Washington County Community College: $3,687 Tuition

$3,687Tuition

397Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,407Earnings

#8 in MainePublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Washington County Community College

Washington County Community College serves Maine's easternmost border region with practical career training. The school enrolls 397 students in this rural setting near the Canadian border. Students here focus on programs like marine technology, early childhood education, and business administration that connect directly to local job markets. Nearly 98% of students come from Maine, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

The college delivers strong financial value for working-class families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,750 annually after aid, while those from middle-income families ($30,000-$48,000) pay even less at $2,109. Graduates earn a median of $34,407 ten years later, providing solid returns on their modest investment. The low federal loan rate of 6.93% means most students avoid heavy debt burdens.

Campus life stays small and personal with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring individualized attention. The Golden Eagles field one varsity sport with 23 total athletes competing. Housing accommodates 145 students, though most commute from nearby communities. The 43% graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face balancing school with family and job responsibilities in this economically challenged region.

Academics & Faculty

Washington County Community College serves students across eastern Maine with practical career training programs. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom settings where instructors know every student personally. The college focuses heavily on workforce development, offering programs in nursing, business administration, and trades that connect directly to regional employers. Only 43% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and family obligations in this rural area. The school's strength lies in providing affordable education close to home for students who might not otherwise attend college. Nearly 98% of students are Maine residents seeking skills for local careers. Faculty members often have industry experience and maintain connections with area employers, helping students transition from classroom to workplace.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,407

Campus Life

Washington County Community College sits in Calais, a border town three hours northeast of Bangor. Just 36% of the 397 students live in the dorms, creating a commuter-heavy campus where many students drive home to nearby towns each evening. The small size means you'll recognize most faces within your first semester.

Winters here are serious business, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero and snow lasting from November through March. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent. With 97% of students from Maine, the campus feels tight-knit and local. The single varsity sport is soccer, with just 23 total athletes across all programs.

Weekends often involve trips across the border to New Brunswick or drives to Bar Harbor when weather permits. The rural setting means entertainment options are limited to what you create yourself. Students gather in the small campus center or retreat to their rooms. The isolation can feel intense, but it also builds strong bonds among classmates who stick together through long Maine winters.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 145 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1969

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–28°F
July Avg: 62°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.6"
Annual Snowfall: 95.0"

Student Demographics

Washington County Community College draws almost entirely from Maine, with 98% of its 397 students calling the state home. This reflects the college's role as a crucial educational lifeline for the remote Downeast region, where few other higher education options exist within driving distance. The student body leans slightly female, typical for community colleges that attract many students pursuing healthcare and human services careers. With 42% receiving Pell Grants, the college serves as an affordable gateway to higher education for working-class families in one of Maine's most economically challenged areas.

Men: 44.8%
Women: 55.2%
White: 72.5%
Black: 5.5%
Hispanic: 5.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 97.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.2%

Location

Washington County Community College sits in Calais, Maine, right on the Canadian border about 90 miles east of Bangor. The campus serves one of the most remote regions in New England, where 97.70% of students come from in-state. Calais is a small border town known for its proximity to New Brunswick and the St. Croix River. The area offers rugged coastline access and vast wilderness, though students should expect limited urban amenities. The college's rural-remote setting means the nearest significant city requires a substantial drive. With just 397 students enrolled, the campus feels intimate within this sparsely populated region of Downeast Maine. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare Washington County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Calais, Maine 04619

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,407
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,413
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Washington County Community College?

Washington County Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 397 students in rural Maine near the Canadian border. Nearly 98% of students are from Maine, reflecting the school's role as a local educational gateway.

How much does Washington County Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,994 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at just $3,687, making it one of Maine's most affordable higher education options. Low-income students with family incomes under $30,000 pay only $2,750 net price.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Washington County Community College?

The college maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. This intimate learning environment is typical of rural community colleges focused on hands-on career preparation. The small size allows professors to know students by name and provide individualized support.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at Washington County Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 43.4%, which is common for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students. Graduates earn a median salary of $34,407 ten years after enrollment. The college focuses on practical skills for the local job market in eastern Maine's rural economy.

Does Washington County Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for up to 145 students at $5,608 annually for room and board. Campus life is quiet and close-knit in this remote setting near Calais, Maine. The Golden Eagles field just one varsity sport with 23 total athletes, reflecting the school's small size and rural character.

Where exactly is Washington County Community College located?

The college sits in Calais, Maine, a small border town directly across from New Brunswick, Canada. This rural-remote location serves one of Maine's most sparsely populated counties. Students experience true small-town life while being just steps away from international culture and outdoor recreation opportunities.