About Kennebec Valley Community College
Students pay an average net price of $6,994 after financial aid, making this one of Maine's most affordable college options. In-state tuition runs just $3,562 before aid kicks in. Graduates typically earn $36,035 ten years after starting, while carrying median debt of only $13,255. The monthly loan payment averages $141, which most graduates can handle on entry-level salaries. With 94.4% of graduates finding employment, the investment pays off quickly.
The student body skews heavily female at 66.51%, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and other healthcare programs. Nearly all students come from Maine, creating a tight-knit community where professors know students by name. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of individual attention in labs and clinical settings.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,035
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $55,512 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,252 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,305 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $43,798 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $40,647 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $35,594 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $32,711 |
| Marketing. | Associate | $29,685 |
Campus Life
As a commuter school with 99% in-state enrollment, the campus empties on weekends when students return to jobs and families throughout Maine. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're struggling. Students often juggle classes with work schedules, taking advantage of flexible scheduling options. The college offers just three varsity sports with only seven total athletes, so campus life revolves more around study groups and career preparation than athletics.
Monthly loan payments average just $141, and 94% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. The focus stays firmly on practical skills and workforce preparation rather than traditional college social experiences.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1969
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–28°F
- July Avg
- 59°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 85.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 33.5%
- Women
- 66.5%
- White
- 88.9%
- Black
- 1.0%
- Hispanic
- 3.4%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 99.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.0%
Location
- Address
- Fairfield, Maine 04937-1367
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,035
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,990
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $141/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,255
Frequently Asked Questions
How selective is Kennebec Valley Community College?
As a community college, KVCC maintains an open admissions policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The school serves 1,538 students primarily from Maine, with 99.21% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable career training.
What does Kennebec Valley Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,994 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at just $3,562, while students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $5,716. The school keeps costs manageable with graduates carrying a median debt of only $13,255.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Kennebec Valley Community College?
KVCC maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in its technical and career-focused programs. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like automotive technology, nursing, and trades. Small class sizes help students develop practical skills needed for immediate employment after graduation.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Kennebec Valley Community College?
Graduates achieve a 94.4% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong focus on workforce development. Alumni earn a median salary of $36,035 ten years after graduation, with many finding work in Maine's healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries. The college's practical programs align well with regional employer needs.
Where is Kennebec Valley Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Fairfield, Maine, a small town setting that serves the central Maine region. With 66.51% female enrollment and a predominantly white student body (88.88%), the campus reflects rural Maine demographics. The school offers limited athletics with just 3 varsity sports and 7 total athletes.
Does Kennebec Valley Community College offer good financial aid to students?
About 31% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating many come from lower-income backgrounds. Only 14.91% of students take federal loans, keeping debt levels low. The college's affordable tuition structure means most students can attend without heavy borrowing.
