration within and beyond the College
Integrity - Applying fair and ethical standards in all policies, procedures, and practices
Student Profile
15,243
| Demographic | Credit Student Profile | CEWD Student Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Female | 55% | 57% |
| Male | 44% | 41% |
| Non-Binary | <1% | 1% |
| From Frederick County | 89% | 83% |
| Students of Color | 45% | 37% |
| Adult Learners (25+) | 22% | 67% |
Additional Credit Student Details
Student Outcomes
| Percentage | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 79% | Course Completion Rate Spring and Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 |
| 35% | Graduation Rate Within 3 Years of Entry First-time, full-time, degree seeking students, Fall 2020 - Spring 2023 |
| 27% | Transfer Rate Within 3 Years of Entry First-time, full-time, degree seeking students, Fall 2020 - Spring 2023 |
| 63% | Fall-to-Fall Retention Rate Fall 2022 to Fall 2023 |
Associate Degree and Certificate Graduates by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | Degrees Conferred | Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1007 | 910 |
| 2021 | 1050 | 957 |
| 2022 | 931 | 844 |
| 2023 | 970 | 862 |
| 2024 | 993 | 876 |
Income Growth of Career Program Graduates
| Fiscal Year Graduates | Median Annualized Income One Year Prior to Graduation | Median Annualized Income Three Years After Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| FY 2016 | $17,052 | $43,392 |
| FY 2017 | $19,200 | $44,968 |
| FY 2018 | $22,752 | $44,552 |
| FY 2019 | $20,800 | $51,488 |
Top 5 Areas of Study
| Ranking | Program Area |
|---|---|
| 1 | Health Professions |
| 2 | STEM |
| 3 | Business |
| 4 | General Studies |
| 5 | Visual Arts |
Employee Profile
As of Fall 2024
| Number of Employees | Description |
|---|---|
| 1051 | Total Employees |
| 358 | Full Time and Part Time Instructional Credit Faculty |
| 47 | Non-Credit Faculty |
| 646 | Other Non-Instructional Employees |
| 64% | Female Employees |
| 36% | Male Employees |
| <1% | Non-Binary Employees |
| 21% | Employees of Color |
| 15:1 | Student to Faculty Ratio |
History
Frederick Community College (FCC) has grown from humble beginnings from its founding
in 1957. There 77 students enrolled in the first classes held at FCC in the evening
at Frederick High School in 1957. FCC was among the first four of the current 16 community
colleges in Maryland. Nine students comprised the first graduating class of the College
in 1959.
FCC moved to its second location on North Market Street in downtown Frederick in 1966,
expanding programs to include day and evening classes. Meanwhile, continued growth
and the need for a larger facility prompted a parallel search for a permanent home.
County officials bought the Maude L. Thomas farm on Opossumtown Pike, and FCC employees
helped move the College to its current location in 1970.
In 1977-78 academic year, a quarter-century after its founding, the fall enrollment
for the college was 1,802 and there were 180 graduates. Over the next decade, the
enrollment for the College had grown by 68% to 3,036 students. In Fall 2007, the College
entered its fiftieth year and had an enrollment of 5,152 and had nearly 700 graduates.
Today, FCC students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations take credit and Continuing
Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) courses annually on the main campus, at
off-site locations including the Monroe Center, virtually, and even in their high
schools for high school-based dual enrolled students. FCC strives to be an academic
leader nationwide, while being a catalyst for economic growth. The College prepares
students for the marketplace as they acquire immediate job skills, pursue degrees,
or enrich their lives through lifelong learning.
In recent years, the College has added a vibrant Student Center, revamped its Library
facilities into a modern Learning Commons, expanded its Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Math (STEM) laboratories and classrooms, and opened an intimate Studio Theater.
Jefferson Hall was remodeled to better serve students as they register, inquire about
financial aid, or meet with counselors. The Monroe Center has been renovated to better
serve the workforce development needs of our community and is now collocated with
Frederick County Workforce Services.
About Frederick County Maryland
| Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 299,317 | Population |
| 400+ | Restaurants & Eateries |
| 20 Minutes | to the Appalachian Trail |
| 3.5 Hours | to the Beach |
| 1 Hour | to Baltimore, MD or Washington D.C. |
| 1300+ | Farms in Frederick County |