Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024

Badge for BEST IN MAINE PRIVATE COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Maine.

Best Private Colleges in Maine

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  1. Bowdoin College
  2. Bates College
  3. Colby College
  4. College of the Atlantic
  5. University of New England
  6. Unity Environmental University
  7. Thomas College
  8. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  1. Bowdoin College
  2. Bates College
  3. Colby College
  4. College of the Atlantic
  5. University of New England
  6. Thomas College
  7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  8. Unity Environmental University
  1. Thomas College 97%
  2. University of New England 96%
  3. Unity Environmental University 94%
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
  5. College of the Atlantic 60%
  6. Bates College 14%
  7. Bowdoin College 9%
  8. Colby College 8%
  1. Unity Environmental University 36 to 1
  2. Thomas College 23 to 1
  3. University of New England 12 to 1
  4. Bates College 10 to 1
  5. Colby College 10 to 1
  6. College of the Atlantic 10 to 1
  7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
  8. Bowdoin College 9 to 1
  1. Colby College $63,520
  2. Bowdoin College $61,528
  3. Bates College $61,066
  4. College of the Atlantic $44,829
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
  6. University of New England $40,950
  7. Thomas College $29,996
  8. Unity Environmental University $12,640
  1. University of New England $29,607
  2. College of the Atlantic $29,520
  3. Thomas College $28,954
  4. Unity Environmental University $9,750
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,630
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  2. Thomas College
  3. Unity Environmental University
  4. University of New England
  5. College of the Atlantic
  6. Colby College
  7. Bates College
  8. Bowdoin College
  1. Unity Environmental University
  2. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  3. Thomas College
  4. University of New England
  5. College of the Atlantic
  6. Colby College
  7. Bates College
  8. Bowdoin College
  1. Colby College 8%
  2. Bowdoin College 9%
  3. Bates College 14%
  4. College of the Atlantic 60%
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
  6. Unity Environmental University 94%
  7. University of New England 96%
  8. Thomas College 97%
  1. Bowdoin College 9 to 1
  2. Bates College 10 to 1
  3. Colby College 10 to 1
  4. College of the Atlantic 10 to 1
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 10 to 1
  6. University of New England 12 to 1
  7. Thomas College 23 to 1
  8. Unity Environmental University 36 to 1
  1. Unity Environmental University $12,640
  2. Thomas College $29,996
  3. University of New England $40,950
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $41,586
  5. College of the Atlantic $44,829
  6. Bates College $61,066
  7. Bowdoin College $61,528
  8. Colby College $63,520
  1. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,630
  2. Unity Environmental University $9,750
  3. Thomas College $28,954
  4. College of the Atlantic $29,520
  5. 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.

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?

Maine’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Maine's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 8 private universities in Maine. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Maine, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in Maine

  1. #1

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #24 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Maine 2024
    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: $61,528
    Expenses: $18,862
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bowdoin College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    College of the Atlantic

    Bar Harbor , ME
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Maine 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of the Atlantic

    Cost of Degree: $44,829
    Expenses: $11,840
    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

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of New England

    Biddeford , ME
    #2 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools 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: $40,950
    Expenses: $20,250
    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

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Unity Environmental University

    New Gloucester , ME
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
    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: $13,884
    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’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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Thomas College

    Waterville , ME
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas College

    Cost of Degree: $29,996
    Expenses: $14,998
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Saint Joseph's College of Maine

    Standish , ME
    #25 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine #3 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
    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: $41,586
    Expenses: $17,836
    Starting Salary: $47,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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’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
    Compare school
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Maine’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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.

  1. Bowdoin College
  2. Bates College
  3. College of the Atlantic
  4. Colby College
  5. Unity Environmental University
  6. University of New England
  7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  8. Thomas College

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

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