Washington County Community College Builds on Last Year’s Enrollment with another Year of Record-Breaking Enrollment Growth for the Fall 2024 Semester

CALAIS, ME – For the second year in a row, Washington County Community College (WCCC) is celebrating record-breaking enrollment growth. Total enrollment for the Fall 2024 semester has increased by 18 percent over last year, with 805 students currently enrolled in credit-bearing courses—surpassing the prior pre-pandemic highest enrollment of 449 students in Fall 2015 by over 300 students.

Several key factors have contributed to this impressive growth, including the continued success of the Free Community College Scholarship program for recent high school graduates, academic program improvements, athletics, an increase in apprenticeship opportunities, and expanded short-term workforce trainings. First-time student enrollment has grown by 3 percent, while persisting student enrollment has surged by 45 percent compared to last year.

In addition to the overall increase in headcount from last fall, WCCC has seen a 22 percent rise in credit hours sold, indicating that more students are taking full advantage of the college’s course offerings. Notably, 24 percent of students are enrolled in dual or concurrent high school courses, and 21 percent of students are taking short-term trainings that offer college credit.

Over 62 percent of WCCC’s degree-seeking students this fall are benefiting from the Free Community College Scholarship, which is available to students who graduated from high school or earned a HiSET diploma between 2020 and 2024. This scholarship was recently extended to cover the graduating classes of 2024 and 2025. As a result, the scholarship continues to play a critical role in removing financial barriers for Maine students, allowing them to pursue higher education at no cost.

For those who do not qualify for the Free Community College Scholarship, WCCC remains one of the most affordable higher education institutions in New England, with an average annual tuition and fees of $4,100 for full-time students. Federal financial aid is also available for those who qualify, making WCCC an attractive and accessible option for a wide range of learners.

A major driver of WCCC’s enrollment growth is its continued expansion of short-term workforce training programs with funding from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, Maine Quality Centers, and the Harold Alfond Foundation. Since Fall 2020, over 1,000 students have participated in these programs, with 16 percent either matriculating into a degree program or enhancing their skills through workforce training. Programs like the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician-Community (MHRT-C) training have been particularly successful, providing students with the credentials needed to meet the growing demand for behavioral health professionals in Maine.  For a full list of current short-term trainings offered through WCCC, click here.

In addition to short-term trainings, WCCC offers hands-on apprenticeships that provide students with practical experience in industries such as aquaculture, education, and behavioral health. Registered Maine Apprenticeship is a collaboration among businesses, students, and education to not only give students real-world experience but also prepare them for high-demand careers. With hands-on experience and related instruction, this model creates clear pathways to employment, while offering a remedy for Maine’s extensive workforce needs.  This earn and learn model is a great way to recruit and retain employees.  WCCC currently has 32 active registered apprentices in the following occupations: Education Technician II and III, MHRT-C, Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Assistant Teacher, as well as Aquaculture Technician, and Weatherization Technician.  There are thirteen additional apprentices in process in those fields as well as Police Officer and Weatherization Supervisor.

The College’s new Health Occupations Certificate program, designed to provide students with general education courses and specific advising related to healthcare pathways has double digit enrollment, with 27 students attending this semester.  WCCC also has 13 students enrolled in the Associate Registered Nursing program which started this Fall.

Newly launched academic programs like Aquaculture and Criminal Justice Corrections and Probation have seen strong initial enrollment numbers, especially as students recognize the value of short-term trainings that lead directly into degree or certificate programs. This growth reflects WCCC’s commitment to providing flexible, career-focused education that meets the needs of both students and the regional workforce.  “Our focus on offering practical, high-demand programs like aquaculture and criminal justice ensures that students leave WCCC with both the skills and confidence they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market,” said Tyler Stoldt, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services.

WCCC continues to meet students’ needs both in and out of the classroom, with a significant rise in the number of students choosing to live on campus—the highest ever. Additionally, 74 percent of degree-seeking students are taking at least one in-person course this fall, while 26 percent are enrolled exclusively in virtual programs. This mix of in-person and online learning offers students the flexibility to tailor their educational experience to their individual needs. For a full list of our programs of study, including those available through distance education, click here.

WCCC President Susan Mingo states, “with our growing enrollment, academic program expansion, affordable education options, and expanded workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities, Washington County Community College is proud to continue serving the community and contributing to Maine’s workforce development”. You can learn more about the admissions and financial aid process, schedule a campus visit, or apply for free online here.