What Is It Known For?
Central Maine Community College traces its roots back to a 1963 public vote, when Maine residents supported bringing postsecondary vocational training to Androscoggin County. Starting small with just 48 students, the institution has grown through several phases, changing its name from Androscoggin State Vocational Institute to Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute in 1965, then to Central Maine Technical College in 1989, before becoming Central Maine Community College in 2003.
Today, the college serves more than 4,100 students, supported by about 150 faculty and staff members who teach across 40 different degree and certificate programs. The school’s impact extends beyond its regular student body, with an additional 2,000 local residents participating yearly in various programs through the Center for Workforce and Professional Development Division.
Degrees & Certifications
Central Maine Community College offers over 40 programs, giving students the chance to earn associate degrees, certificates, or advanced certificates. Many of the programs are even available fully online, making it easier to fit learning into a busy schedule.
Some of the programs you can find here include:
- Business Administration and Management
- Metal Fabrication
- Nursing
- Plumbing and Heating Technology
- Accounting
- Computer Technology
- General Studies
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Central Maine Community College offers flexible scheduling with evening, online, and hybrid courses. Students can complete their degrees entirely online or mix in-person and virtual learning to fit their needs.
Some programs, such as nursing, include supervised clinical experiences in structured healthcare settings. These hands-on opportunities help students build practical skills before entering the workforce. For specific details on course availability, it’s best to contact the school directly.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Central Maine Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that its programs meet recognized academic standards.
Acceptance Rate
CMCC follows an open admission policy, meaning that it has a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
CMCC is known for its affordable tuition, making higher education more accessible. For the 2024–25 academic year, a full-time student taking 15 credits per semester will pay $2,880 in tuition. This comes out to $96 per credit hour. Regional students from New England pay a slightly higher rate of $144 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $192.
Additional costs may apply depending on the program, so CMCC offers a net price calculator to help students estimate their total expenses. The good news is that most students receive an average of $5,400 in grants and scholarships, significantly lowering the cost of their education.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration and Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
Healthcare
- Exercise Science
- Health Sciences
- Medical Coding & Electronic Health Records
- Nursing
- Physical Fitness Specialist
- Psychology
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
- Graphic Communications
- Restaurant Management
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Building Construction Technology
- Electromechanical Technology
- Facilities Maintenance
- HVAC/R Technology
- Plumbing and Heating Technology
- Precision Machining Technology
Technology
- Computer Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Network Security
Campus Locations
Auburn 1250 Turner St, Auburn, ME 04210
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Central Maine Community College (CMCC) has a mixed reputation, with many praising its faculty and affordability, but others raising significant concerns about its administration and communication. The college is noted for its beautiful campus and on-campus housing, which is unique for a community college in the area.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive and Knowledgeable Staff: Many students describe the staff, particularly in advising and admissions, as welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring about student success. One student specifically credits an advisor for answering all of their questions.
Affordability and Value: CMCC is seen as a very affordable option for a quality education. Reviewers mention that the tuition is low and that the school provides a good return on investment. The availability of on-campus housing is a major plus for many.
Effective Career Preparation: The college is praised for its vocational and professional training programs. It is seen as a great place for those looking to get a stable job, with some reviews specifically mentioning the quality of the auto tech program.
Strong Community and Atmosphere: Several reviews highlight the “small university feel” of the campus and the close-knit community. Students appreciate the small class sizes, which allow for more one-on-one attention from professors.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Communication Issues: This is a recurring and significant complaint. Reviewers report that staff are difficult to reach and that there are issues with administrative processes, such as getting a response after submitting a required document. One review from a few months ago noted a very negative experience with the testing center.
Questionable Staff and Teaching Quality: While some reviews praise the faculty, others complain about the opposite. Some students claim that some teachers are rude, unqualified, and “don’t seem to know what they’re teaching,” creating a hostile and unsupportive learning environment.
Negative Incidents and Culture: Several reviews contain serious allegations, including an incident where a professor allegedly locked students out of a classroom. Another review from a few years ago details an alleged robbery in a dorm room and a lack of support from residence life staff.
Outdated Programs: Some older reviews suggest that some programs, particularly those in the tech and nursing sectors, are outdated.
Momentum
The momentum is mixed. While recent reviews praise the campus and some staff members, there are also recent, highly negative reviews about administrative and communication problems and a serious complaint about a professor. This indicates that while the college has many positive aspects, some of its systemic issues continue to be a source of student frustration. The presence of both positive and negative comments from recent months suggests a deeply divided student experience.