State college in Maine draws scrutiny from accreditor over fast online degrees
A public college known for letting students earn a bachelor’s degree in less than a year is drawing scrutiny from its accreditor about the quality of its online program.
Enrollment has skyrocketed at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, a small state school near the Canadian border, as word has spread that it offers fast, affordable degrees.
The school’s online YourPace program enrolled nearly 4,100 students during last academic year, a 30-fold increase since 2018. Administrators say most students can complete their degrees in under a year for less than $10,000 in tuition.
But that growth and reputation for speed have also led to an examination by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
