Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Maine provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Best Public Colleges in Maine
- University of Maine
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maine at Augusta
- Maine Maritime Academy
- University of Maine at Farmington
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine
- University of Southern Maine
- Maine Maritime Academy
- University of Maine at Augusta
- University of Maine at Farmington
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 99%
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 97%
- University of Maine 94%
- University of Maine at Farmington 94%
- University of Southern Maine 85%
- Maine Maritime Academy 58%
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 23 to 1
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 17 to 1
- University of Maine at Augusta 15 to 1
- University of Maine 14 to 1
- University of Southern Maine 14 to 1
- University of Maine at Farmington 11 to 1
- Maine Maritime Academy 11 to 1
- University of Maine $11,640
- Maine Maritime Academy $11,474
- University of Maine at Farmington $8,640
- University of Southern Maine $8,064
- University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $7,350
- University of Maine at Augusta $7,350
- Maine Maritime Academy $14,400
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
- University of Maine at Farmington $10,248
- University of Maine $9,738
- University of Maine at Augusta $7,776
- University of Southern Maine $7,776
- University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of Maine at Farmington
- Maine Maritime Academy
- University of Maine at Augusta
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maine
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of Maine at Farmington
- University of Maine at Augusta
- Maine Maritime Academy
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maine
- Maine Maritime Academy 58%
- University of Southern Maine 85%
- University of Maine at Farmington 94%
- University of Maine 94%
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 97%
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 99%
- University of Maine at Farmington 11 to 1
- Maine Maritime Academy 11 to 1
- University of Maine 14 to 1
- University of Southern Maine 14 to 1
- University of Maine at Augusta 15 to 1
- University of Maine at Fort Kent 17 to 1
- University of Maine at Presque Isle 23 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 $11,474
- University of Maine $11,640
- University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
- University of Maine at Augusta $7,776
- University of Southern Maine $7,776
- University of Maine $9,738
- University of Maine at Farmington $10,248
- University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
- Maine Maritime Academy $14,400
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
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.
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 8 public universities in Maine. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Maine, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.
Best Public Colleges in Maine 2023
- #1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025
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 2025
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
- #2 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
- #6 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
- #7 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #7 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #11 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
- #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
- #24 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
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: $12,606Expenses: $15,966Starting 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 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
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 2025
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #19 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
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: $10,920Expenses: $15,892Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
23%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Augusta
Cost of Degree: $8,618Expenses: $13,500Starting 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:
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Maine 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
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: $14,746Expenses: $16,426Starting 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
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
53%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Farmington
Cost of Degree: $10,989Expenses: $15,374Starting Salary: $37,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 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 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #5 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024 #23 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
29%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Presque Isle
Cost of Degree: $9,080Expenses: $13,700Starting 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 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Maine 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Maine #6 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
37%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Fort Kent
Cost of Degree: $9,045Expenses: $12,532Starting 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
What is University of Maine at Machias known for?
University of Maine at Machias’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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 Public College in Your Area of Interest
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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.