What You Should Know About Graduating From Community College in Maine
When selecting a community college, it’s important to consider the earning potential of your degree. In 2020, the top five highest-paying careers in Maine that require an associate degree were radiation therapists, calibration technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, and magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
New graduates approaching the job market may want to consider careers that have a large number of job openings. The five careers with the most job openings for associate degree holders in Maine are preschool teachers, paralegals, dental hygienists, mechanical drafters, and other engineering technicians.
In addition to reviewing careers with high earning potential and job openings, you should be aware of occupations with a negative outlook. Jobs expected to have the greatest decline for associate degree holders in Maine include respiratory therapy technicians, desktop publishers, environmental engineering technicians, electrical and electronics drafters, and mechanical drafters.
What’s Next?
When researching community colleges in Maine, it’s important to consider the cost of higher education. Below is a list of federal and state resources that showcase financial aid opportunities available for associate degree students in Maine.
- Maine Department of Education. The Maine Department of Education website describes who is eligible for in-state tuition prices. It also provides information on financial aid and loan programs managed by the state.
- Federal Student Aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid offers over $120 billion to students enrolled in U.S. institutions. Financial aid opportunities include scholarships, grants, and loans. To see if you qualify, visit the FAFSA4caster. You can also apply by completing the online FAFSA form.
- CareerOneStop. Sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CareerOneStop is a leading source for information about scholarships. The site lets users filter information by degree level and state. It also includes details about award amounts, qualification requirements, and deadlines.