Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Maine offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Best Grad Schools in Maine
- University of Maine 14 to 1
- University of Southern Maine 14 to 1
- University of New England 12 to 1
- University of New England $40,950
- University of Maine $11,640
- University of Southern Maine $8,064
- University of New England $29,607
- University of Maine $9,738
- University of Southern Maine $7,776
- University of New England 12 to 1
- University of Maine 14 to 1
- University of Southern Maine 14 to 1
- University of Southern Maine $8,064
- University of Maine $11,640
- University of New England $40,950
- University of Southern Maine $7,776
- University of Maine $9,738
- University of New England $29,607
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.
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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
There are 3 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Maine. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Maine is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in Maine 2023
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Colleges 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
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/26
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
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Maine 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
85%
Graduation
42%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1109/22
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
- #2 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Maine 2024 #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2024
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
59%
Student body
10K
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:
- Medical
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Education
- Biology
- Literature
- Political Science
- History
- Computer Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Maine’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
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.