Graduates of Maine’s two-year community colleges will now be guaranteed a spot in the University of Maine System thanks to an agreement signed this week.

The Transfer ME program means students who complete their two-year degree will no longer have to fill out applications, pay fees, write essays, gather transcripts or get recommendations if they want to attend a four-year state university, leaders announced Wednesday at Southern Maine Community College.

“Rather than trying to do a lot of paperwork 60 days before your first semester at one of our universities, let’s spend that time between 30 credits and 60 credits getting to know one another,” said Chancellor Dannel Malloy of the University of Maine System.

The program starts this fall and interested students will get help from advisors at both systems to help with the transition. 

The effort is one way the state is trying to boost the number of people with postsecondary degrees in Maine. Statistics show only 54% of Maine high school graduates choose to go to college, while employers say they need workers with degrees and credentials, according to the university system.

One of the goals in the state’s 10-year economic strategy is to increase that percentage to 60% by 2025.

In the past, students like Evan Dona, 25, had to jump through a lot of hoops to transfer from the community college system to the university system.

“I tracked down my high school transcripts, archived AP credits and additional college transcript despite SMCC having all of these records already,” he said. 

Now a senior in the criminology program at USM, Dona said he hopes other students will take advantage of the new change.

“I’m excited for this agreement to remove barriers and make things more seamless and accessible no matter the circumstances,” he said.

Maine Community College System President David Daigler said the agreement not only guarantees admission, it means students no longer have to research how to transfer to a four-year state university.

Finally, he said the program comes with counseling to help students make the transition. 

“We know that is sort of initiative will help our students succeed,” he said. “It’s responsive to their needs. It removes barriers that have been holding them back.”

The new agreement follows the free community college program that has led to a 20% increase in enrollment, he said.

Gov. Janet Mills said while the program will help students, it will also help economic development in the state.

“We need more young families here,” she said. “What do people look at when they are thinking about moving to a state or a business looking to locate in the state? They look at education, K-12 and higher ed.”