Central Maine Community College: $3,864 Tuition

$3,864Tuition

2,828Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,448Earnings

#12 in MainePublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Central Maine Community College

Central Maine Community College draws 2,828 students who want hands-on training for careers that actually exist. The school built its reputation around automotive technology, nursing, and culinary arts programs that connect directly to Maine's job market. Auburn provides a small-city setting where students can focus on learning practical skills without big-city distractions. Nearly 95% of students come from Maine, creating a tight-knit community of locals investing in their futures.

Students pay an average of $7,489 after financial aid, making this one of Maine's most affordable pathways to career training. Graduates earn a median of $42,448 ten years out, which easily justifies the typical $12,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average just $127, manageable on the salaries these programs deliver. The employment rate hits 94.8%, proving employers value what students learn here.

The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know their students' names. With only 8 varsity sports and 132 total athletes, this isn't about college athletics glory. The Mustangs focus on getting students job-ready rather than game-ready. Housing serves 379 students on campus, though most commuters drive in from nearby towns across central Maine.

Academics & Faculty

Central Maine Community College focuses on career-ready programs that get students working quickly. The school excels in automotive technology, nursing, and culinary arts training. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay manageable for hands-on learning. The 27.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their degree. Students earning certificates can start working within months. The college serves Maine's technical workforce needs through programs in construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. Most students stay local after graduation, with 94.4% coming from in-state. The practical focus means less theory and more job skills.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 30.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,448

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,022
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$49,840
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$42,123
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$37,928
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$35,416
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$34,420
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$33,993
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$30,228
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$29,685
Human Services, General.	Associate	$28,598

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Central Maine Community College sits in Auburn, a small city about 35 miles north of Portland. With housing capacity for just 379 students and total enrollment of 2,828, only about 13% of students live on campus. Most commute from nearby towns across Maine's Androscoggin County. The brick buildings and modest campus reflect the school's working-class roots and practical mission.

Maine winters demand heavy coats and snow boots from November through March. Students bundle up between classes and gather in the student center when temperatures drop below freezing. The 132 varsity athletes competing in 8 sports help create school spirit, though most students focus on their technical programs rather than campus life. With 94.38% of students coming from in-state, many already know each other from high school. Weekends often mean heading home or working part-time jobs. The Mustangs draw small but loyal crowds to athletic events. Students appreciate the 21:1 student-faculty ratio in hands-on programs like automotive technology and nursing, where practical skills matter more than campus traditions.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 379 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 11°–28°F
July Avg: 61°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.2"
Annual Snowfall: 65.1"

Student Demographics

Central Maine Community College draws students primarily from Maine, with 94% coming from in-state. The student body is 56% women and 44% men, reflecting the school's strong nursing and healthcare programs alongside traditionally male-dominated trades like automotive technology. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking practical career training. The demographic mix reflects the school's mission as a local workforce development center. Students typically choose CMCC for its direct pathways to employment in Maine's key industries.

Men: 43.7%
Women: 56.3%
White: 76.1%
Black: 9.4%
Hispanic: 3.8%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 94.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.9%

Location

Auburn sits in south-central Maine, about 35 miles north of Portland. The city of 24,000 anchors the Lewiston-Auburn metropolitan area alongside its twin city across the Androscoggin River. This former mill town has transformed into a regional center for healthcare and education. The rolling hills of central Maine surround the campus, with lakes and forests providing outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. Auburn offers the amenities of a small city while maintaining affordable living costs that complement the college's low tuition of $3,864 for in-state students. The area attracts families and working professionals seeking career training in technical fields. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare Central Maine Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Auburn, Maine 04210-6498

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,448
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,200
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 45.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Central Maine Community College?

As a community college, Central Maine Community College maintains an open admission policy for most programs. The school serves 2,828 students and focuses on providing accessible technical and career training. Some specialized programs like nursing may have additional requirements, but the institution prioritizes serving the local Maine community with 94.38% of students coming from in-state.

What does Central Maine Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,489 annually after aid. In-state tuition starts at just $3,864, making it one of Maine's most affordable higher education options. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, and the median debt at graduation is a manageable $12,000.

What academic programs is Central Maine Community College known for?

The college specializes in hands-on technical and career programs including automotive technology, nursing, and culinary arts. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, students get practical training for in-demand fields. The school operates on a semester system and emphasizes workforce preparation for Maine's economy.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Central Maine Community College?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.8% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on career-ready programs. The median earnings reach $42,448 ten years after graduation, which is solid for two-year degree holders. However, the 27.6% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students take longer to complete their programs or transfer elsewhere.

What is campus life like at Central Maine Community College?

The Auburn campus houses 379 students and fields eight varsity sports teams with 132 total athletes competing as the Mustangs. The student body is 56.3% women and reflects Maine's demographics with 76% white students. Campus life centers around practical learning and community connections rather than traditional college social scenes.

Does Central Maine Community College offer athletic scholarships?

The college does not offer athletic scholarships, with $0 dedicated to sports-based financial aid. This reflects the institution's mission as a community college focused on academic accessibility rather than competitive athletics. Students can still participate in eight varsity sports while keeping education costs low through need-based aid and reasonable tuition.