Wor-Wic Community College: A Comprehensive Overview

Wor-Wic Community College, located in Salisbury, Maryland, stands as a vital educational institution serving the Lower Shore region. Its name, a portmanteau of Worcester and Wicomico counties, reflects its commitment to these communities. Founded in 1975, Wor-Wic has evolved from a "college without walls" to a modern campus offering diverse programs and resources.

History and Evolution

In June of 1975, the State Board for Community Colleges approved a proposal for the creation of a community college to serve the postsecondary vocational and technical education needs of the residents of Wicomico and Worcester counties. The college was designated to operate as a “college without walls.” In November of 1975, the college’s board of trustees appointed Dr. Arnold H. Maner to serve as president of the college. Continuing education courses were offered in the fall of 1975, and the college opened its doors to credit program students in the fall of 1976. In 1989, state legislation was enacted to allow Somerset County residents to attend Wor-Wic at the in-county tuition rate.

Initially operating as a "college without walls," Wor-Wic leased space in various locations. After almost 20 years of leasing classroom and office space at various locations in its service area, the college purchased 173 acres of land on the southeast corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury. Construction was started in 1993, and the campus officially opened in the fall of 1994. In 1997, the college purchased 29 additional acres of land adjoining the campus to the south of the existing property, bringing the total college-owned acreage to more than 200. Henson Hall was built in 1999, providing a home on campus for Wor-Wic’s nursing and radiologic technology programs. In the summer of 2000, Maner retired, and Dr. Ray Hoy was named Wor-Wic’s second president.

Guerrieri Hall opened in the fall of 2001 to provide office and classroom space for the college’s criminal justice department and the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. A new Student Center (subsequently named Hazel Center) was opened in the summer of 2005, providing food service, assembly and additional activity and study space for Wor-Wic’s growing student body. The Jordan Center was added in the fall of 2006, providing child care facilities and additional classrooms for students in the human services department. In 2007, the Workforce Development Center (subsequently named Fulton-Owen Hall) opened, providing a new home for the college’s continuing education and workforce development division, the business department and the hotel-motel-restaurant management department.

In 2011, the college purchased 12 additional acres of land adjoining the campus. Also in 2011, emergency medical services, nursing and radiologic technology were moved out of Henson Hall into a new Allied Health Building (subsequently named Shockley Hall), which made room in Henson Hall for the expansion of science courses and allied health classes offered through the continuing education and workforce development division.

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Throughout its history, Wor-Wic has worked to respond to community growth and educational needs. The Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center opened in the spring of 2023 to modernize and expand career education options, with welding, HVACR, metal fabrication and plumbing labs; a CDL simulation lab; and other hands-on instruction areas for electro-mechanical, construction, electrical and alternative energy programs; as well as a community makerspace open to the public. In the summer of 2023, Hoy retired, and Deborah Casey, Ph.D., was named Wor-Wic’s third president.

Campus and Facilities

Wor-Wic's campus, located in a rural setting, features 10 modern buildings, a café, a bookstore, and a child care center. The college's commitment to progress is evident in its facilities, which support programs in healthcare, criminal justice, education, hospitality, and various technical careers.

Academic Profile

The highest degree offered at Wor-Wic Community College is an associate degree. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 14-to-1. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 21 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.

Accreditation and Oversight

Wor-Wic is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Its nursing programs are approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The Maryland Higher Education Commission oversees and coordinates higher education in the State of Maryland including academic and financial policies at the college.

The college has been subject to several reviews and requests for supplemental information by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) regarding various aspects of its operations, including:

Financial stability and long-range financial models
Key data indicators related to student achievement
The closure of an additional location
Implementation of prison education programs and compliance with federal regulations related to the Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative (SCP ESI)

Admissions and Enrollment

Wor-Wic Community College has an open admissions policy. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The college welcomes more than 8,500 students to campus each year. Total Entering Students in Fall 2023 was 682. The total enrollment is 2,705.

Student Body

Wor-Wic students are the heart of the local community. The college prides itself on being a student-centered campus committed to the Lower Eastern Shore communities.

Affordability and Financial Aid

At Wor-Wic Community College, we believe quality education should be within everyone’s reach. That’s why we offer affordable tuition, flexible class schedules and supportive learning environments designed to fit your life. Whether you’re starting your college journey, training for a new career or preparing to transfer to a four-year university, Wor-Wic gives you the tools and value to succeed - without the heavy price tag.

In-state tuition and fees $6,720. Out-of-state tuition and fees $8,280. Books and supplies $1,500. At Wor-Wic Community College, 59 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $3,385. 4,150 financial aid awards, totaling $8.9 million of assistance, were given to students last year.

Economic Impact

In fiscal year 2023, Wor-Wic added $148.9 million in income to the economy of the Lower Shore of Maryland, a value approximately equal to 1.5% of the region’s total gross regional product. One out of every 54 jobs on the Lower Shore exists because of Wor-Wic and its students. We are ranked in the top 15% nationwide by WalletHub based on cost, educational outcomes and career outcomes.

A Message from Wor-Wic

We’re honored you are here to explore our campus! I invite you to meet our amazing employees and students. Our caring faculty and staff are here to support student access and success, community partnerships and skill-up our workforce. We offer a variety of programs to fit your schedule. At Wor-Wic, we are committed to inspiring excellence. We do this by helping create opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically in the classroom in preparation for future employment. Your goals are possible here. Accessible. Affordable.

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