Best Colleges in Maine 2025

Badge for BEST IN MAINE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Key Takeaways

  • Sixteen schools in Maine meet our criteria for the best colleges and universities in the state.
  • Students attending one of the top Maine colleges will be taught by some of the most influential professors in the world.
  • Pursuing a degree at a public university in Maine is one of the most affordable options for a higher education in the state.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Maine remained fairly stable. The University of Maine was able to rise to the top ranking position as the university launched the Maine Climate Science Initiative, which offers students hands-on research opportunities in environmental science, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation. The university has also enhanced its STEM facilities, with new state-of-the-art labs for fields such as engineering, marine biology, and data analytics.

Additionally, UMaine has upgraded its student wellness programs, providing expanded mental health resources, wellness workshops, and fitness programs aimed at fostering holistic student well-being. These updates reflect the university’s commitment to sustainability, scientific innovation, and student support.

Colleges and Universities in Maine

The 16 schools on our ranking include a mix of both public universities and private colleges. The schools vary widely in tuition costs, from as little as $8,000 to more than $64,000. The sizes of the schools vary widely as well, with more than 15,000 students at the University of Maine to less than 1,000 students at The College of the Atlantic.

One thing that doesn’t vary is the quality of education that students receive from one of Maine’s best colleges. Whether you are seeking an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree from either a traditional college or through online classes, an accredited college in Maine is a great choice.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.


What are Maine’s Colleges & Universities?

Maine’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

How do we determine Maine’s best colleges and universities?

Methodology

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great! If you are serious about finding the best colleges and universities for a bachelor’s degree, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching and whether their graduates are themselves advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence in their fields of study.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

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.

a cohort of college students meeting together
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Best Colleges in Maine

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine

    Cost of Degree: $12,606
    Expenses: $15,966
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Maine is a public land-grant research institution located in Orono, Maine. It is the flagship university of the University of Maine System.

    What We Love About the University of Maine

    The school is among the most comprehensive higher education institutions in the Northeast.

    The University of Maine is ideal for students who:

    Want an active student life with plenty of sports teams and clubs to get involved with.

    The University of Maine is not a good fit for students who:

    Prefer to go to a quieter and smaller university.

    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. #2

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $64,910
    Expenses: $20,190
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bowdoin College is Maine’s oldest college and was named after James Bowdoin, the first president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

    What We Love About Bowdoin College

    Bowdoin College cosponsors study-abroad programs in Stockholm, Rome, Sri Lanka, and southern India.

    Bowdoin College is ideal for students who:

    Want to improve the world since the school has the resources to make it possible.

    Bowdoin College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Prefer to go to an urban university.

  3. #3

    Bates College

    Lewiston , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Bates College

    Cost of Degree: $63,478
    Expenses: $20,054
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bates College is a private college in Lewiston, Maine, and offers 36 departmental and interdisciplinary program majors and 25 secondary concentrations.

    What We Love About Bates College

    The school offers endless opportunities to its students, from sciences to arts and athletics.

    Bates College is ideal for students who:

    Want a school that has a powerful and open community and a strong tradition of service.

    Bates College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Hate snow, as it covers the entire school most of the year.

  4. #4

    Colby College

    Waterville , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Colby College

    Cost of Degree: $66,600
    Expenses: $18,820
    Starting Salary: $71,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Colby College was originally called the Maine Literary and Theological Institution when it was founded in 1813. It is in Waterville, Maine.

    What We Love About Colby College

    The school has plenty of internship and research opportunities.

    Colby College is ideal for students who:

    Are friendly, hardworking, and adventurous.

    Colby College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are generally outgoing and outspoken since the school is generally conservative.

  5. a group of college students standing in a lab
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1109/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Maine

    Cost of Degree: $10,920
    Expenses: $15,892
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Southern Maine has its campuses in Gorham, Portland, and Lewiston. The school is the southernmost part of the University of Maine System.

    What We Love About the University of Southern Maine

    The community consists of people from diverse backgrounds who will shape students with the way they view the world.

    The University of Southern Maine is ideal for students who:

    Want a diverse student population with students of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.

    The University of Southern Maine might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are close-minded or those who are not accepting.

    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
  7. Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New England

    Cost of Degree: $42,550
    Expenses: $21,140
    Starting Salary: $51,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of New England known for?

    University of New England ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of New England is a private research university in Portland, Maine, and the state’s largest private university.

    What We Love About the University of New England

    UNE is in a small town, thus giving students ample time to study and enjoy campus activities.

    The University of New England is ideal for students who:

    Have an interest in marine biology or the medical fields.

    The University of New England might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want a school with a Greek life, as the school has none.

  8. #7

    College of the Atlantic

    Bar Harbor , ME

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of the Atlantic

    Cost of Degree: $46,179
    Expenses: $12,087
    Starting Salary: $27,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 24 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of the Atlantic known for?

    Most Influential Alumni

    College of the Atlantic is a private school founded in 1969 and awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees purely in the field of human ecology.

    What We Love About College of the Atlantic

    The school is one of the country’s top 10 schools for great professions and strong financial aid.

    College of the Atlantic is ideal for students who:

    Want a small, close-knit, and supportive community.

    College of the Atlantic might not be a good fit for students who:

    Prefer going to larger universities with plenty of program offerings.

  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Maine Maritime Academy

    Cost of Degree: $14,746
    Expenses: $16,426
    Starting Salary: $107,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Maine Maritime Academy known for?

    Maine Maritime Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Maine Maritime Academy is a public college that focuses on maritime training. It is in Castine, Maine.

    What We Love About Maine Maritime Academy

    MMA is full of faculty, staff, and students who strive to make the campus better.

    Maine Maritime Academy is ideal for students who:

    Want to focus on their academics because all the courses at MMA are designed to put MMA students above other students at other universities.

    Maine Maritime University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Love to party because MMS is in a small town where parties are not common.

  10. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Augusta

    Cost of Degree: $8,618
    Expenses: $13,500
    Starting Salary: $30,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maine at Augusta known for?

    University of Maine at Augusta’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    A part of the University of Maine System, the The University of Maine at Augusta offers bachelor’s degrees and select associate degrees. It has campuses in Bangor and Augusta.

    What We Love About the University of Maine at Augusta

    The school aims to cultivate an inclusive community through different dynamic activities that provide rewarding opportunities and meaningful college experiences.

    University of Maine Augusta is ideal for students who:

    Like smaller classes with the best student network and faculty resources.

    University of Maine Augusta might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want a larger university with lots of campus options.

  11. #10

    Thomas College

    Waterville , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas College

    Cost of Degree: $30,896
    Expenses: $17,378
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Thomas College known for?

    Thomas College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Thomas College is a private college situated in Waterville, Maine. It offers multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees.

    What We Love About Thomas College

    It’s a small and intimate college suitable for students who prefer a small and personal campus.

    Thomas College is ideal for students who:

    Want an inclusive school where everyone has something to do or get involved in.

    Thomas College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a small and affordable school.

  12. a group of college students sitting around a table studying together
  13. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Farmington

    Cost of Degree: $10,989
    Expenses: $15,374
    Starting Salary: $37,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maine at Farmington known for?

    University of Maine at Farmington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Maine at Farmington is part of the University of Maine System. It is in Farmington, Maine, and a Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges founding member.

    What We Love About the University of Maine at Farmington

    The campus is amazing, where students can feel close to nature and isolated.

    University of Maine at Farmington is ideal for students who:

    Want to get the chance to study abroad or within the US at a different college.

    University of Maine at Farmington might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not up to extremely challenging classes because professors here will always push each student to be the best.

  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Presque Isle

    Cost of Degree: $9,080
    Expenses: $13,700
    Starting Salary: $35,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maine at Presque Isle known for?

    University of Maine at Presque Isle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    The University of Maine at Presque Isle is part of the University of Maine System and one of two University of Maine System schools in Aroostook County.

    What We Love About the University of Maine at Presque Isle

    The school has a very small school feel, and everyone is generally close-knit on campus.

    University of Maine at Presque Isle is ideal for students who:

    Want challenging coursework with approachable and helpful professors.

    University of Maine at Presque Isle might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not tech savvy, especially for online class students because getting technical support is very hard.

    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
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Joseph's College of Maine

    Cost of Degree: $42,834
    Expenses: $17,836
    Starting Salary: $47,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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 is in Standish, Maine and is the only private Catholic college in the state. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1912.

    What We Love About Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

    The school has plenty of extracurricular activities that provide a social platform where students can make life-long friendships.

    Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is ideal for students who:

    Are interested in liberal arts, education, or nursing, or anyone who loves a small community.

    Saint Joseph’s College of Maine might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not into sports, as the school spends lots of time and money on sports.

    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
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Fort Kent

    Cost of Degree: $9,045
    Expenses: $12,532
    Starting Salary: $37,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maine at Fort Kent known for?

    University of Maine at Fort Kent’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    A part of the University of Maine System is the University of Maine at Fort Kent. It is a public college is holds the academic core for Acadian and French American culture.

    What We Love About the University of Maine at Fort Kent

    The school is a unique learning institution that is ideal for students who seek a modern scholastic atmosphere.

    University of Maine at Fort Kent is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for the most affordable but the best nursing courses.

    University of Maine at Fort Kent is not a good fit for students who:

    Are into partying because the school has very minimal social scenes, mostly because of it being a little university.

    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
  17. What is University of Maine at Machias known for?

    University of Maine at Machias’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    The University of Maine at Machias offers career-oriented and community-engaged degrees and programs. This public college is part of the University of Maine System.

    What We Love About the University of Maine at Machias

    The school has an active community of diverse learners, all sharing the same commitment to leadership, collaboration, and exploration.

    University of Maine at Machias is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for an affordable regional campus.

    University of Maine at Machias might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are more comfortable with a large university with various extracurricular activities offerings.

    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
  18. #16

    Unity Environmental University

    New Gloucester , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Unity Environmental University

    Cost of Degree: $12,640
    Expenses: $14,236
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Unity Environmental University known for?

    Unity Environmental University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Unity Environmental University is a private university in New Gloucester, Maine, and offers undergraduate and graduate education based on sustainability science, emphasizing the study of natural and environmental resources.

    What We Love About Unity Environmental University

    The online opportunities provided by the school are perfect ways to balance work life and school.

    Unity Environmental University is ideal for students who:

    Want to earn their bachelor’s degree 100% online.

    Unity Environmental University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not that tech-savvy, since the online classes require some technical knowledge.

    Unity 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

Student Submitted Questions about Maine Colleges

What is the most affordable college in Maine?

The University of Maine at Augusta is one of the most affordable colleges in the state with a tuition of around $8,000 for in-state Maine residents. Tuition rates at colleges in Maine vary greatly, but it is important to keep in mind that a private college will typically be the most expensive option.

Is accreditation important when choosing a college in Delaware?

Yes! Regional accreditation assures that the education you receive will be top-notch. You can also apply for financial aid when attending accredited colleges. The New England Commission of Higher Education is the accrediting body for colleges in Maine.

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Maine’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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