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Southern Maine Community College

South Portland, ME

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Quick Facts

Envision a Future

1946
Founded
Public community college
Type
5,279
Total Students
$4K
Tuition (In-State)
$7K
Tuition (Out-State)
$12K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Kristen Miller

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College: Building futures on a historic coast since 1946.

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is a beacon of opportunity in New England, proudly serving over 7,000 students across its two campuses. With its main campus beautifully situated on the historic Fort Preble overlooking Casco Bay in South Portland, SMCC offers a unique and inspiring setting where students can "Envision a Future." As a public community college, it provides accessible and high-quality education designed to meet the evolving needs of its diverse student body.

SMCC's rich history began in 1946 as the Maine Vocational Technical Institute in Augusta, established to provide essential training for World War II veterans. Its commitment to practical, skills-based education led to its relocation in 1952 to the expansive Fort Preble site, where it truly began to flourish. Over the decades, the institution steadily evolved, first becoming the Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (SMVTI), then Southern Maine Technical College, and finally transforming into the comprehensive Southern Maine Community College in 2003, reflecting its broad academic offerings and community focus.

The college boasts an impressive array of over 40 degree and certificate programs, carefully curated across five dynamic academic divisions: Applied Technology, Arts & Sciences, Health Sciences, Public Safety, and Business and Information Technology. Students can pursue Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, preparing them for direct entry into specialized careers, or Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees, providing a strong foundation for transfer to four-year institutions. This robust academic portfolio, coupled with a second vibrant campus opened in Brunswick Landing in 2011, ensures that SMCC continues to be a pivotal institution for education and workforce development across Maine and beyond.

SMCC is more than just a college; it's a community where students from across Maine, New England, other states, and nations come together to learn, grow, and define their paths. With its dedication to student success and a campus steeped in history, SMCC truly empowers individuals to envision and achieve their future aspirations.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1946 as the Maine Vocational Technical Institute to train World War II veterans.
  • Serves 7,006 students, making it a leading community college in Maine.
  • Offers over 40 degree and certificate programs across five diverse academic divisions.
  • Main campus located on the historic Fort Preble site in South Portland, overlooking Casco Bay.
  • Evolved from a technical institute into a comprehensive community college, awarding A.A.S. and A.A. degrees.
  • Expanded its reach with a second campus at Brunswick Landing, opened in 2011.

Timeline

1946
Opened as Maine Vocational Technical Institute in Augusta to serve WWII veterans.
1952
Moved to the site of the decommissioned Fort Preble in South Portland.
1960s
Name changed to Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (SMVTI); authorized to award Associate in Applied Science degrees.
1968
First Associate of Applied Science degree students enrolled.
Late 1980s
Name changed to Southern Maine Technical College (SMTC).
1998
Added an Associate in Arts degree in liberal studies.
2003
Transformed into Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) as part of the Maine Community College System.
2011
Opened a second campus at Brunswick Landing.
🏛️
80 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Kristen Miller
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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