Best Small Colleges in Maine 2026

Badge for BEST IN MAINE SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Small colleges in Maine are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine’s best small colleges offer low student-to-faculty ratios, fostering close relationships with professors, individualized learning experiences, and strong mentorship opportunities that appeal to students seeking a supportive academic environment.
  • The colleges in our ranking emphasize a liberal arts education with interdisciplinary programs that encourage critical thinking and creativity, allowing students to explore a wide range of subjects and develop diverse skill sets.
  • Situated in picturesque coastal and rural areas, Maine’s best small colleges provide easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and environmental research, attracting students who enjoy nature and a close connection with Maine’s unique landscapes.

10 Best Small Colleges in Maine in 2026

  1. Bowdoin College
  2. Bates College
  3. Colby College
  4. Maine Maritime Academy
    +1
  5. College of the Atlantic
    –1
  6. University of Maine at Augusta
  7. University of Maine at Presque Isle
    +2
  8. University of Maine at Farmington
  9. Thomas College
    –2
  10. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

The colleges listed here are the best small colleges in Maine for 2026, focused on primarily four‑year institutions with total enrollments under 5,000. To be included a school must be fully accredited; you can view the complete set of institutions we considered in this custom search here. Our selection emphasizes institutions that combine rigorous academics with the advantages of smaller campuses—close faculty access, cohesive student communities, and identifiable campus cultures.

This introduction highlights what matters when comparing these schools: program strengths and academic reputation, student outcomes and support services, residential life and extracurricular opportunities, and the fit between a college’s size and your academic or professional goals. Use the profiles below to compare program offerings, campus character, and practical considerations like location and postgraduation pathways as you choose the best small college in Maine for you.

Best Small Colleges in Maine

  1. #1

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    #24 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    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
    What is Bowdoin College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Bates College

    Lewiston , ME
    #2 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #3 Best Colleges in Maine 2026

    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
    What is Bates College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Colby College

    Waterville , ME
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Maine 2026

    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
    What is Colby College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Maine Maritime Academy

    Castine , ME
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2026 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Maine 2026

    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

    Compare school
  6. #5

    College of the Atlantic

    Bar Harbor , ME
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Maine 2026

    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

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Maine at Augusta

    Augusta , ME
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026 #9 Best Colleges in Maine 2026

    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:

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Maine at Presque Isle

    Presque Isle , ME
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026 #10 Best Colleges in Maine 2026

    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:

    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Maine at Farmington

    Farmington , ME
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026

    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

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Thomas College

    Waterville , ME
    #6 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2026 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2026

    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

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Saint Joseph's College of Maine

    Standish , ME
    #25 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2026 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Maine #5 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2026

    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’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
  13. #11

    University of Maine at Fort Kent

    Fort Kent , ME
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2026 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Maine 2026 #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Maine

    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:

    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
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Maine at Machias

    #8 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2026 #7 Best Online Colleges in Maine 2026
    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
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Unity Environmental University

    New Gloucester , ME
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2026 #5 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology 2026

    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’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
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Maine’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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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 Maine at Farmington
  7. Maine Maritime Academy
  8. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  9. Thomas College

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in New Jersey and Alabama.

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