The fate of free community college in Maine is uncertain. Advocates for the program are currently fighting hard to make it permanent. When Maine announced the free community college program in 2022, it relieved a great deal of stress for a lot of students. 

What are the benefits of the program? The benefits of attending free community college include an easier application process, free classes, smaller class sizes, transferable credits, and reduced loan debt. 

Maine is one of thirty states that currently offer tuition-free community college. If you graduated high school between 2022-2025 and are a state resident, you are eligible for free tuition at any one of Maine’s seven community colleges: Central Maine, Eastern Maine, Kennebec Valley, Northern, Southern, Washington County, and York County Community College.  

The Beacon reached out to Jason Saucier, Dean of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at Southern Maine Community College, to answer a few questions: 

The Beacon: Free community college in Maine; is it here to stay? 

Saucier: The program is currently set to end with the class of 2025 

The Beacon: Is anyone focused on expanding it or prolonging it? 

Saucier: Southern Maine Community College, along with the entire Maine Community College System, is strongly in favor of making Free College a permanent option in Maine.  

The Beacon: Is this the new norm or is there pushback? 

Saucier: Ultimately, the decision rests with the Governor and the State Legislature, but our system-President and key staff members are actively advocating at the State House to secure continued support for Free College.

Free community college in Maine has aided a tremendous number of students. Whether it’s swaying them in the direction of attending SMCC, allowing them to take classes without the stress of money, or convincing students into attending college at all. But, will it continue for the students graduating after the class of 2022-2025? Hopefully soon we can get more clarity on this issue.