COURTESY OF MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
Anyone looking to learn by doing in a high-quality, low-cost college program can’t go wrong at Maine’s community colleges.
“We’re here to help Mainers get good jobs,” Maine Community College System (MCCS) President David Daigler said. “Maine’s community colleges offer an incredible array of hands-on programs with plenty of student support so graduates can step confidently into good jobs and growing careers right here in Maine.”
The seven colleges offer more than 300 degree and certificate options, 200 no-cost short-term workforce programs, and work with more than 2,000 Maine employers to identify which skills matter most in today’s job market.
Most Maine community college students are enrolled in either healthcare programs (including nursing, medical assisting, and emergency medical services, among others) or industrial technology programs (including plumbing and heating, electrical, construction, automotive technology, and precision machining.) About 80% of all community college students are enrolled in technical degree programs.
The community colleges also offer many programs that are a smart start to pursuing a four-year degree, thanks to seamless guaranteed transfer and block transfer agreements with the University of Maine System.
Of course, choosing the right college is all about finding the right fit. Outside the classroom, Maine community college students enjoy vibrant campus communities with endless opportunities to connect with fellow students. Smaller class sizes mean students get to know their instructors and fellow students, and the colleges offer plenty of academic and advising resources to help students succeed in reaching their goals.
For people looking for a faster route to starting work, the colleges offer short-term workforce training programs that take just weeks or months to complete and are offered at no cost to the student. Some programs offer weekly stipends, housing, or guaranteed interviews with companies that are hiring. These programs prepare students for entry-level jobs in the trades, healthcare, hospitality – or logging, small engine repair, emergency medical technicians, and CDL licensing. These stackable programs get you to a great job fast and under budget, and set you up to keep learning to grow in your career.
Annual tuition and fees for a full-time in-state student pursuing a degree or certificate is just $4,156, and recent Maine high school graduates pay zero tuition (worth $2,880) under the Maine Free College Scholarship.
No matter which path you choose, or what onramp or offramp you find yourself, students have a wide range of promising options at Maine’s community colleges. Learn more at MCCS.me.edu or the colleges’ websites or follow them on social media.
Maine’s community colleges provide high-quality, relevant, hands-on learning at a fraction of the typical college cost. Build your future here, choosing from a diverse mix of programs offered through short-term training in under a year, one-year certificates, two-year associate degrees, and advanced certificates.