About Northern Maine Community College
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $8,416 after aid, with low-income families paying just $6,369. Graduates earn a median of $43,348 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads hit only $10,825. Monthly loan payments average $115, making this an affordable path to middle-class earnings in rural Maine.
The student body reflects northern Maine's demographics, with 88% white students and 92% coming from in-state. Nearly 42% receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need among students. The 33% six-year graduation rate is low but typical for community colleges serving working adults and first-generation students. Most importantly, 95% of graduates find employment, suggesting strong connections to local employers who value the college's practical training programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 84.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,348
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $54,661 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,108 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,495 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $30,771 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $26,585 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $25,967 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $21,964 |
Campus Life
The 91.74% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Students split nearly evenly between men and women, with 50.43% male enrollment. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation like snowmobiling, hunting, and hiking rather than urban entertainment. The Falcons compete in limited athletics, but most social life happens in small groups. Many students work part-time jobs in town or return home on weekends since the campus empties out . The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and often serve as mentors beyond academics.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 119 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 2°–21°F
- July Avg
- 55°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 89.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 50.4%
- Women
- 49.6%
- White
- 88.4%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 2.8%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 91.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.9%
Location
- Address
- Presque Isle, Maine 04769-2016
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,348
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,935
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $115/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,825
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to Northern Maine Community College?
Northern Maine Community College maintains open admission policies typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 577 students with a balanced gender split of 50.43% men and 49.57% women. This accessibility makes it an ideal starting point for students seeking technical training or academic transfer opportunities in rural Maine.
What does Northern Maine Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Northern Maine Community College is $8,416 annually, making it highly affordable for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $6,369 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at only $3,880. With 41.89% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and low-income students seeking career training.
What academic programs is Northern Maine Community College known for?
Northern Maine Community College specializes in two-year technical and career programs designed for the rural economy of Aroostook County. The college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in hands-on programs. Students can complete associate degrees or certificates in fields like healthcare, business, and trades that serve the region's agricultural and forestry industries.
What career outcomes do Northern Maine Community College graduates achieve?
Graduates of Northern Maine Community College earn a median salary of $43,348 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical nature of their technical training. The college boasts an impressive 95.2% employment rate for graduates. With median debt of only $10,825 and monthly loan payments of $115, graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial obligations.
Where is Northern Maine Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Presque Isle, a remote town in Maine's northernmost county near the Canadian border. On-campus housing accommodates 119 students at $8,598 annually, creating a tight-knit residential community. With 91.74% of students coming from in-state, the Falcons foster strong connections to local Maine communities and regional employers.
Does Northern Maine Community College have good graduation rates for a two-year school?
The college's 6-year graduation rate of 33.30% reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work and family obligations. However, the 44.44% loan repayment rate shows that graduates find stable employment in their fields. The college's focus on practical skills training helps students enter the workforce quickly, even if they don't always complete formal degree programs.
