Best Online Community Colleges in Maine
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Maine's online community colleges provide flexibility, diverse programs, and quality education, catering to both local and global students. These programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, offering asynchronous and synchronous formats for convenience.
Key Takeaways:
- Kennebec Valley Community College stands out for its median graduate earnings of $45,444.
- Southern Maine Community College excels in online enrollment with 1,831 distance learners.
Our ranking methodology prioritizes institutions by their Salary Score™ followed by online enrollment. Salary Score™ is derived from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, evaluating alumni salaries four years post-graduation. For this list, most of Maine's online community colleges are ranked by the popularity of distance learners.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team ranks community colleges in each featured state using Salary Score, our proprietary measure of how graduates' earnings compare with those of students who earned the same associate degrees elsewhere. Using U.S. Department of Education earnings data, we compare each college's associate graduates with graduates of the same degrees nationwide, providing a degree-level perspective of financial outcomes rather than relying on institution-wide earnings.
When there isn't enough data to calculate a reliable Salary Score, we rank eligible schools by online enrollment, highlighting colleges with larger, more established distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
Best Online Community Colleges in Maine
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Online Enrollment | Recommendation | Annual Tuition | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennebec Valley Community College | B- | 815 | N/A | $2,880 | $50,314 | |
| Southern Maine Community College | N/A | 1,831 | 50% | $2,880 | $48,465 | |
| Central Maine Community College | N/A | 1,090 | N/A | $2,880 | $47,312 | |
| York County Community College | N/A | 812 | N/A | $2,880 | $35,229 | |
| Beal University | N/A | 221 | 100% | N/A | $33,867 |
Why we like them: KVCC stands out for its median earnings of $45,444, making it a compelling option for those focused on financial outcomes post-graduation. Adding to this, 86% of students benefit from financial aid. If you are looking for diverse online program options, KVCC offers a variety, including business administration with marketing/management and accounting options, career studies, early childhood education, general studies, health information management, liberal studies, medical coding, mental health technology, and psychology.
- Online Enrollment: 815 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $2,880
- Out-of-State Tuition: $5,760
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $50,314
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: SMCC holds the 2nd rank due to its notable online enrollment, with 1,831 students engaged in remote learning, placing it among the top 24% of institutions for its popularity among online students. By choosing this college, you're joining a large community of distance learners, ensuring an active and supported online environment. SMCC's online offerings include degrees in liberal studies and business administration, leveraging Brightspace for most courses with additional technologies for a comprehensive learning experience.
1 Student Review for Associate Degrees
I'm in my late twenties and have spent three years getting my AA in BHHS from SMCC. I can't rave about the college enough. The professors are knowledgeable and actually care if you understand the material. It's challenging enough that you understand the... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Southern Maine Community College are sharply divided. One reviewer describes caring, knowledgeable professors, coursework that is rigorous without feeling unmanageable, and a learning experience strong enough to translate into early workplace success, with employers noting impressive preparation. The campus setting also stands out, especially its scenic waterfront location and enjoyable atmosphere. In contrast, another reviewer reports a severe breakdown in administrative communication around housing paperwork, saying staff gave repeated assurances before revealing missing documents less than 36 hours before move-in. That last-minute disruption, combined with limited staff availability, turned the enrollment process into what the reviewer called a nightmare.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,831 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $2,880
- Out-of-State Tuition: $5,760
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $48,465
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: We ranked CMCC highly due to its notable online enrollment numbers. With 1,090 distance learners taking advantage of online study options, CMCC places in the top 35% of schools with the highest online student populations. This strength is complemented by the high proportion of students receiving financial aid: 93% of students benefit from financial support. Additionally, CMCC offers several associate degrees that you can complete fully online, including accounting, business administration and management, criminal justice, general studies, human services, and medical coding.
- Online Enrollment: 1,090 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $2,880
- Out-of-State Tuition: $5,760
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $47,312
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: YCCC boasts a substantial online enrollment of over 800 students. Another high-performing metric that complements this is the percentage of students receiving financial aid, which stands at 84%, underscoring YCCC's commitment to affordability and support for its online learners. Additionally, the school offers an array of 100% online programs, including AAS degrees in accounting, behavioral health studies, and business administration, among others. This breadth of online offerings enables you to pursue varied academic and professional goals in a flexible virtual environment.
- Online Enrollment: 812 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $2,880
- Out-of-State Tuition: $5,760
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $35,229
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: Beal has commendable student support and is dedicated to its flexible online learning pathways. The university attracts a steady enrollment of hundreds of online students, reflecting its growing popularity. A significant advantage of Beal's online programs is its comprehensive curriculum, offering strong healthcare and business programs. For example, you can get an associate or bachelor's in business administration or nursing (BSN and MSN). Furthermore, the university ensures that students receive the necessary support through access to writing centers, library services, and career services.
3 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees
Beal College provided me with a competitive and intense educational nursing program. I am pleased to have been successful with my NCLEX the first attempt, and walked out feeling confident in my knowledge and skills. I would highly recommend the Beal Nursing... Read More
Beal College is a wonderful school. I enjoyed being in college here due to everyone and all the teachers being so kind and helpful. If your looking for a college to attend I would suggest coming here because faculty was always invested in me being successful... Read More
This school is great for those who have to work and go to school. The scheduling is done in Mods instead of semesters. You take two classes every six weeks until finished with the degree. This allows you to focus on two classes at a time instead of five.... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Beal University are consistently favorable, with learners highlighting a structure that fits working adults and keeps coursework manageable. The accelerated format, centered on two classes at a time in short terms, is repeatedly valued for improving focus and reducing overload. Small class sizes and individualized attention stand out as major strengths, especially for those who prefer closer instructor support or feel uncomfortable in large classrooms. Reviewers also emphasize kind, invested faculty who remain supportive beyond graduation. One review describes the experience as intense and competitive, but ultimately confidence-building, crediting the school with strong preparation for licensure success and career readiness.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 221 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: N/A
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $33,867
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 36%
- Retention Rate: 25%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
Overview of Colleges in Maine
The Maine Community College System consists of seven public community colleges:
- Central Maine Community College
- Eastern Maine Community College
- Kennebec Valley Community College
- Northern Maine Community College
- Southern Maine Community College
- Washington County Community College
- York County Community College
The community colleges collectively offer more than 300 distinct degree and certificate programs from which students may choose. In 2021, total enrollment across Maine’s seven community colleges was greater than 15,000.
In terms of affordability, the average annual tuition at Maine community colleges is $3,700 ($96 per credit hour), the lowest among community colleges in the New England area.
Why Study in Maine?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Maine has 10 two-year institutions of higher learning that confer associate degrees. And based on the most recent data from the U.S Census Bureau, 34.1% of adults in Maine have earned at least a bachelor's degree if not higher. This is on part with the national average, which is 34.3%.
Did you know you can attend online school anywhere? Check out our full list of the best online bachelor's degrees to find the right fit for you.
Does Maine Have Good Online Colleges?
Over the past few years, the idea of pursuing a college education online has moved from one of exception to one of universal expectation. The same holds true for students attending any one of Maine’s 39 colleges and universities. The quality and strength of Maine’s traditional in-person model of higher education has been replicated through 300+ online degree and certificate programs.
Combined with an average online community college tuition rate of $96 per credit hour, which is significantly less than the national average of $141 per credit hour, online learning in Maine provides ample access and affordability to higher education — especially at the community college level.
According to a study by Strada Education Network in Maine, 12,000 nationally-representative college students asked students, “If you had $5,000 to spend on education, how would you use it?” In answering the question, 46% stated they would “prefer online programs over in-person programs.”
Accredited Online Community Colleges in Maine
In higher education, accreditation serves as an official stamp of approval by a third-party agency, which is contracted to evaluate whether an institution meets the minimum requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The U.S. DOE and Council for Higher Education Accreditation are not part of the institutional accreditation process. Instead, the two entities simply provide oversight of accrediting bodies.
The accreditation process entails an extensive review of an institution’s academic quality. In considering online colleges in Maine, be sure and research the accreditation status of any community college you are considering.
To learn more about accreditation and determine whether or not the institutions on your shortlist have earned accreditation, you can review our List of Online Colleges by Accreditation.
Popular Online Programs at Maine Community Colleges
The most popular online degree programs and topics at Maine community colleges include liberal studies, business administration and management, nursing, health care administration, and criminal justice.
Seven community colleges offer online liberal studies degrees, six offer business administration and management degrees, four offer online nursing degrees, and three offer health care administration and criminal justice programs.
Cost of Online Schools in Maine
The cost of pursuing a college degree is a key factor in the college decision-making process. Making a sound decision about where to attend college requires being an informed consumer.
In considering your options, it’s crucial that you thoroughly research tuition costs at each school. Students pursuing an online degree at any of Maine’s seven community colleges pay the same tuition.
The NCES provides the tuition rates at Maine community colleges from 2022-2023:
- In-State (Maine) residents: $3,779 per year
- Out-of-State students: $6,658 per year
In contrast, the average tuition across community colleges in the U.S. for in-state residents is $3,598, while out-of-state residents are at $8,565. This means that community college in Maine are more affordable than the national average for out-of-state residents only.
Financial Aid for Online Students in Maine
There are a number of financial aid options available to online community college students in Maine. By completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will be considered for federal student aid, including different grants and student loans.
Similarly, by completing the FAFSA, Maine residents will also be considered for state grant programs offered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). Residents who are adult learners can qualify for the Maine State Grant Program for Adult Learners.
Students attending a Maine community college, who are also residents of New England states other than Maine, may qualify for reduced out-of-state tuition through the New England Board of Higher Education’s APPLE Program. This program provides qualified New England-area students with a tuition rate equal to 150% of the in-state tuition rate.
Is Community College Free in Maine?
Maine residents who graduate from high school from 2022-2025 can attend a Maine community college at no cost through the Free College Scholarship, which is made possible by the Maine Community College System (MCCS).
Certain residents may also qualify for The Tuition Waiver Program (Foster Care) or The Tuition Waiver Program (Public Servant), which are available to certain foster children and adopted children/wards of Maine and children or spouses of Maine firefighters, law enforcement officers, or emergency responders killed in the line of duty.
As an additional resource, MCSS maintains an online list of scholarship resources for students.