Best Community Colleges in Maine
Fall colors and epic winters define Maine, but the state offers more than just gorgeous scenery. Some of the lowest-cost community colleges in New England are located in Maine. The state also features plentiful lobster and huge blueberries and is the only state to border just one other state.
The community colleges in the Pine Tree State train students for in-demand jobs. Maine houses some of the top online community colleges in the country.
Best Community Colleges in Maine
Washington County Community College
Calais, ME- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Based in Calais, WCCC serves around 500 students and offers diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees in more than 20 areas of study, including adventure and recreation tourism, criminal justice conversation law, geographic information systems, and pulp and paper. Students can also complete a two-year liberal studies program that prepares them to transfer to a four-year college.
WCCC recognizes the varied challenges facing community college students, and the school offers comprehensive support services for learners of all backgrounds. WCCC's TRiO Student Support Services office provides academic advising and counseling for first-generation and low-income students, with services including academic tutoring, degree planning, career counseling, transfer assistance, and financial aid counseling. Students can also access library services, technical support, and disability services.
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$5,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled505
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Kennebec Valley Community College
- Fairfield, ME
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
With campuses in Fairfield and Hinckley, KVCC ranks among the top community colleges in Maine, serving over 2,400 students annually. The college offers academic and professional programs in more than 30 areas of study, including biological science, allied health and nursing, early childhood education, mental health and psychology, and trades and technology. Candidates can pursue a professional certificate or degree to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, or they can complete a transfer degree and advance to a four-year college.
KVCC also offers five fully online programs in marketing, accounting, early childhood education, liberal studies, and mental health. The liberal studies program functions as a transfer degree, enabling students to transfer their credits to a four-year school. The other four programs award associate of applied science degrees and prepare graduates to pursue entry-level jobs. Mental health students can also earn a mental health rehabilitation technical/community certificate.
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$5,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,119
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Central Maine Community College
- Auburn, ME
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
CMCC enrolls more than 2,700 students annually at its campus in Auburn, and it ranks as one of the larger community colleges in Maine. Students can choose from a wide selection of certificate programs and associate degrees, such as forensic science, e-sports management, life science, and physical fitness. CMCC students with relevant professional experience may be able to earn credit based on prior learning, which enables them to complete a degree or certificate faster.
CMCC offers several distance education and hybrid programs, including six fully online degrees in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, general studies, human services, and medical coding/electronic health records. These programs require no campus visits, and most courses use a fully asynchronous format with no required class login times. Online learners receive many of the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, library resources, tutoring, and financial aid assistance.
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$5,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled3,376
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Maine Community College
- Presque Isle, ME
- 2 year
- Campus
Based in Presque Isle, NMCC serves around 1,000 students through campus-based and online programs. As one of the top community colleges in Maine, NMCC offers a large selection of degrees and certificates through several academic and professional departments, including arts and sciences, business technology, trade and technical occupations, emergency medical services, and nursing and allied health. Students can complete many courses from a distance, though the college does not offer any fully online degrees.
NMCC students gain access to an assortment of support services that can assist them throughout their education, from enrollment to after graduation. The school's Academic Success Center offers free services to all NMCC students, including academic advising, homework help, and placement testing. Students can also receive individual and group tutoring and support for academic writing. Additionally, NMCC's student services office provides help with the admissions process, financial aid support, and general student counseling.
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$5,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled783
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
York County Community College
- Wells, ME
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Established in 1994 in Wells, YCCC now serves around 1,700 students annually through an assortment of on-campus and distance education programs. The college offers dozens of professionally focused degree and certificate programs in popular fields such as animal care and management, computer science, culinary arts, digital media, and hospitality and tourism management. Students can pursue three fully online certificates in gerontology, help desk and user support, and web development.
YCCC also offers four fully online associate degree programs: behavioral health studies, gerontology, information technology, and liberal studies. The liberal studies program is a transfer degree that prepares students to transfer into a liberal arts program at a four-year college. The other three programs award associate of applied science degrees and are intended to prepare students to enter the workforce. All four degrees require about two years of full-time study, require no campus visits, and use an asynchronous delivery format.
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$5,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,625
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2021. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Why Study in Maine?
Of all the New England states, why choose Maine? There are several excellent reasons to work, study, and live in Maine, including the state’s economy and climate.
Educational Opportunities
Maine’s community colleges cost less than most others in New England, and they offer a variety of courses. Over 70% of students receive some kind of financial aid, and various programs provide discounts for students from surrounding states in New England, allowing them to pay only slightly more than Maine residents.
Similar programs allow attendance by students from neighboring Canadian province New Brunswick on a space-available basis.
Economy
Financial services drive Maine’s economy, including industries like insurance and investment, followed closely by government employment. The largest projected growth over the next decade in Maine is in healthcare and education.
Food products and transportation also play a large role in the economy, including seafood, blueberries, and spring water. The small-to-medium-sized business community, especially in communities like Portland, supports growth in the state by bringing entrepreneurs attracted by Maine’s lifestyle and cost of living.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Maine varies greatly by location. It is 33% lower in Bangor than Portland, for example. Median home prices define this difference, but overall, the cost of living in Maine remains lower than in the rest of the United States and markedly lower than surrounding New England states.
Cultural and Community Offerings
Painters, artists, and writers were drawn to Maine from the beginning, including literary giant Stephen King. Places like Ogunquit provide artists of all types with opportunities to learn and grow. Visitors discover this rich heritage reflected in art museums and exhibits throughout the state. Maine also houses theater, orchestras, symphonies, music events, art walks, and festivals.
Climate
Long, snowy winters and mild summers define Maine’s climate. The state owes both climates to its far northern location, its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and the position it holds in the storm track.
Fall and spring both delight visitors and residents of the Pine Tree State due to the abundance of non-evergreen varieties of trees in its forests.
Top Degree Programs in Maine
Maine Employment Outlook
Maine boasts a low unemployment rate and growth at or above the national average in many areas. While construction and government jobs have declined, other fields like healthcare and education are in high demand.
Leisure and hospitality show the fastest growth, as the Maine tourism economy recovers and strengthens. Financial services of all types and a growing manufacturing sector follow closely behind. All in all, Maine weathered the COVID-19 crisis better than neighboring New England states and continues to recover quickly.
Top 5 Maine Jobs in Demand
The growth in Maine in key career fields has created a demand for skilled workers in a number of key fields. Take a look at five top careers in the state.
Paralegal and Legal Assistants
A paralegal can influence public policy by assisting attorneys with research and preparation for briefs, trials, and appeals. Working as a paralegal can also serve as a gateway to other growing legal professions.
A paralegal can start with a relevant associate degree and gain experience from there.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary: $49,500
- Job Growth Projection: 12%
Mechanical Drafters
Drafters use software and other tools to take the ideas of engineers and architects and turn them into technical diagrams that can be used in the design and construction process. Most mechanical drafters work in offices full time, but some may occasionally work on job sites in the field.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary: $57,960
- Job Growth Projection: -2%
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists work in dental offices and perform cleanings and minor procedures. They also educate patients on oral care and conduct examinations for dental diseases like gingivitis.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary: $77,090
- Job Growth Projection: 11%
Radiologic Technologist
These professionals use imaging equipment to examine ill or injured patients. Usually, a physician then receives the information and makes a final diagnosis. Radiologic technicians work either in doctor’s offices or hospitals and generally work full time.
The job requires an associate degree and, in Maine, professional licensure.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary: $63,710
- Job Growth Projection: 9%
Civil Engineering Technicians
Civil engineering technicians assist civil engineers in designing and planning infrastructure projects. They often help in the building process as well. They spend most of their time in offices, but they occasionally work on construction job sites when required.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary: $54,080
- Job Growth Projection: 2%
Popular Career Paths in Maine
Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in Maine
With nearly 75% of all students receiving some sort of financial aid, attending a community college in Maine can reduce the overall cost of college significantly, even for other students in the surrounding New England states.
As a result, Maine boasts some of the most affordable online community colleges in the country, and they offer excellent educational opportunities.
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