Skip to main content
$3,866Tuition
1,055Students
28%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,873Earnings
#11 in MainePublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About York County Community College

York County Community College serves as southern Maine's center for workforce training and college transfer preparation. With 1,055 students spread across a small suburban campus in Wells, the college focuses on getting locals job-ready or prepared for four-year universities. About 93% of students come from Maine, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Hawks compete in five varsity sports with just 42 total athletes, reflecting the school's practical rather than athletic focus.

Students pay an average net price of $7,025 after financial aid, making this one of Maine's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition runs just $3,866 annually. Graduates earn a median of $44,873 ten years after enrollment, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $8,861. Monthly loan payments average only $94, making the financial burden manageable for most graduates. The employment rate hits 91.3%, showing strong job placement success.

The student body skews heavily female at 64%, typical for community colleges nationwide. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay reasonably sized despite budget constraints. Only 27.6% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the part-time and working adult population that community colleges typically serve. Most students either transfer or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

York County Community College focuses on workforce training and transfer pathways for students across southern Maine. The college serves 1,055 students with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors despite being a smaller institution. Students can choose between career-focused programs that lead directly to employment or academic transfer tracks that prepare them for four-year universities. The 27.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or face financial pressures that delay completion. Strong employment outcomes show in the 91.3% post-graduation employment rate. Over 93% of students come from Maine, making this a true community resource for local workforce development and educational advancement.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Full-Time Faculty
13.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
27.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,873

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $46,087
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $41,193
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $30,554
Human Services, General. Associate $27,048
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $22,424

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Wells sits 90 minutes north of Boston along Maine's scenic coast, where students bundle up in heavy winter coats from November through March. Only 37 students can live on campus out of 1,055 total enrollment, meaning nearly everyone commutes from surrounding southern Maine towns. The 93% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where classmates often know each other from high school or local jobs.

With just 42 athletes across 5 varsity sports, the Hawks don't dominate campus life like at larger schools. The 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in smaller classrooms. Weekends often involve heading to nearby beaches in warmer months or exploring Portland's food scene 45 minutes south. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, reflecting the college's focus on workforce training and practical skills. The campus feels quiet on Fridays as commuter students head home, but study groups and tutoring sessions keep the library busy during weeknights.
Setting
Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity
37 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1994

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
14°–32°F
July Avg
60°–78°F
Annual Precipitation
51.6"
Annual Snowfall
70.1"

Student Demographics

York County Community College draws students from across southern Maine, with 93% coming from in-state. The student body is nearly two-thirds women, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working families seeking affordable career training. Most students are older than traditional college age, balancing work and family responsibilities while pursuing certificates or associate degrees. The college attracts both recent high school graduates planning to transfer and adults changing careers or upgrading skills.
Men
35.9%
Women
64.1%
White
84.5%
Black
3.0%
Hispanic
3.6%
Asian
1.8%
In-State Students
93.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.2%

Location

York County Community College sits in Wells, a coastal town about 90 minutes north of Boston. The campus serves 1,055 students in Maine's southern seacoast region, where rocky shores meet small New England communities. Wells offers classic Maine coastal living with beaches, lobster shacks, and seasonal tourism that drives much of the local economy. The 93.33% in-state enrollment reflects the college's role as a local institution serving nearby communities rather than drawing from across New England. Students live off-campus since housing capacity reaches only 37 beds. The small-town setting provides internship opportunities in hospitality, healthcare, and marine industries that define coastal Maine. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare York County Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Wells, Maine 04090

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,873
Median Earnings (5 years)
$41,132
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,300
Loan Repayment Rate
48.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$94/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,861

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to York County Community College?

York County Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, making it accessible to most students who apply. The college serves 1,055 students primarily from Maine, with 93.33% coming from in-state. This approach reflects the school's mission as a workforce training and transfer program center for southern Maine.

What does York County Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,025 annually after aid, with in-state tuition set at $3,866. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,690 net, making this one of Maine's most affordable higher education options. Monthly loan payments average only $94, reflecting the school's focus on keeping debt manageable.

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

The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1, which is typical for community colleges focused on practical training programs. With just over 1,000 students total, classes tend to be small despite the ratio. The college emphasizes hands-on workforce preparation alongside academic transfer pathways.

What are the job prospects after graduating from York County Community College?

Graduates achieve a 91.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce connections in southern Maine. Median earnings reach $44,873 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of the college's career-focused programs. However, only 27.60% complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working.

Does York County Community College have on-campus housing?

The college offers very limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 37 students out of 1,055 total enrollment. Room and board costs $11,190 annually for those who can secure a spot. Most students commute from the surrounding Wells area and southern Maine communities.

What makes York County Community College unique among Maine schools?

Founded in 1994, this relatively young college serves as a crucial workforce development center for Maine's southern coast. The student body is 64.08% female, reflecting strong enrollment in healthcare and human services programs. Despite offering five varsity sports as the Hawks, athletics remains small with only 42 total athletes and no athletic scholarships.