Cheapest Colleges in Maine
Finding the cheapest colleges in Maine means considering community colleges like Northern Maine Community College and York County Community College as well as the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Augusta, Fort Kent, or Machias for a four-year degree. The costs you will have to cover, however, depend on whether or not you are a resident and your choice of on-campus or off-campus housing.
Located in Presque Isle, Maine, Northern Maine Community College has been educating students since the early 1960s and is among the cheapest colleges in this state. Currently, the school serves more than 2000 students each year, with a faculty-to-student ratio of about 1:15 and dozens of educational programs. This school offers both degree and non-degree programs in categories like business technology, arts and sciences, nursing, allied health, trade, and technology. Non-degree programs include those intended for people in need of continuing-education credits or corporate training. There are even some programs for individuals interested in driving tractor trailers. The tuition at this school makes it one of the most affordable colleges in Maine, allowing you to attend for $86 per credit (based on the 2011 to 2012 academic year) for residents and $172 per credit for non-residents. Unlike many community colleges, this one even offers room and board at extra cost.
York County Community College is located in Wells, Maine, and features smallish classes and a focus on students. It offers 30 different degree programs and certificate opportunities, including those in business administration, accounting, career studies, computer technology, and criminal justice. You can also enroll in culinary arts, digital media, early childhood education, and nursing programs at this school. If you are interested in certificate programs, those in architectural drafting and design or food service are among those available to you. Based on the 2011 to 2012 school year, tuition at this college comes in at $84 per credit for residents and $168 per credit for non-residents.
As far as the cheapest four-year universities are concerned, the University of Maine is a top choice when you want low tuition. Among the University of Maine’s locations are those in Orono, Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Augusta, and Machias. Each campus offers many different degree programs from which you can choose and unique attractions. For example, the University of Maine at Machias focuses on sustainability and green actions in addition to academics. You can typically attend one of the campuses for between $5000 and $8000, depending on the campus and the number of credits you take. Non-residents, however, can expect to pay considerably more, even at the cheapest colleges in Maine.
