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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

Envision your future at SMCC: a historic campus offering diverse paths to success.

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) stands as a vibrant educational hub, empowering over 7,000 students to "Envision a Future" from its picturesque campus overlooking Casco Bay. Known for its comprehensive range of over 40 degree and certificate programs, SMCC provides pathways in high-demand fields such as Applied Technology, Health Sciences, Business, Public Safety, and the Arts & Sciences. Whether you're seeking to launch a new career or transfer to a four-year institution, SMCC offers Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Arts degrees designed to meet diverse aspirations.

The college boasts a rich history, tracing its roots back to 1946 when it opened as the Maine Vocational Technical Institute, dedicated to providing crucial skills training for World War II veterans. Its evolution continued with a significant move in 1952 to the historic Fort Preble in South Portland, a site steeped in military history dating back to the Revolutionary War. This unique setting across Portland Harbor from Maine's largest city provides an inspiring backdrop for learning. Over decades, the institution transformed from a technical institute into an accredited college, ultimately becoming Southern Maine Community College in 2003, reflecting its broad academic offerings.

SMCC's commitment to accessibility and innovation is further demonstrated by its expansion, including a second campus opened in 2011 at Brunswick Landing. The college prides itself on attracting a diverse student body, with learners hailing from across Maine, New England, other states, and even international locations. With a strong focus on practical skills and academic rigor, SMCC prepares its students for immediate employment or further educational pursuits, making it a cornerstone of community education in Southern Maine.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1946, initially to train World War II veterans.
  • Serves a large student body of 7,006 individuals.
  • Offers over 40 degree and certificate programs across five academic divisions.
  • Main campus located on the historic site of Fort Preble in South Portland, overlooking Casco Bay.
  • Provides both Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Arts degrees.
  • Expanded with a second campus at Brunswick Landing in 2011.

Timeline

1946
Opened as Maine Vocational Technical Institute (MVTI) in Augusta.
1952
Moved to the historic Fort Preble in South Portland.
1960
Name changed to Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (SMVTI) and authorized to award Associate in Applied Science degrees.
1968
First Associate in Applied Science degree students enrolled.
1970
First Associate in Applied Science degrees awarded.
1980
Name changed to Southern Maine Technical College (SMTC) as part of a system-wide change.
1998
Added an Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Studies.
2003
Became Southern Maine Community College (SMCC).
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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