Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025

Q: Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Badge for BEST IN MAINE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley

Published: Mar 26, 2021
Updated: Nov 5, 2024

Key Takeaways

The best liberal arts colleges in Maine offer a great education that will result in a well-rounded, educated person.
Maine’s liberal arts colleges offer smaller class sizes and more opportunities for interaction with professors.
The smaller, intimate environment present in top liberal arts colleges in Maine help graduates to mature and gain career skills that can qualify them for leadership positions.

Table of Contents

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine in 2025

Bowdoin College
Bates College
Colby College
University of Southern Maine
College of the Atlantic
Maine Maritime Academy
University of Maine at Augusta
Thomas College
University of Maine at Farmington
University of Maine at Presque Isle

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.

There are no changes in our 2025 ranking of the best liberal arts colleges in Maine. However, several of the colleges in Maine have made significant improvements which benefit students looking for the best liberal arts colleges in Maine.

Bowdoin College has secured a three-year grant of $249,300 from the Davis Educational Foundation to launch the “AI in Teaching Initiative,” aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into pedagogy and fostering interdisciplinary learning.

Additionally, Bowdoin has completed the construction of Barry Mills Hall and the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies, providing state-of-the-art facilities that support academic and research endeavors. Colby College has established the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the first cross-disciplinary AI institute at a liberal arts college, providing students with opportunities to engage in AI research and applications across various fields.

Additionally, Colby has expanded its financial aid programs, including the Colby Commitment, which meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans, ensuring greater access and affordability for students from diverse backgrounds.

Top Ten Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025

Bowdoin College

Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Economics, and History

Bates College

Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Political Science, and Physics

Colby College

Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Sociology, and Economics

University of Southern Maine

Most Popular Degrees: Psychology, Anthropology, and Biology

College of the Atlantic

Most Popular Degrees: Psychology, Economics, and Education

Maine Maritime Academy

Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Business, and Earth Sciences

University of Maine at Augusta

Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Political Science, and Education

Thomas College

Most Popular Degrees: Medical Sciences, Criminal Justice, and Business

University of Maine at Farmington

Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Earth Sciences, and Biology

University of Maine at Presque Isley

Most Popular Degrees: Biology, Literature, and Medical Sciences

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 14 liberal arts colleges in Maine. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Maine, schools must fully accredited institutions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025

Build your own college rankings

Maine’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in mathematics.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025

Key Takeaways

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Top Ten Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for degree at Bowdoin College

What we love about Bowdoin College:

Bowdoin College is ideal for students who:

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

Career Outlook for degree at Bates College

What we love about Bates College:

Bates College is ideal for students who:

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

Career Outlook for degree at Colby College

What we love about Colby College:

Colby College is ideal for students who:

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

Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Maine

What we love about USM:

USM is ideal for students who:

USM might not be the best fit for students who:

University of Southern Maine’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at College of the Atlantic

What we love about COA:

COA is ideal for students who:

COA might not be the best fit for students who:

Career Outlook for degree at Maine Maritime Academy

What we love about MMA:

MMA is ideal for students who:

MMA might not be the best fit for students who:

Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Augusta

What we love about UMA:

UMA is ideal for students who:

UMA might not be the best fit for students who:

Career Outlook for degree at Thomas College

What we love about Thomas College:

Thomas College is ideal for students who:

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

Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Farmington

What we love about UMF:

UMF is ideal for students who:

UMF might not be the best fit for students who:

Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Presque Isle

What we love about UMPI:

UMPI is ideal for students who:

UMPI might not be the best fit for students who:

University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

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

What we love about SJC:

SJC is ideal for students who:

SJC might not be the best fit for students who:

Saint Joseph's College of Maine’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Fort Kent

What we love about UMFK:

UMFK is ideal for students who:

UMFK might not be the best fit for students who:

University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Online Degrees

What we love about UMaine Machias:

UMaine Machias is ideal for students who:

UMaine Machias might not be the best fit for students who:

University of Maine at Machias’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Unity Environmental University

What we love about Unity Environmental University:

Unity Environmental University is ideal for students who:

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

Unity Environmental University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Maine’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

Is a research university right for me?

Is a liberal arts college right for me?