Maine Community College System Explained

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.

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]

Who the colleges serve

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.^[2]

History and Mission

The history of Maine's community colleges began with the creation of the Maine Vocational Institute (MVI) in Augusta.

Member Institutions

Institution	Location	Established	Enrollment	Nickname	Colors
Central Maine Community College	Auburn	1963	3,068	Mustangs
Eastern Maine Community College	Bangor	1966	2,396	Golden Eagles
Kennebec Valley Community College	Fairfield	1969	2,473	Lynxes
Northern Maine Community College	Presque Isle	1961	811	Falcons
Southern Maine Community College	South Portland/Brunswick	1946	5,862	SeaWolves
Washington County Community College	Calais	1969	380	Golden Eagles
York County Community College	Wells	1994	1,632	Hawks

Notes and References

1. Web site: Maine Community College System 2015-16 Fact Sheet. December 2015. Maine Community College System.
2. Web site: About MCCS. About MCCS. Maine Community College System.