PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Fall enrollment at Northern Maine Community College is up 9 percent, contributing to the Maine Community College System’s historic high of over 20,000 students statewide.
“This growth shows what happens when you make higher education affordable, relevant, and accessible,” said Angela Buck, interim president of Northern Maine Community College. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners, as we continue to expand opportunities for people in Aroostook County through initiatives like Free College, early college programs, and job skills training.”
Fall enrollment across Maine’s seven community colleges reached 21,385 students, a significant increase from last year’s 19,477 students. This surge was largely fueled by the Free College program, introduced by Gov. Janet Mills in 2022, which covers 100 percent of tuition and fees for recent high school graduates.
“We’re proud to see more students recognizing the value of starting their education at Northern Maine Community College,” said Buck. “The Free College program has been a game-changer for many families in our region, making college more accessible to everyone.”
As the final year of Free College eligibility approaches, NMCC encourages high school seniors and their families to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts. “We urge this year’s seniors to make their plans now to start their college journey tuition-free,” Buck added.
In addition to Free College, NMCC has seen increased enrollment due to expanded early college offerings for high school students, additional capacity in high-demand academic programs and more flexible class schedules to accommodate students’ busy schedules. A higher number of returning students from last year have also contributed to this year’s growth.
The partnership between the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System is also paving the way for more seamless transfers. The recently launched Transfer ME agreement guarantees automatic admission for NMCC graduates in transfer programs, making it easier for students to continue their education at a four-year university.
For more information about Northern Maine Community College and the Free College Scholarship program, please visit nmcc.edu or NMCC’s Facebook page.
Founded in 1961, the Northern Maine Community College is an accredited two-year public community college located in Presque Isle, Maine. The College is committed to excellence in learning and offers over 30 innovative associate degree and certificate-level programs both online and in-person. NMCC is one of seven colleges in the Maine Community College System. To learn more about the College visit www.nmcc.edu or call NMCC Admissions at 207-768-2785.
