The Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System voted to increase tuition at the state's seven community colleges by 2.5 percent, or $2 a credit hour, for the coming academic year.

Faced with a projected $1.2 million deficit as a result of state budget cuts and dramatic increases in the cost of utilities, heating oil, and health care, the Board nonetheless sought to keep the tuition increase to a minimum. "Given that inflation is up 4 percent, this is a reasonable increase, but it's a step we take reluctantly knowing the financial challenges faced by so many of our students," said Dennis King, the Board's Chair.

The increase will mean that full-time students from Maine will see their tuition increase by a total of $60 a year, to $2,460, effective fall 2008. Maine students will pay $82 per credit hour, up from $80 in 2007-2008. Out-of-state tuition will increase to $164 per credit hour, or $4,920 for a full-time student.

Maine's community colleges have seen dramatic increases in the cost of heating oil and utilities over the past year. Expenses in these two areas have risen 12.4 percent and 10 percent respectively, despite significant conservation efforts. The costs of health care have increased 4.5 percent. In addition, the MCCS was confronted with a $950,000 reduction in its state appropriations for FY09.

Top of Page

Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Road, South Portland, Maine 04106
207-741-5500 or Toll Free in Maine 1-877-282-2182

SMCC is an equal opportunity
& affirmative action institution and employer.
For more information please call 207.741.5798
[Full Non-Discrimination Notice]