About Southern Maine Community College
Students pay an average net price of $11,638 after financial aid, making it one of Maine's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition runs just $3,797 annually. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,661 ten years after enrollment, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $10,331. The employment rate hits 94.9%, demonstrating strong job market demand for the college's programs. Monthly loan payments average only $110, making debt manageable on typical graduate salaries.
The 21% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often work while attending school or transfer before completing degrees. Women make up 56% of the student body. The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personal attention than larger universities. Housing capacity of 690 students creates a residential option unusual among community colleges.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 25.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 21.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,661
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,351 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $53,775 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,856 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,644 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $44,170 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $42,235 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $35,274 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $32,925 |
Campus Life
Winter dominates the academic calendar from November through March, with temperatures often below freezing and regular snowfall requiring serious winter gear. The 142 student-athletes competing across 9 varsity sports help anchor campus life during the colder months. The Seawolves basketball and soccer teams draw modest crowds to home games.
Weekends see many students working part-time jobs or internships, reflecting the school's career-focused mission. Portland's Old Port district offers restaurants, music venues, and nightlife just a short drive away. Others head to nearby Casco Bay for outdoor activities or catch Red Sox games in the summer. The semester system aligns well with Maine's seasonal rhythms, letting students enjoy brief but spectacular fall foliage and summers perfect for the state's famous outdoor recreation.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 690 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–31°F
- July Avg
- 59°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -715.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.4%
- Women
- 55.6%
- White
- 75.5%
- Black
- 10.6%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 90.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.5%
Location
- Address
- South Portland, Maine 04106-1698
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,661
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,606
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $110/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,331
Frequently Asked Questions
How selective is Southern Maine Community College for admissions?
As a public community college, Southern Maine Community College maintains an open enrollment policy for most programs. The college serves 5,279 students with 90.75% coming from in-state, making it highly accessible for Maine residents seeking affordable higher education.
What does Southern Maine Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $11,638 annually, though low-income students pay just $9,441 after aid. In-state tuition starts at only $3,797, making SMCC one of Maine's most affordable college options with graduates carrying a median debt of just $10,331.
What academic programs is Southern Maine Community College known for?
SMCC specializes in two-year programs focused on healthcare, business, and skilled trades with strong connections to Maine employers. The student-faculty ratio of 19:1 allows for hands-on learning in career-focused programs that lead directly to employment opportunities.
How successful are Southern Maine Community College graduates in finding jobs?
Graduates achieve an impressive 94.9% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical, job-ready skills. The median earnings of $41,661 ten years after graduation demonstrate solid career prospects, particularly given the relatively low debt burden students carry.
What is campus life like at Southern Maine Community College?
The South Portland campus houses 690 students and fields nine varsity sports teams known as the Seawolves with 142 total athletes. The college serves a diverse student body that is 55.60% women and includes significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities compared to typical Maine demographics.
Does Southern Maine Community College offer good value for career training?
With a 21.20% six-year graduation rate, SMCC reflects typical community college completion patterns where many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees. The combination of low costs, high employment rates, and manageable monthly loan payments of $110 makes it an attractive option for career-focused education.
