Best Colleges in Maine 2024
Here are the best colleges and universities in Maine. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.
10 Best Colleges in Maine
- Bowdoin College
- University of Maine
- Bates College
- Colby College
- University of Southern Maine
- College of the Atlantic
- University of New England
- Unity Environmental University
- University of Maine at Augusta
- Thomas College
- Bowdoin College
- University of Maine
- Bates College
- Colby College
- University of Southern Maine
- College of the Atlantic
- University of New England
- Maine Maritime Academy
- University of Maine at Augusta
- Thomas College
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 100%
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 100%
- University of Maine at Farmington 97%
- University of Maine 96%
- Unity Environmental University 91%
- University of New England 90%
- University of Southern Maine 87%
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
- College of the Atlantic 61%
- Maine Maritime Academy 58%
- Thomas College 26 to 1
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 18 to 1
- University of Maine 16 to 1
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 16 to 1
- University of Maine at Augusta 16 to 1
- Unity Environmental University 15 to 1
- University of Maine at Machias 13 to 1
- University of New England 13 to 1
- University of Southern Maine 12 to 1
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine 12 to 1
- Colby College $61,220
- Bates College $59,062
- Bowdoin College $58,322
- College of the Atlantic $43,542
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine $39,986
- University of New England $39,820
- Thomas College $29,152
- Unity Environmental University $12,640
- University of Maine $11,640
- Maine Maritime Academy $11,250
- University of New England $28,778
- College of the Atlantic $28,665
- Thomas College $28,110
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
- University of Maine at Farmington $10,248
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,766
- Unity Environmental University $9,750
- University of Maine $9,738
- University of Maine at Augusta $7,776
- University of Southern Maine $7,776
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of Maine at Farmington
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- Maine Maritime Academy
- Thomas College
- University of Maine at Augusta
- Unity Environmental University
- University of New England
- Unity Environmental University
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of Maine at Farmington
- Thomas College
- University of Maine at Augusta
- Maine Maritime Academy
- University of New England
- Bowdoin College 9%
- Colby College 9%
- Bates College 17%
- Maine Maritime Academy 58%
- College of the Atlantic 61%
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
- University of Southern Maine 87%
- University of New England 90%
- Unity Environmental University 91%
- University of Maine 96%
- Bowdoin College 8 to 1
- Maine Maritime Academy 9 to 1
- College of the Atlantic 10 to 1
- Colby College 10 to 1
- Bates College 10 to 1
- University of Maine at Farmington 11 to 1
- University of Southern Maine 12 to 1
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine 12 to 1
- University of Maine at Machias 13 to 1
- University of New England 13 to 1
- University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $7,350
- University of Maine at Augusta $7,350
- University of Southern Maine $8,064
- University of Maine at Farmington $8,640
- Maine Maritime Academy $11,250
- University of Maine $11,640
- Unity Environmental University $12,640
- Thomas College $29,152
- University of New England $39,820
- Maine Maritime Academy $7,200
- University of Maine at Augusta $7,776
- University of Southern Maine $7,776
- University of Maine $9,738
- Unity Environmental University $9,750
- Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,766
- University of Maine at Farmington $10,248
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
- Thomas College $28,110
- College of the Atlantic $28,665
Colleges and Universities in Maine
At $9,970, Maine is right on target with the national average, making the state an affordable choice for those looking to receive an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The 16 public colleges and universities range in tuition from $4,000 to $14,000. The 10 private schools tend to cost more, ranging from $27,000 to $55,000, though the class sizes are often much smaller. The largest private university is the University of New England, with just under 6,000 students, and a tuition of $38,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
The University of Maine (UMaine), with just under 10,000 students, is the largest public school, with a tuition rate of $11,000. Based in Orono, the public research university offers degrees in fields like literature, earth sciences, and physics. Stephen King and Bernard Lown are among the influential alumni who attended this school. The cost for higher education in Maine varies, but the state offers loan forgiveness programs for many professions, including dentists, lawyers, educators, health professionals, and veterinarians. The Alfond Leaders program forgives up to $60,000 for residents working in eligible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics occupations.
The northernmost state in New England, Maine is known for its fishing, quaint coastal towns, and of course, lobster. Maine is also home to over 60 lighthouses. Students looking to earn their degree while living in a state that has both ocean beaches and lush forests can choose from 26 private and public higher education institutions.
Come see why Maine is an excellent option for earning your higher education degree and starting a career.
What are Maine’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Research Universities
- 14 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 3 Graduate Schools
- 8 Public Colleges & Universities
- 8 Private Colleges & Universities
- 1 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 13 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 9 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 8 Community Colleges
- 8 Online Colleges
Maine’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
We’ve identified 16 colleges and universities in Maine that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Maine below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Maine.
Best Colleges in Maine 2023
- #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #24 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
94%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Bowdoin College
Cost of Degree: $61,528Expenses: $18,862Starting Salary: $83,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bowdoin College known for?
Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- History
- Biology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
- #7 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #7 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #15 Best Online Master's in Special Education
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
- #16 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #20 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #22 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
57%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine
Cost of Degree: $12,136Expenses: $15,320Starting Salary: $48,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maine known for?
University of Maine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Communications
- Education
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
University of Maine’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BUS in University Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Bates College
Cost of Degree: $61,066Expenses: $19,374Starting Salary: $74,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bates College known for?
Bates College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Physics
- Economics
- Chemistry
- History
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
87%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1450/32
Career Outlook for degree at Colby College
Cost of Degree: $63,520Expenses: $18,030Starting Salary: $71,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colby College known for?
Colby College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Physics
- Political Science
- Biology
- Education
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #13 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
34%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1059/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Maine
Cost of Degree: $10,100Expenses: $14,784Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Southern Maine known for?
University of Southern Maine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Southern Maine’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Technical Leadership
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social And Behavioral Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Leadership And Organizational Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Integrative Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
67%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at College of the Atlantic
Cost of Degree: $44,829Expenses: $11,840Starting Salary: $27,800Cost Recoup Time: 24 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is College of the Atlantic known for?
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2024
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
63%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at University of New England
Cost of Degree: $40,950Expenses: $20,250Starting Salary: $51,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of New England known for?
University of New England ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
55%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Unity Environmental University
Cost of Degree: $12,640Expenses: $13,884Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryUnity Environmental University’s Online Degrees
BS in Conservation Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Animal Health And Behavior
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Animal Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Captive Wildlife Care
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Environmental Geospatial Technologies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Health And Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Health And Wellness
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Justice And Social Change
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Environmental Science And Climate Change
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership And Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marine Biology And Sustainable Aquaculture
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sustainable Business Management
Degree Concentrations
- Adventure Ecotourism
- Hemp Industry And Science
- Renewable Energy
- Sustainable Food And Farming
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Wildlife And Fisheries Biology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
16%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Augusta
Cost of Degree: $8,378Expenses: $13,000Starting Salary: $30,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maine at Augusta known for?
University of Maine at Augusta’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$29K
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas College
Cost of Degree: $29,996Expenses: $14,998Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Thomas College known for?
Thomas College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Education
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Communications
- Literature
- Political Science
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
72%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Career Outlook for degree at Maine Maritime Academy
Cost of Degree: $14,562Expenses: $15,740Starting Salary: $107,200Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Maine Maritime Academy known for?
Maine Maritime Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #25 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
68%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
945/22
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Cost of Degree: $41,586Expenses: $17,836Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Joseph's College of Maine known for?
Saint Joseph's College of Maine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Saint Joseph's College of Maine’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Banking
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theological Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Long Term Care Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
55%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Farmington
Cost of Degree: $9,890Expenses: $14,834Starting Salary: $37,500Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maine at Farmington known for?
University of Maine at Farmington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- Education
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- History
- Anthropology
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024 #23 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
35%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Presque Isle
Cost of Degree: $8,750Expenses: $13,300Starting Salary: $35,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maine at Presque Isle known for?
University of Maine at Presque Isle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Online Degrees
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BLS in Liberal Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Management
- Project Management
- Educational Studies
- Management Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
Degree Concentrations
- Professional Communication And Journalism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Maine #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
40%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Fort Kent
Cost of Degree: $8,542Expenses: $13,054Starting Salary: $37,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Maine at Fort Kent known for?
University of Maine at Fort Kent’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Online Degrees
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Allied Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
What is University of Maine at Machias known for?
University of Maine at Machias’s Online Degrees
BA in Psychology And Community Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Environmental Geographic Information Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Maine’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.