Maine to eye community college housing as enrollment grows

PORTLAND, Maine — Increasing enrollment at Maine’s community colleges has motivated lawmakers to consider offering on-campus housing at schools.

On-campus housing is not common at community colleges, but there is a growing trend toward it across the country. The proposal presented by Democratic Rep. Daniel Hobbs of Wells would direct the Maine Community College System to study providing housing on its campuses.

Enrollment at Maine’s community colleges has grown 12 percent since the state created the tuition-free program. That has brought with it more demand for housing in an increasingly expensive rental market, Hobbs said.