What Is It Known For?
Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) was founded in 1966 by the Maine State Legislature as the Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (EMVTI). Over the years, it has expanded its offerings to include more than 30 one- and two-year programs, along with specialized training to support local business, industry, and community needs.
In 2022, the school enrolled 2,376 students, including 933 full-time and 1,443 part-time students. While recent enrollment data is unavailable, we expect similar or even higher numbers for the 2024-25 academic year.
Degrees & Certifications
The school offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in over 30 programs. These programs prepare students for a variety of career paths across multiple industries.
Some of the programs you can expect to find here include:
- Automotive Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Fire Science Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Career Studies
- Elementary Education
- And Many more!
Class Schedules
Eastern Maine Community College offers flexible scheduling with part-time evening and weekend courses to help students balance their education and personal commitments. Some programs may require externships or clinical rotations, which can be scheduled during the day, evening, or weekends depending on the availability of sites and instructors.
To further accommodate different schedules, the school also provides a combination of online, hybrid, and in-person classes.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) is a respected institution. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, ensuring that it meets high academic standards.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at EMCC is 100%, meaning all qualified applicants are admitted to the school.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at EMCC is $96 per credit hour for Maine residents and $192 per credit hour for non-residents. Students in the NERSP (“Apple” Program) pay $144 per credit hour.
To get a better idea of tuition costs based on your specific program, EMCC recommends checking their programs page. However, for a more detailed estimate of your overall cost of attendance, the school provides a tuition calculator to help you plan ahead.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
Healthcare
- Emergency Medical Services
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Technology
- Medical Radiography
- Nursing
- Surgical Technology
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
- Digital Graphic Design
- Restaurant & Food Service Management
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Building Construction
- Diesel, Truck & Heavy Equipment
- Electrical & Automation Technology
- Electricians Technology
- Fine Woodworking and Cabinet Making
- Fire Science Technology
- Plumbing
- Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Computer Technology
- Information Technology
Campus Locations
Bangor 354 Hogan Road Bangor, ME 04401
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Eastern Maine Community College has a mixed reputation, with students praising the quality of education and support from instructors but criticizing the administrative processes and staff behavior.
Overall Score: 3.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive and Quality Instruction: Many reviewers consistently highlight the faculty as “amazing,” “decent,” and “exceptional.” Students report learning more in a single semester at EMCC than in their entire high school career. The small class sizes and personalized attention are frequently mentioned as key factors in their success.
Positive Learning Environment: Students describe the campus as a welcoming and inclusive place, and a “great school to join” for those starting or returning to college. The variety of subjects and hands-on learning are also appreciated.
Affordability: As part of the Maine Community College System, EMCC is noted for having low tuition and fees compared to other schools in New England, which makes it an attractive and affordable option for a two-year degree.
Common Criticisms
Poor Administrative Communication: This is a recurring and significant complaint. Reviewers describe the enrollment, business, and administrative staff as “unorganized” and “the slowest school I have ever attended.” Students report that staff “never answer the phones” and take weeks to return calls or emails, which creates frustration.
Unprofessional Staff Behavior: While many praise the instructors, some reviewers claim certain staff members, including an instructor and a bookstore employee, were rude.
Recruitment and Privacy Concerns: A review from a few years ago alleged that the college gave out student phone numbers to army recruiters without consent.
Program-Specific Issues: A very recent review alleges that the admissions process for the Radiologic Technology program favors extroverted individuals. Another older review criticized the on-campus housing, calling the RAs “awful.”
Cost and Value: While tuition is low, some students feel that certain on-campus services like the bookstore and dining facilities are overpriced for the quality provided.
Momentum
The reviews for EMCC are very active and span a long time, with a mix of both positive and negative feedback being posted recently. A current student left a highly positive review, while a recent prospective student had a negative experience with the RadTech program’s admissions process. The most detailed administrative complaints are from a few years ago, but recent reviews still mention challenges in communication with staff. The lack of public responses from the college on these reviews is a notable observation.