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Size Matters: Small colleges gaining popularity over big ones

(NEWS CENTER, Maine)-- The rising cost of college has forced many kids and their families to call an audible when it comes to higher education plans. Close to home, some institutions are suffering due to the expenses. Mt. Ida College in Newton, Mass, founded in 1899 is closing its doors. Wheelock College in Boston, around since 1888, will merge with Boston University starting next fall so it can survive.

Meanwhile, community colleges have rising enrollments. There are seven community colleges in the Maine system and enrollment is up to 17,000 students which is two times as many as about 12 years ago.

"It really ties into the mission of the entire Maine community college system. The seven campuses are here to provide to the opportunity to students and their families who want to get the training and education that they need at an affordable cost," said Matt Richards, the Associate Dean of Students at SMCC.

The Maine community college system offers the lowest tuition in New England with an average of 3700 dollars per year for tuition and fees. 75 percent of the students get some type of financial aid and half of the students who attend have their school paid for by grants which means no loans need to be taken out.

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