Maine Community College System
The Maine Community College System (MCCS) is Maine's comprehensive two-year college system, offering nearly 300 technical, career, and transfer programs; customized training; and lifelong learning. Maine's seven community colleges are located in Auburn, Bangor, Fairfield/Hinckley, Presque Isle, South Portland/Brunswick, Calais, and Wells.
Over 90% of the state's population is within 25 miles of the colleges and their off-campus centers. The schools offer the lowest tuition in New England. Tuition and fees for a full-time student average $3,400 and 78% of full-time, degree-seeking students receive financial aid. MCCS awarded 2,766 credentials in 2014-15, a 62% increase over the 1,712 credentials awarded in 2003-04, the year Maine's technical colleges became community colleges. In fall 2015, 17,464 students enrolled in credit courses.[1]
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Affordable
Maine's seven community colleges offer the lowest tuition in New England. Tuition and fees for a full-time student average $3,400 and 78% of full-time, degree seeking students receive financial aid. The Portland Press Herald called the community colleges possibly the "best-kept secret" in higher education in Maine.[2]
Who the colleges serve
Nearly 30,000 individuals turn to Maine's community colleges each year. Some are focused on gaining the skills they need to enter the workforce as soon as possible. Others are planning to continue their education after earning a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree. And still others are taking advantage of customized training and continuing education programs. In fall 2015:
- 93% of incoming MCCS students are Maine residents.
- 40% come directly from high school.
- 34% enter with some prior college.
- 59% of all students attend part time.
- 70% of students are enrolled in career and occupational programs in fall 2015. The number of those students has increased 40% since the transition to community colleges in 2003.
- 78% of full-time, degree seeking students receive financial aid.[3]
History and Mission
The history of Maine’s community colleges began nearly seven decades ago, with the creation of the Maine Vocational Institute (MVI) in Augusta. Today, the state’s seven community colleges annually serve nearly 30,000 individuals through 2-year degree programs, continuing education, and workforce development initiatives. (Public Law, Chapter 431)
Member Colleges
Central Maine Community College in Auburn, Maine
Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor, Maine
Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield and Hinckley, Maine
Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle, Maine
Southern Maine Community College in South Portland and Brunswick, Maine
Washington County Community College in Calais, Maine
York County Community College in Wells, Maine
