EXHIBIT 23.3

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  Registration  Statement of
Sandy Spring  Bancorp,  Inc. on Form S-8 of our report,  dated January 31, 2003,
relating to the consolidated financial statements of Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.,
which report  appears on page 55 of the Sandy Spring  Bancorp,  Inc. 2003 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ Stegman & Company

Baltimore, Maryland
July 9, 2004