Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024

Badge for BEST IN MAINE SMALL COLLEGES

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.

10 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024

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  1. Bowdoin College
  2. Bates College
  3. Colby College
  4. College of the Atlantic
  5. Unity Environmental University
  6. University of Maine at Augusta
  7. Thomas College
  8. Maine Maritime Academy
  9. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  10. University of Maine at Farmington
  1. Bowdoin College
  2. Bates College
  3. Colby College
  4. College of the Atlantic
  5. Maine Maritime Academy
  6. University of Maine at Augusta
  7. Thomas College
  8. University of Maine at Farmington
  9. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  10. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  1. University of Maine at Fort Kent 100%
  2. University of Maine at Presque Isle 100%
  3. University of Maine at Farmington 97%
  4. Unity Environmental University 91%
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
  6. College of the Atlantic 61%
  7. Maine Maritime Academy 58%
  8. Bates College 17%
  9. Colby College 9%
  10. Bowdoin College 9%
  1. Thomas College 26 to 1
  2. University of Maine at Presque Isle 18 to 1
  3. University of Maine at Fort Kent 16 to 1
  4. University of Maine at Augusta 16 to 1
  5. Unity Environmental University 15 to 1
  6. University of Maine at Machias 13 to 1
  7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 12 to 1
  8. University of Maine at Farmington 11 to 1
  9. College of the Atlantic 10 to 1
  10. Colby College 10 to 1
  1. Colby College $61,220
  2. Bates College $59,062
  3. Bowdoin College $58,322
  4. College of the Atlantic $43,542
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $39,986
  6. Thomas College $29,152
  7. Unity Environmental University $12,640
  8. Maine Maritime Academy $11,250
  9. University of Maine at Farmington $8,640
  10. University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
  1. College of the Atlantic $28,665
  2. Thomas College $28,110
  3. University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
  4. University of Maine at Farmington $10,248
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,766
  6. Unity Environmental University $9,750
  7. University of Maine at Augusta $7,776
  8. Maine Maritime Academy $7,200
  1. University of Maine at Machias
  2. University of Maine at Fort Kent
  3. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  4. University of Maine at Farmington
  5. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  6. Maine Maritime Academy
  7. Thomas College
  8. University of Maine at Augusta
  9. Unity Environmental University
  10. College of the Atlantic
  1. Unity Environmental University
  2. University of Maine at Machias
  3. University of Maine at Fort Kent
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  5. University of Maine at Presque Isle
  6. University of Maine at Farmington
  7. Thomas College
  8. University of Maine at Augusta
  9. Maine Maritime Academy
  10. College of the Atlantic
  1. Bowdoin College 9%
  2. Colby College 9%
  3. Bates College 17%
  4. Maine Maritime Academy 58%
  5. College of the Atlantic 61%
  6. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 81%
  7. Unity Environmental University 91%
  8. University of Maine at Farmington 97%
  9. University of Maine at Fort Kent 100%
  10. University of Maine at Presque Isle 100%
  1. Bowdoin College 8 to 1
  2. Maine Maritime Academy 9 to 1
  3. College of the Atlantic 10 to 1
  4. Colby College 10 to 1
  5. Bates College 10 to 1
  6. University of Maine at Farmington 11 to 1
  7. Saint Joseph's College of Maine 12 to 1
  8. University of Maine at Machias 13 to 1
  9. Unity Environmental University 15 to 1
  10. University of Maine at Fort Kent 16 to 1
  1. University of Maine at Fort Kent $7,350
  2. University of Maine at Presque Isle $7,350
  3. University of Maine at Augusta $7,350
  4. University of Maine at Farmington $8,640
  5. Maine Maritime Academy $11,250
  6. Unity Environmental University $12,640
  7. Thomas College $29,152
  8. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $39,986
  9. College of the Atlantic $43,542
  10. Bowdoin College $58,322
  1. Maine Maritime Academy $7,200
  2. University of Maine at Augusta $7,776
  3. Unity Environmental University $9,750
  4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine $9,766
  5. University of Maine at Farmington $10,248
  6. University of Maine at Presque Isle $12,000
  7. Thomas College $28,110
  8. College of the Atlantic $28,665

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

Maine's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Maine is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 13 small colleges in Maine. The list below of the best small colleges in Maine. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

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Best Small Colleges in Maine 2023

  1. #1

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    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
  2. #4

    College of the Atlantic

    Bar Harbor , ME

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    67%

    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

  3. #5

    Unity Environmental University

    New Gloucester , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    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
  4. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Augusta

    Cost of Degree: $8,378
    Expenses: $13,000
    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:

  5. #7

    Thomas College

    Waterville , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Graduation

    51%

    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

  6. Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Maine Maritime Academy

    Cost of Degree: $14,562
    Expenses: $15,740
    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

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    945/22

    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
  8. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Farmington

    Cost of Degree: $9,890
    Expenses: $14,834
    Starting Salary: $37,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

  9. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Presque Isle

    Cost of Degree: $8,750
    Expenses: $13,300
    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
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine at Fort Kent

    Cost of Degree: $8,542
    Expenses: $13,054
    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
  11. What is University of Maine at Machias known for?

    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
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Maine’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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.

  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
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