FindU
Find Your FitFor CollegesAboutBlog
Sign inGet Started
Home/Colleges/Maine/Southern Maine Community College
Southern Maine Community College campus photo 1
Southern Maine Community College campus photo 2
Southern Maine Community College campus photo 3
Southern Maine Community College campus photo 4
Southern Maine Community College campus photo 5
1 / 5
Southern Maine Community College logo

Southern Maine Community College

South Portland, Maine · Public

$12k/yearCost after aid

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
BAcademics
C-Admissions
BStudent Life
BOverall

About

Southern Maine Community College is located in South Portland, Maine. It is a public institution. The university enrolls approximately 5,279 students.

smccme.edu

Cost and aid

True cost

Great value
$12kper year

Compared to $17k national average

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$3,797
Out-of-state tuition$6,677
Room & board$10,138
Avg aid package$6,141
Students receiving aid25%
Pell grant recipients25%

Southern Maine Community College is known for its affordability, making it a great option for students seeking quality education without significant debt. The tuition is reasonable compared to other Maine colleges, and financial aid services are available to help students access grants and loans. With a net price around $9,762, SMCC provides a cost-effective path to higher education.

What would you actually pay?FindU estimates your real net price for Southern Maine Community College from your family income.
Calculate my net priceFree · 2 min

Admissions

Application info

Average GPA3.00
Student–faculty ratio19:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppNo
Application fee$0

SMCC accepts applications throughout the year and has an open admissions policy. The college looks for students who are ready to begin their college education and build a foundation for their future. Campus tours and information sessions are available, and admissions officers are ready to answer any questions.

Will you get into Southern Maine Community College?FindU calculates your real admission odds from your stats.
Show me my oddsFree · 2 min

Academics

Student–faculty ratio19:1
Full-time faculty25%

SMCC offers a student-centered learning environment with small class sizes that foster close interactions with knowledgeable and supportive professors. The college emphasizes critical thinking, writing, research, and self-reflection. With a diverse range of programs, including unique options like Fire Science and Marine Science, students can explore various career paths and align their education with their interests.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$41,661
Job placement rate95%
Earn more than HS grad63%
Loan default (3 yr)9%
Loan repayment (3 yr)48%

SMCC prepares students for immediate employment or transfer to a four-year institution, offering over 40 degree and certificate programs. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and has partnerships with businesses and community leaders. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in fields like biotechnology, with many finding employment at local companies or continuing their education at universities.

Student life

Demographics

Medium School
5,279Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 56%Male 44%
76% WhiteRacial diversity
White 76%Black 11%Hispanic 5%Asian 2%Other 7%
Campus housingYes

SMCC provides a welcoming and diverse community with a friendly and inclusive campus culture. While many students commute, there are numerous clubs and organizations, as well as athletic programs. The college's coastal campus in South Portland offers a serene environment with ocean views, enhancing the overall college experience.

Student reviews

Professors

Current Student

I am a big fan of the learning environment. The school provides a safe, well adapted, and informed staff which makes going to in person classes enjoyable and educational. I do not live on campus so I do not know about the on campus life, but the people I know who live in the dorms enjoy it, and feel safe and connected.

Student

Students frequently mention the flexibility of SMCC's class scheduling and the accessibility of online courses through the Brightspace portal. This flexibility allows students, including those working full-time or with family responsibilities, to balance education with other life commitments effectively.

Student

SMCC offers a wide range of programs and majors, including unique options like Fire Science, Marine Science, Nursing, Behavioral Health, and Culinary Arts. The college is noted for its hands-on learning opportunities and trades programs that prepare students well for the workforce.

Campus and vibes

Student

There's all kinds of classes you can take, they have a huge metal shop auto shop and wood shop, there's a building dedicated to green energy, one for nursing. There is a little pottery building by the sea, a building for painting and drawing right on the sea. The big beautiful rocks fort wall and lighthouse are inspirational.

Current Student

My experience in SMCC is great, I have all the help that I need here, so much support from everyone in general, great campus, great classes, and a great environment.

Student

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) boasts a beautiful coastal campus in South Portland, Maine, providing stunning ocean views and a serene environment ideal for studying or relaxing. The campus atmosphere is described as quiet, welcoming, and supportive, with many students appreciating the ability to take walks along campus paths leading to the beach.

Student

Students describe a welcoming and diverse community at SMCC, with people from various backgrounds, ages, and cultures. The college hosts numerous clubs and organizations, though many students live off-campus and balance school with other life commitments.

Student

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is frequently praised for its affordability, supportive faculty, and beautiful campus setting by the ocean. Students appreciate the diverse range of academic programs offered, highlighting the small class sizes that facilitate personalized attention from professors who are generally caring and engaged.

Student

Campus life is described as friendly and community-focused, with various clubs and activities, although some students have voiced concerns about the dorm experiences and the overall quality of food on campus. Overall, SMCC is seen as a solid starting point for those looking to advance their education without incurring significant debt.

Cost and value

Student

Many students emphasize the affordability of SMCC, highlighting it as a great option for getting a quality education without accumulating significant debt. The tuition is considered very reasonable compared to other colleges in Maine, and financial aid services, despite some criticisms, generally facilitate access to grants and loans.

About Southern Maine Community College

SMCC is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff. The college has security measures in place to ensure campus safety, and the South Portland campus is located in a safe area. The college also provides resources and support for students who may need assistance.

SMCC offers an Honors Program that provides enriched learning experiences for students. The program is open to all students and allows them to participate in honors courses or complete honors options. Students who complete the Honors Program graduate as Honors Scholars and may be eligible for direct transfer to the Honors Program at the University of Southern Maine.

SMCC welcomes international students from various countries and provides support through its Global Studies Center. The college offers international and multicultural activities to foster a diverse and inclusive community. International students can find resources and events to help them adjust to campus life and connect with other students.

Endowment$2,096,620
Avg faculty salary$94,680

Southern Maine Community College FAQ

See if Southern Maine Community College is right for you

Answer a few quick questions and FindU shows your match score, your admission chances, and the scholarships you qualify for.

Show me my matchesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start
FindU Match
Free

Will you get into Southern Maine Community College?

Your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

76%Your chances
Match
Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
See your real result
Show me my chancesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start

More colleges in Maine

Maine College of Art & Design

Portland, Maine

B-Overall78% admit

Colby College

Waterville, Maine

AOverall7% admit

University of Southern Maine

Portland, Maine

C+Overall79% admit

Bates College

Lewiston, Maine

AOverall13% admit

Maine College of Health Professions

Lewiston, Maine

B+Overall33% admit

Kennebec Valley Community College

Fairfield, Maine

BOverall$7k/yr net
All colleges in Maine
Is Southern Maine Community College your match?Get my match
FindU

Find Your Fit

  • Take college quiz
  • Scholarship search
  • College Search
  • Browse all tools

Company

  • About
  • Blog
  • Careers

For Partners

  • For Colleges
  • For Counselors
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms

Join our newsletter