Maine community college enrollment up 6.3% over last year
Bucking a nationwide decline in enrollment at two-year public colleges, Maine's seven community colleges attracted more students this year than in 2018, preliminary figures show.
Data released on Thursday shows a 6.3% jump in enrollment at Maine's community colleges this fall over last year. All seven saw jumps in enrollment, ranging from a 0.25% gain at Northern Maine Community College to a 10.4% increase at Eastern Maine Community College, the only one of the bunch to see a double-digit rise.
Among the other institutions, enrollment increases were as follows: Southern Maine Community College, 8.2%; Washington County Community College, 5.9%, Central Maine Community College, 5.3%; Kennebec Valley Community College, 3.5%; and York County Community College, 3.4%.
The enrollment increase in Maine is in sharp contrast to a nationwide trend of declining enrollments at two-year public colleges over the last several years.
It also follows initiatives to attract and retain more students, including doubling the number of visits to some high schools and adding high-demand programs including plumbing and HVAC.
The system also did not raise tuition for the academic year that just started, maintaining what it said are New England's lowest tuition and fees.
As of Sept. 23, the system-wide headcount is 966 students more, or 6.3%, above last year. The system also reports a surge of participation in its short-term job training programs, which are not included in the fall headcount enrollment numbers
“We’re seeing significant growth both in our programs that lead to one-year certificates and two-year degrees and in short-term training,”David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System, told the system’s board of trustees Wednesday in Bangor.
“Demand from both employers and individuals looking to gain the skills needed to compete in this new economy is exploding and stretching our ability to respond," he added.
Enrollment numbers for fall 2019 will be finalized in mid-October.
The seven institutions that make up the Maine Community College System offer nearly 300 degree and certificate options in more than 140 occupational fields, and more than 75% of those programs are the only ones of their kind in the state.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments